Local Shrewsbury licensee James Hitchin from the Albert Lounge has been awarded a National Pubwatch ‘Star award’ for his role as Chair of the local Pubwatch scheme.
He received the award from Trevor Pepper National Pubwatch Regional Representative at Shrewsbury’s local Pubwatch meeting on Wednesday 31 May 2017.
Left to right James Hitchin and Trevor Pepper
James has been involved in a number of initiatives to reduce crime and disorder within the evening economy through partnership working with West Mercia Police and the Street Pastors and Taxi marshals, which are sponsored by the Pubwatch. James has also championed the towns purple flag award. He has also managed the radio network scheme and helped secure funding to allow new members to have free trials for up to six months
The Pubwatch scheme is attended by some 75 plus members which includes all the licensed venues within the town centre. Regular training takes place for licensed trade staff; from crime scene management to counter terrorism awareness. James is always keen to have a full program for meetings.
Aleks Vladimirov Partnership Development Manager for Shrewsbury BID said: “James is an inspiration to the Pubwatch. Being a successful businessman and a Shrewsbury lad he has helped the Pubwatch grow in strength. This has helped the town centre grow and footfall increase. James is also a chair of the local business board and his involvement has helped put the Pubwatch on the agenda of the Community Safety partnership and allowed access to funding which supports the Street Pastors and Taxi Marshals. James is very worthy of his award”
On Tuesday 20 June 2017 three Cumbrian Licensees received a ‘Star Award’ from Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall at an event hosted by JD Wetherspoon at the ‘Justice of the Peace’ in Keswick.
The Star Awards were presented to:
• Dave MacKenzie from Ulverston Pubwatch Scheme
• Mike Vose from Carlisle Pubwatch Scheme
• Gary Quigley from Keswick Pubwatch Scheme.
Left to right: Joe Murray, Dave MacKenzie, Peter McCall (Police & Crime Commissioner), Gary Quigley, Mike Vose and Phil Tibble (Chair West Cumbria Community Safety Partnership).
Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “I was delighted to present Dave, Mike and Gary with their Star Awards, and to be able to recognise their exceptional contribution. I’ve always said that we need to work together to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, and the Pubwatch Scheme is a great example of a voluntary, community based crime prevention scheme, which is helping to keep Cumbria a safe place”.
Joe Murray QPM, from National Pubwatch said: “Pubwatch Schemes have proved to be a valuable asset when dealing with violence and anti-social behaviour linked to the Night Time Economy. With a reduction of Policing Resources, there is a greater expectation that Licensees take more responsibility for dealing with such issues on Licensed Premises. In Cumbria and elsewhere, the effectiveness of Pubwatch Schemes is very apparent with the prospect of people who misbehave being threatened with being banned from all pubs and clubs. These awards today reflect the hard work and commitment that Dave MacKenzie, Mike Vose and Gary Quigley have given to their Pubwatch Schemes and as such created a safer environment for people to socialise.
The ‘Star Awards’ were launched by National Pubwatch in its 20th year to highlight the important work being carried out by the many people who have played a significant role in the success of their local Pubwatch schemes.
