PRESS RELEASE

Local heroine Cherie Tinenti has been honoured for her efforts in tackling anti social behaviour and creating a safer community by receiving a Home Office Community Crimefighters award.

Together with her late husband, Marios, she gave evidence to help police shutdown a crack den and campaigned tirelessly for the opening of a new community flat on the Bell Foundry estate in Loughborough.

The Marios Tinenti Centre was opened in September and is used by Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing and other agencies to provide, help, advice and support to the local community.

The Home Office received 500 nominations for the Community Crimefighters award. Cherie’s award includes a grant of £10,000 which will be used to help with the running costs of the community flat. Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing nominated Cherie for the award in recognition of the hard work both Cherie and Marios have put in to helping their community.

Clare Holford, Area Housing Manager for Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing, said: “We are delighted that Cherie has been recognised by this prestigious award. Cherie and her late husband, Marios have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those that live on the Bell foundry estate. They were instrumental in the formation of a local residents group and subsequently a community facility. Earlier this year Cherie and Marios worked with the Police and ourselves to help evidence the closure of a crack house and the subsequent removal of the tenant of that property away from the area, resulting in a 20% drop in complaints of anti social behaviour. Cherie has helped inspire others to come forward and work with us to rid our estates of anti social behaviour, perpetrated by so few, but often with such devastating effect. Well done Cherie!”

Cherie’s nomination was supported by testimonials from Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire Police and local residents.

The Prime Minister said: “I know there are many people here from all over the country who are crime fighters in very specific ways. They have had to take on drugs gangs, they have had to take on very bad neighbours, they have had to take on areas where things have been very difficult for a long time and had to be turned round.

“You have shown strength, courage, persistence and you have shown spirit of community service that makes us all very proud.”

ENDS