Llantwit Major project shortlisted for national award
A scheme launched jointly by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and South Wales Police has been shortlisted for a prestigious Home Office award that recognises efforts to reduce crime.
The Llantwit Major Garden Volunteering Project was set up to protect elderly and vulnerable tenants and residents from rogue traders, who had been overcharging for gardening work that was often incomplete or of a poor standard.
The initiative provides low-maintenance gardening work for qualifying tenants and residents who need help with tasks such as mowing lawns, hedge trimming and green waste removal.
It was established in 2019 by the Vale of Glamorgan Neighbourhood Policing Team in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Housing Community Investment and Involvement Team.
Volunteers were trained and recruited to carry out the work from South Wales Police Youth Volunteers, Plant Llantwit, local council tenants, schools and partner agencies.
Together they reduced rogue trader incidents by 80 per cent in 2019, compared to the previous year.
Its success has now been formally recognised by the Government by being shortlisted for the 2021 Tilley Awards in the Neighbourhoods category.
Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Building Services, said: “I’m delighted that this hugely beneficial project has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award.
“The Llantwit Major Garden Volunteering Project is a great example of how partnership working between agencies can make a real difference within the community.
“It has had a significant impact on curbing the activities of rogue traders, helping residents and tenants feel safer.”
The Tilley Awards aim to celebrate and recognise Police and partner projects that have achieved success in resolving community issues.
They are split into five categories: Neighbourhoods, Police Now and Student Officers, Partners, Investigations, Business Support and Volunteers.
The Llantwit Major Garden Volunteering Project has now been submitted to the final judging panel, who will announce an overall winner for the Neighbourhoods category later this month.
The winners from each category will be invited to present their projects at the National Problem-Solving Conference in September, where the judging panel and audience members will vote for an overall winner.