Pictured above: "Good neighbours" Jamie Harrington and
Louise Nicholls with Bernard Aston
A kind couple who make it their business to be neighbourly have
been celebrated by Walsall's leading housing provider.
Jamie Harrington and Louise Nicholls won the 'good neighbour'
category of whg's Community Spirit scheme, and a reward of
£1,000 in gardening vouchers.
The couple regularly shop, clean and cook for neighbours Bernard
and Joan Aston as well as helping others who live nearby, from
fixing leaks to lifting furniture into place.
Jamie and Louise, both aged 25, live with their children Katie,
aged two, and 10-month-old Joshua in Churchill Road, Bentley.
Louise said: "I can't stand to see people struggle and will drop
whatever I'm doing for myself to help others, it's the way I've
been brought up and Jamie's the same."
The thoughtful pair have spent their gift vouchers improving the
grounds of their block of four flats and are planning to throw a
barbecue to celebrate with fellow residents.
They have created a feature rockery, painted the shed and
fencing with creosote, bought hanging baskets, planted beds, laid
turf and created a seating area for residents.
"It was very hard work but when I look around and see what we've
achieved for the block it feels worthwhile," added Louise.
Mr Aston, aged 71, had a stroke in November and said Jamie and
Louise had been a fantastic support since. He said: "They
would do anything for anyone, we can't speak highly enough of -
they're really wonderful people and very worthy winners."
whg's Community Spirit scheme celebrates good neighbours,
community garden champions and outstanding young people and rewards
are presented twice a year.
Ann Parkes, whg Service Manager, who co-ordinates the scheme,
said it was a pleasure to hear of such pioneers of community
spirit.
"Jamie and Louise are the kind of people we want to hold up as
an example of kind and caring customers who make whg's
neighbourhoods a great place to live."
Nominations can be submitted for the three categories throughout
the year and the next deadline is 30th September, 2011. Nomination
forms are available from whg's housing offices or online at
www.whg.uk.com in the 'residents' area'.