Mary, 94, in running for national award

SHORTLISTED . . . Mary Beaumont with Denise Rowe, Court manager for Housing & Care 21

A PENSIONER has been shortlisted for a national housing hero award for her "outstanding" work and contribution to the Royton community.

While many 94-year-olds might be seeking a more quiet lifestyle, Mary Beaumont is as active as ever in her local area.

The conscientious resident has been recognised as an "unsung hero" of the housing sector after being shortlisted for the national Housing Heroes Awards.

Mary is a tenant at Throstle Court, in Middleton Road, which is run by not-for-profit care and housing provider Housing and Care 21.

She was hailed for her long-standing commitment to representing residents' views in the development and regeneration of Oldham's older people's housing services.

The community stalwart was shortlisted for the Tenant Lifetime Contribution Award for her voluntary work on behalf of Oldham Council and Housing and Care 21.

Janice Crompton, Housing & Care 21 housing services manager, said: "Mary has always been a lively, conscientious and valued contributor to our project and has continued with great energy and enthusiasm to represent the views and interests of tenants in Oldham over many years.

"The fact that Mary has been shortlisted for this coveted award is a tribute to her outstanding work and contribution to developing housing and support services for older people."

Mary remains an active resident and attends Housing & Care 21 Court Voice meetings as well as contract monitoring meetings with Oldham Council.

Her involvement with Oldham Council began when it was researching which partners to work with in this Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project.

Eager to help, Mary visited numerous building sites, attended resident panels and forums and represented tenant views to find the partners who would sign up for a 30-year contract.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said: "We are delighted Mary has been shortlisted for this award and we wish her all the best with the nomination as it is richly deserved.

"Over the years she has worked co-operatively with the council and our partners to help shape and develop Oldham's housing services. She is a great example of a resident 'doing their bit' and helping to improve things for residents and tenants across the borough."