A WOMAN described as an “absolute stalwart” for her work in promoting fire safety in Warrington has received a top award.
Edwina Greenwood, principal trading standards officer, has been presented with a Community Safety Award by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for her work.
She has increased the number of home safety assessments carried out across the borough, which has led to more homes having smoke alarms fitted.
Trading Standards regularly advise people to be on their guard against traders who cold call and persuade them to have work carried out on their properties. Many complaints about poor quality or overpriced work have been investigated as a result.
To ensure public safety Trading Standards worked closely with officers from Warrington Fire Station to pilot a scheme where leaflets were delivered to homes, prior to making the assessments. More than 7,300 assessments were carried out in Warrington.
Edwina also led other campaigns including candle safety and Christmas safety initiatives.
She said; “I’m delighted to have been recognised and hope that my input has really made a difference. There is a lot of talk about partnership working and this is a prime example of what can be achieved”
Mark Cashin, deputy chief officer, community risk reduction, said: “Edwina has been an absolute stalwart in recognising how working with the Fire and Rescue Service, trading standards can assist in improving the security of older people in their own home. Not just from bogus callers, but also from the risks of fire.
“We are therefore delighted to recognise her commitments which undoubtedly have made the residents of Warrington far safer in their homes.”
