TPAS Connecting People Awards 2008

June 2007

TPAS Connecting People Awards 2008 - The Kingfisher Project takes National Community project award

As winners of the Midlands regional community environmental award, representatives from the Kingfisher Project attended a gala awards evening in Birmingham. This brought together the winners of each regional final in a head to head to find the national award winners.  

The Kingfisher Project had been nominated under the Green Project or Initiative in the Community category for “bringing tangible benefits to both the environment and the local community itself”. From the six finalists, Kingfisher emerged triumphant. On hand to collect the award from Kate Kenny, Customer Experience Manager of Connaught Partnerships, category sponsors, were Bob Johnson, project treasurer and Lawrence Oates representing the Burton Conservation Volunteers, one of the many project partners.

The project has been recognized many times for the environmental impact it has had in the community, the most recent of which was by the Burton Civic Society, who commended the scheme for its valuable contribution to the environmental heritage of Burton. East Staffordshire Borough Council has re-named the Horninglow Channel, the “Kingfisher Trail” in recognition of the community recreational use that is now being made of the area.

Chair of the Kingfisher Project, Keith Lemare said, “Once again I am delighted that the work of this resident led group has been recognized. That this is now at a national level, from a body that represents and supports tenant involvement, namely TPAS, makes this even more of an accolade. Three years ago, the area covered by the Kingfisher Project was a dumping ground for rubbish and seen by agencies as a ‘problem’. Local residents have taken on the challenge and have created an environmental and educational project that brings together communities, and provides a sustainable area of beauty for future generations to enjoy. It is important to me that the support of all partners to the project is also acknowledged as this award could not have been obtained without their help and support.”