RESPECT AWARDS RECOGNISE LOCAL ASIAN HERO
(29 March 2007)

A local resident from Cleveland, Murkith Khalisadar, has been recognised for his community work with the accolade of a Respect Award. The winning residents each received a Respect Award For Taking A Stand (RAFTAS) for their commitment, energy and courage in standing up to vandals, thugs and nuisance neighbours. Local individuals and groups were nominated by the people who helped them to transform their communities; the police, local authority, anti-social behaviour team, members of the community and other agencies.

They were presented with their awards by the Home Secretary John Reid and the Government’s Co-ordinator for Respect, Louise Casey. The Home Secretary, John Reid said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour, creating a more respectful society and re-building safer communities is a priority for this Government.

“And I am heartened that everyday more and more members of the public are working with the police and local councils right across the country to take action against anti-social behaviour and stand up for the rights of the law-abiding majority.

The initiative shown is inspiring; these dedicated individuals have: collected and given evidence in court; cleaned up their streets and parks ; organised youth activities and set up residents and neighbourhood watch schemes. These awards are a fitting way to recognise these extraordinary people.”

Over 740 nominations were received from individuals and community groups across England and Wales and 271 winners were chosen, each receiving £1,000 to be spent on improving their local area.

ABOUT MURKITH KHALISADAR

The Cleveland Estate had suffered a complete breakdown in its relationship between young and older residents. There were high incidents of reported crime and local shop keepers had petitioned their local councillor to arrest all the local youths making their lives a misery. With the support of local housing agencies and local safer neighbour team the Cleveland Youth Coalition was formed that included some of the identified young causing problems. Many Community activities were organised. They participated in a mediation initiative between themselves, police and older residents and have been instrumental in helping turn around a difficult estate, establishing relationships, and overcoming initial prejudice directed against them. ASB on the estate has almost been completely removed and crime considerably reduced. Relations between the police have been improved from one of mistrust to co-operation.