Communiity spirit recognised by Nottinghamshire County Council

Nottinghamshire County Council honoured residents from across the county and presented awards for their contribution to heritage, environmental, conservation, tourism and economic projects.

The Local Improvement Scheme event was held at Newark Showground and included 250 guests.

Among the nine award-winning projects were Neil Houldsworth and Chris Sykes, from the Pleasley Vale Residents’ Association.

Neil and Chris led the way in tackling an overgrown area and turning it into a Victorian wall kitchen garden. They also helped plant an orchard and rallied more than 25 local residents to get behind the project.

“The Local Improvement Scheme has helped so many communities make their pipe dreams a reality,” said Nottinghamshire County Council leader Kay Cutts.

“Every community needs a group of people to champion issues and I’m delighted that we are paying tribute to so many diverse and interesting winners.”

Members of the Maun Conservation Group were also rewarded for their work on controlling Himalayan Balsam along the River Maun.

The scheme will run again next year.