Council receives coveted award

The accolade, awarded by Remploy at the 6th Northern Region Leading the Way Awards Ceremony, was the result of a nomination by the CCTV team within Hyndburn First. The council was the only local authority in the North of England to reach the regional finals.

Hyndburn's CCTV system was launched in December, 1995, and has reduced theft from motor vehicles by 91 per cent.

The six members of staff who operate the system are all disabled.

Remploy, a government agency which helps employers to recruit and train disabled people, helped the council find staff for the scheme when it first began but the council now fully employs the team.

A council spokesperson said: "This award was in recognition of how the council is leading the way and setting examples of good practice in enabling disabled people to realise their potential through work.

"As the council is one of the area's leading employers, it is hoped that the commendation will also provide an incentive to other employers by showing them that hiring disabled people brings positive commercial benefits to the employer and the whole workforce as well as its disabled employees."

The award was presented to Coun Pamela Barton, portfolio holder for resources, and Bill Huntly, town centre manager, at Manchester City Football Ground. They were accompanied by a disabled member of the CCTV team.

Coun Barton said "I'm delighted that the council has been recognised with this commendation for leading the way in developing disability policies.

"It is also important to note that Hyndburn was the only council in the North of England to reach these important regional finals."

Coun Ian Ormerod, leader of the council said "This is excellent news. We were told by Remploy that the quality of entries for the prestigious award were very high so I am extremely pleased we have received this commendation, which recognises the council's policy of endeavouring to realise everyone's potential."