Some of Bolton’s bravest residents have been honoured at the Taking a Stand Awards, which took place at Bolton Town Hall (Friday, 24 February).
Nine individuals and groups, totaling 40 winners, received awards for their contribution to tackling antisocial behaviour.
Actions ranged from giving evidence in court to aid convictions, to setting up resident groups to support their communities.
Among those awarded at this year’s event, which is now in its fifth year and organised by Bolton at Home and supported by Bolton Council and the Be Safe Partnership, were members of Ridgeway Residents.
The group of four women worked closely with Bolton at Home and the police to bring a stop to one resident’s ongoing campaign of antisocial behaviour, which included drink and drug-fuelled parties and street fights, resulting in a conviction.
Judges commended Marcus Parkinson for the role he played in helping to restore peace in his community in Tonge Moor. Marcus worked with the neighbourhood policing team to provide intelligence which led to the eviction of an antisocial resident whose offences included abusive and threatening behaviour, disturbance of the peace and drugs and alcohol related incidents.
Mr Parkinson said: “I’m shocked and surprised, but delighted to win. I couldn’t have done what I did without the support of others.
“What I learned from my experience is to seek advice from the authorities, who are there to help, and if you decide to take a stand then commit to seeing it through as the end will be worth it.
“I hope seeing people stand up to antisocial behaviour will encourage others to follow and lead to more communities living in harmony.”
Others honoured at the ceremony include members of Malton Avenue Steering Group, Tonge Action Group, Alexandra Wren and Niall Cummins, Anne Peat, Paderborn Court Residents, Residents of Wilkinson Avenue & Beedon Avenue and Alan Brindle.
The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Noel Spencer MBE, said: “Our winners have shown great bravery and they can be proud in knowing that they’ve helped to make our town a better place to live.”
Jon Lord, Chief Executive at Bolton at Home, added: "We recognise that standing up to antisocial behaviour takes a lot of courage, perseverance and community spirit and we’ll support anyone coming forward who, like us, won’t tolerate unreasonable behaviour.”
Chief Inspector John Buttress, Greater Manchester Police, concluded: “Antisocial behaviour affects people’s quality of life and often goes onto feed serious crimes, so it’s key that agencies and communities continue to work together to tackle it effectively.”