Chair of Neston residents' association wins community award

Nov 19 2008 By Lorna Hughes

Rita Warrington

NESTON community stalwart Rita Warrington has received a prestigious award for her devotion to helping tenants and residents.

Rita, who is chair of the Neston and Ellesmere Port Federation of Tenants' and Residents' Associations (Neftra), was crowned Community Champion of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony last Friday organised by ScottishPower and Trinity Mirror Cheshire.

The awards recognise unsung heroes who give up their time to make a real difference to the lives of others.

Rita, 71, has been involved in Neftra for 15 years and gives up between 40 and 50 hours-a-week providing advice and support to tenants and residents groups, helping communities set up their own associations and representing Neftra on many other boards and organisations.

The mother-of-six said: "I love what I do. I couldn't sit at home looking at the four walls.

"I really believe strongly in people working together to improve their communities and through Neftra I'm able to encourage that."

Chair of the council's Housing Committee Cllr Angela Claydon added: "This is long overdue. Rita has worked tirelessly to help residents and tenants in our borough for many years.

"It is fitting that her commitment has been recognised through this richly deserved award."