Shropshire Council triumphs at Locality Awards with ‘Keep It Local’ win
Council and Market Drayton Community Covenant celebrated for empowering local decision-making
Shropshire Council is delighted to announce that its Public Health team won the ‘Keep It Local’ category at the prestigious Locality Awards, held recently at Anfield, home of Liverpool Football Club. The award win recognises the pioneering, people-led partnership with the Market Drayton Community Covenant, whose members have been integral in the development of the council’s new Community and Family Hub within the town.
Mel France, Public Health Principal, collecting the ‘Keep It Local’ award. Mel said, ‘This award celebrates what happens when local authorities and communities work together – real change, led by local voices.’
The Locality Awards recognise the people and organisations who believe in the power of community to create a fairer society. Locality – the organisation running the awards – is a national membership network that supports local community organisations across the UK to be strong and successful.
Sponsored by Lloyds Bank Foundation, the ‘Keep It Local’ award celebrates local authorities and health bodies that work with local community organisations to unlock the power of their community.
The Market Drayton Community Covenant is a radical new community group that brings together local people to work collaboratively with Shropshire Council at a neighbourhood-level to share power and make decisions. By working together, the Covenant and Council aim to enhance and improve the lives of Market Drayton and its rural parishes.
Market Drayton Community Covenant is a radical new community group that brings together local people to make decisions.
The very first decision taken by the Community Covenant involved the establishment of a new Community and Family Hub within Market Drayton. Members advised on the location of the new hub, and also helped to guide the Council on which services the people of Market Drayton need.
Shropshire Council runs six Community and Family Hubs across the county, in Market Drayton, Oswestry, North and South Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth and Ludlow.
In addition, Shropshire Council works in partnership with Highley Town and Parish councils to provide services at Highley Health and Wellbeing centre. These hubs serve as welcoming spaces where individuals and families can find advice, information, and services tailored to their needs, ranging from health and wellbeing support to activities that strengthen local connections. By involving local people in decision-making, the hubs reflect the unique needs of each community and promote collaborative approaches to improving quality of life across Shropshire.
Councillor Alex Wagner, deputy leader of Shropshire Council and portfolio holder for communities, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have received the ‘Keep It Local’ award. The award is a testament to the strength of partnership between the council and our communities. We believe passionately in empowering local people to shape decisions that affect their lives, and this award shows what can be achieved when we work together. I’m excited to see how community involvement continues to drive positive change across Shropshire.”
Charlotte Hollins, who is one of the leaders of the Community Covenant pilot, and manager of the Fordhall Community Land Initiative, said:
“It has been an absolute joy working with the Public Health team at Shropshire Council, especially Mel France [Public Health Principal] and Hannah Thomas [Community Wellbeing Outreach Team Manager]. They just got it from the very start. They have been open and honest and as a result trust has been built between them and our community. We work collaboratively with Shropshire Council to share knowledge, discuss options and make decisions. It has been a very empowering process from all of the eighteen or so groups involved with the community covenant and we are only at the start. This award is richly deserved by the Public Health team at Shropshire Council.”
Tom Dainty, councillor for Market Drayton East and Rural, added:
“I’m incredibly enthusiastic about the Market Drayton Community Covenant. It’s fantastic to see local people and the council coming together to make real decisions that benefit our town. The Community and Family Hub is already making a positive difference by offering vital support and bringing services closer to the people who need them most. I look forward to seeing how this approach continues to strengthen our community in the years ahead.”
Mel France, Public Health Principal, added:
“This award celebrates what happens when local authorities and communities work together – real change, led by local voices. Thank you to everyone involved with the Market Drayton Community Covenant for proving that collaboration truly unlocks the power of community. This award belongs to them.”
To find out more about Shropshire Council’s Community and Family Hubs, visit Community hubs | Shropshire Council
To find out more about the Market Drayton Community Covenant, visit Market Drayton Community Covenant
