Merseyside Homewatch Chair awarded BEM in New Year Honours

A woman from Maghull who has dedicated her life to reducing crime and building stronger communities across Merseyside has received an award in the King’s New Year Honours.

For nearly 40 years Lynne Fairclough has been an active member of Neighbourhood Watch and today she is pivotal contact and co-ordinator for 1206 Homewatch Schemes across the Merseyside region.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “Lynne has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in New Year Honours and it is fantastic to see a member of the public who has selflessly dedicated her life to helping others stay safe.

“Lynne joined became involved with the Maghull and Lydiate Homewatch Scheme 39 years ago, when she became secretary of the group.

“In 2018, having previously been Deputy Chair of the group, her unswerving commitment resulted in her instated as the countywide Chair where she currently works with a network of Homewatch leaders to uphold the mission and values of Our Watch (the National Neighbourhood Watch Charity).

“Lynne plays a crucial role in bringing together and working in partnership with Our Watch, Merseyside Police, residents, businesses, and scheme leaders.

“She is committed to further expanding Homewatch and is always on hand to help with the setting up and establishment of new schemes to help drive down crime and victimisation for an even greater range of communities.
 
“Lynne is a regular speaker on local radio on crime prevention matters where her enthusiasm and commitment her work shines through.

“She was one of the first people to meet with the Police & Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, to explore funding streams for new community initiatives and as a result has secured funding for signage, crime prevention devices, security marking schemes and discounts at local businesses for scheme members across Merseyside.

“Lynne regularly engages with Community Policing Teams to ensure they are aware of local schemes and to share crime prevention advice and has also built strong relationships with counterparts in neighbouring counties to educate and protect residents from becoming victims of cross border crime.

“Having benchmarked other schemes nationally, Lynne is currently working with police officers in the Merseyside Police Prevention strand to develop a new Service level Agreement to build even stronger links between Local Policing Teams and Homewatch Schemes for the benefit and protection of diverse communities across Merseyside.
 
“Lynne started out on her Homewatch journey when she was just 24-years-old and it is blatantly obvious that she is an extremely passionate and dedicated person who really cares about people and about what she does to help the community.”

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, said: “Lynne has devoted the majority of her life to the Homewatch Association and it is an absolute pleasure to see people like Lynne recognised in this way.

“She has worked tirelessly to help residents in areas across Merseyside to make their communities safer and to bring them peace of mind and security, well done Lynne you have more than earned the recognition with your work throughout the years.”