A NEW-LOOK format for Richmondshire's
annual State of the District Debate has been hailed a big
success.
Dozens of residents and councillors attended the event to
discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the district – and
to reward some of its most hard-working citizens.
The fifth annual event saw residents split into small groups to
discuss housing, transport and waste and recycling issues, with the
debate guided by experts from Richmondshire District Council and
other organisations.
Issues raised during the debate were noted down and will be
discussed by the Council's relevant committees.
The debate was followed by the first ever Citizenship Awards – a
new initiative to highlight the district's unsung heroes, the
people who deserve special recognition for the work they have done
in their communities.
Melva Steckles, Leader of Richmondshire District Council, said:
"Both the debate and the award ceremony were fantastic events, and
so worthwhile.
"It was wonderful to see people get involved in the subjects
they were talking about, and there were some really good
contributions from members of the public. Their input has given us
a lot to think about, and will help shape Council policies for 2008
and years to come.
"The awards were a great opportunity to recognise the huge
amount of work that members of the Richmondshire community do for
one another, and it was a real honour to be able to thank them for
that."
Citizenship Awards were made in four categories, with two highly
commended nominees and one winner in each:
The award for Young Person of the Year went to
Andrew Scott, in recognition of the time and
effort he has given to Risedale Youth Centre, and invaluable help
at fundraising events. The judges were particularly impressed by
his dedicated support for a really worthwhile community
initiative.
The Entrepreneur of the Year category was won
by Martin Worner, of thecitysecret – which the
judges said was regarded as one of the best IT companies to work
for in the region, and one that sees itself as more than just a
business, but an important part of the local community.
The award for Community Initiative of the Year
went to the Richmondshire Building Preservation
Trust, for its work at The Station. The judges said that
was one of the biggest community initiatives they had ever seen,
involving hundreds of volunteers – and the building would make a
massive contribution to the district for years to come.
And Volunteer of the
Year was Ian Threlfall, who the judges
described as "a man with apparently inexhaustible community spirit,
someone who never runs out of ideas or enthusiasm". He had brought
Scorton folk together over and over again, always giving his time
freely.
All the award winners and highly
commended nominees in the 2007 Citizenship Awards, with
Richmondshire District Council Chairman Raymond Alderson (wearing
chain).
Young Person of the Year Andrew Scott
is congratulated by Richmondshire District Council Chairman Raymond
Alderson and Leader Melva Steckles.
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