Ben McPartland CRIME fighter Silla Carron will have to make room on her mantelpiece after scooping another national award for her work in the community. Ms Carron, from the Clarence Way Estate in Camden Town, has picked up a special Neighbourhood Manageme

Ben McPartland

CRIME fighter Silla Carron will have to make room on her mantelpiece after scooping another national award for her work in the community.

Ms Carron, from the Clarence Way Estate in Camden Town, has picked up a special Neighbourhood Management Ambassador Award at a prestigious national ceremony in the Albert Hall, Nottingham.

The awards, now in their second year, aim to recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations working together to improve life in neighbourhoods across the country.

"It was a bit of a surprise," said Ms Carron, 60. "I thought I had been short-listed for a different award.

"It did kind of knock my socks off. I got a standing ovation - it was really lovely.

"I have had to take down the other awards and wash them. This latest one put them to shame a little bit."

Ms Carron won the Pride of Britain award in 2006 after she kicked drug dealers off her estate.

She has a long-standing relationship with Neighbourhood Management, and has been involved with the Camden GO Partnership since it started in 2002.

Colleagues describe her enthusiasm and energy for local issues as "limitless". She has worked collaboratively with partners such as Camden Council and the police, who not only respect her views but have praised her ability to involve people in decisions.

Even those on her side are subject to Ms Carron's home truths to keep them on their toes.

"I was nominated by a lady on my estate who came with me. It was absolutely wonderful, she was in tears," said Ms Carron.

"These awards were not something that I planned when I started out back in 2000 but it is nice to get them."

Presenting the awards on October 22 was Joe Montgomery, director general for regions and communities at the Department for Communities and Local Government.

He said: "We need to make sure that the achievements of those who are working in the field of neighbourhood management already are celebrated and that the lessons they learn are shared with others."

Ms Carron, who has had to battle ill health in recent months, will celebrate her latest gong as well as her 60th birthday in Las Vegas later this month, where she is off to see diva Bette Midler in concert.

ben.mcpartland@hamhigh.co.uk