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Top award for council agency

31/ 1/2008

A ROCHDALE Council agency which helps vulnerable tenants and residents repair their homes has achieved national recognition.

The Rochdale Home Improvement Agency was named as Agency of the Year at the Foundations Home Improvement Agency Awards, held in Westminster on Monday (28 January).

Paul Rowen MP presented Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Paul Gordziejewicz and Julie Warmisham from the agency with the award, and praised their achievement.

Mr Rowen said: “Making the award of Agency of the Year was a very difficult decision for the judging panel.

“All the applications across the country were extremely strong. However, those who are aware of the work of this agency in Rochdale would agree that it certainly deserves this award.

“It is a well-established, in-house agency with 20 dedicated staff, offering a wide range of services.

“It operates across a diverse area dealing with clients in urban and rural areas, and their entry highlighted their domestic violence initiatives.”

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, cabinet member for housing, said: “I am delighted that yet another service we provide has gained national recognition.

“Our priority has always been to provide the best possible service to all our residents. The fact that we are receiving national acclamation for this is extremely welcome and a tribute to our hard-working council officers.

“We don't often get awards like this, so I'm really pleased about it.”