Rutherglen's Manor Way neighbours scheme is given award

Nov 25 2009 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

THE Manor Way Neighbourhood Watch Area in Rutherglen has been presented with the Lanarkshire Caring Community Award for 2009.

The presentation took place at the annual Lanarkshire Champions Awards ceremony organised by Supercounty (New Lanarkshire Ltd) to pay tribute to the county’s Unsung Heroes and sponsored by Airdrie Savings Bank.

Supercounty chairman Ian Livingstone paid tribute to all of the award winners with a special mention for the members of the Manor Way Neighbourhood Watch Area saying: “This is a special occasion for everyone in Lanarkshire as we pay tribute to Lanarkshire’s Unsung Heroes for all their hard work and dedication over the years.

“We salute these people and groups of people who work quietly and unselfishly, often behind the scenes, helping others and contributing to and improving not only one community but improving the image of Lanarkshire.

“These tributes also serve to remind us that without the army of Unsung Heroes making a worthwhile contribution to our communities Lanarkshire would find it much more difficult to prosper.”

The Neighbourhood Watch project in Manor Way was launched by Frank Conway in 1997 following three house break-ins and a kidnapping in the local Manor Way area.

Mr Conway then recognised the importance of bringing the local community together to work as a team to ‘watch over’ the area.

Local police guided Frank and registered the local Watch with the Association of Scottish Neighbourhood Watches.

Lanarkshire Lord Lieutenant Gilbert Cox said: “The Watch began with 34 homes with additional streets being added every year.

“Frank and 26 local street co-ordinators now support more than 450 homes such has been its success.

“The Watch works closely with the local community police, South Lanarkshire Council, local councillors, and the community safety and crime prevention departments to pass on practical information to residents.

“It distributes regular newsletters and holds a document of recommended trade persons. Membership of a neighbourhood watch also entitles home owners to discounts on home insurance – an added advantage!

“Frank also participates in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Crime Prevention panel and in works in partnership with Burnside Community Council.

“The results have been noted! The immediate area is now free from graffiti and recorded crimes have also reduced. The people of ‘The Watch’ really do look out for each other.”

Frank Conway said: “I understand a former chairman of the Neighbourhood Watch nominated me – I’m very pleased, and this award recognises all the other groups involved as well.”

Rewarding time: Frank Conway, founder of the Manor Way Neighbourhood Watch Area at the Supercounty Awards Ceremony, with (from left) Jim Lindsay, General Manager of sponsors Airdrie Savings Bank, Supercounty chairman Ian Livingstone, North Lanarkshire Provost Tom Curley, South Lanarkshire Provost Russell Clearie, Lord Lieutenant Gilbert Cox and Supercounty director Brian Miller.