Beth Burns Manager of The Queens Hotel Maltby is awarded the Award of Merit for her commitment to the role of Chair of Maltby Pubwatch Scheme and her efforts to reduce crime and improve community cohesion.
She was nominated for this award by Lewis Hinkley-Keens the Pub & Hotel Security Coordinator for JD Wetherspoon PLC. He highlighted her work to improve the safety, security and wellbeing of staff and customers in her pub and the wider Pubwatch community as well her positive efforts to engage with police and council. The nomination is supported by Jo Belton the Council Licensing Officer and Claire Mousely the Council’s Community Engagement Officer.
Maltby (an ex-mining town) has historically been one of the more deprived areas of the country and it and the Queens Hotel has suffered its fair share of vandalism, theft and damage, including an arson attack which resulted in major refurbishment having to be carried out in the pub dining room.
Beth has spearheaded meetings with the local police team, also inviting Ward Councillors and the local Council to discuss issues, share intelligence and propose ways to resolve challenges. Due to her efforts, there has been a significant improvement in trust between licensees and other parties. Violence in pubs and anti-social behaviour is on the decline and there has been an increase in footfall and families visiting venues.
The Pubwatch has become a catalyst for community engagement. Pubwatch members are now fully involved with local activities to bring the community together; such as a distraction event for youths on bonfire night to target and discourage poor behaviour, community walks to tackle loneliness and litter picking events to restore a feeling of pride in the area.
The scheme has also been instrumental in campaigning for improvements in local infrastructure to public spaces, such as installation of public CCTV and lighting, as well as implementation of different approaches to anti-social behaviour such as the implementation of a no alcohol zone.
Beth says that ‘with the right people leading a strong community-based approach, it is possible to take pride and make improvements to safety within your area’.
