Council looks to community to support achievement awards

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 30 October 2006

Bury Council is asking the local community to come forward and nominate their local hero in this years Employee Achievement Awards.

Each of the four council departments including; Education and Culture, Environment and Development Services, Social Services, Health and Housing and Chief Executives, battle it out every year for the title of employee of the year and team of the year.

Many members of the local community take part in nominating someone who has made a positive difference to their life, local resident Florence Lyons said last year: "The Rangers Service have, in a short period of time, made a huge difference to our parks.  Throughout the school holidays, they have engaged children and young people, encouraging them to make use of facilities all year round.  On a personal note, I am only enabled to take part in woodland walks with the help of a ranger to link arms with - they really do try to get every sector of the community involved.  I believe this team was a sound investment by Bury Council; they are an asset to our borough."

Mike Connolly Executive Member for Resource and Performance said: "This years strong contenders so far are Bury Markets, Parks and Countryside and the Environment Teams who are much seen in the public eye, but if a member of staff at the council has made a positive impact on your life and you’d like to hail them as your hero, I urge you to enter them into the employee achievement awards."

Anyone who lives, works or studies in Bury can nominate their favourite council team or employee by filling in the nomination forms which are in all council buildings, leisure centres and libraries. Nominations can also be made via the council’s website on http://www.bury.gov.uk/CouncilGovernmentAndDemocracy/Councils/CouncilPerformance/Awards/AddNomination.htm

The entries will be judged on December 8 2006 and the winners announced at the awards ceremony on February 1 2007.

Karen Hunt who was named as Council Employee of the Year and awarded the prestigious David Burton award was delighted to receive her award: "It was such an honour to be chosen for the council employee of the year award, and one I shall remember for a long time to come.