Stourbridge community champion commended by the PM (From Stourbridge News)

Stourbridge community champion commended by the PM

1:13pm Monday 1st February 2010

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AN unsung Stourbridge hero was honoured for her efforts in helping the elderly with a trip to Downing Street and a personal word of thanks from the Prime Minister.

Jan Webb was commended for her work with the Womens’ Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) at a ‘community heroes’ reception at Number 10 on January 28 - where PM Gordon Brown personally praised her efforts to ensure vulnerable residents across the borough receive a hot meal each day.

The tireless community champion was invited to the event after being nominated by Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho - who wanted to see 63-year-old Jan recognised for her unfailing efforts to keep the vital service going, following the loss of its £32,000 annual grant from Dudley Council.

MP Lynda said: “I’m delighted Jan Webb has been honoured for her work and that of her volunteers and staff at the WRVS.

“The local WRVS meals-on-wheels has taken up many requests for meals from elderly people who were abandoned by Dudley Council when they announced the complete closure of their meals service.”

Jan, from Hagley, said: “It’s nice to know the efforts you make for the community are recognised and it was a brilliant opportunity to talk about the project and the struggles we have had.”

Labour MP Lynda urged Dudley Council to restore funding for the service - which operates seven days a week come rain, shine or snow to deliver 1,500 hot meals a week to vulnerable and housebound people across the borough.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the WRVS meals at home service - which is based at the Carlisle Centre, Victoria Street, Stourbridge, or anyone interested in volunteering, can call 01384 394704.

Big-hearted businesses are also being urged to sponsor the service - which, with the continuing cold snap and equally cold financial climate, is currently battling through its harshest winter yet.

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