Harry’s fame

PROUD: Harry Burns receives the award from the Mayor, Councillor Richard Knowles

Tireless work earns Oldham’s first Civic Appreciation award
A MAN with a mission to put tenants at the heart of decisions which affect their homes and communities, has received Oldham’s first-ever Civic Appreciation award.

Harry Burns scooped the honour for his relentless work over three decades to improve the lot of local tenants.

Mr Burns received the prestigious award last night from the Mayor, Councillor Richard Knowles, who was making his first public appearance at a meeting of Oldham Council since his battle with cancer.

Presenting a certificate and cut-glass award on behalf of the council and the townspeople of the borough, he told Mr Burns it was in appreciation of his “long and distinguished” community service.

Labour group leader Councillor Jim McMahon heralded the award-winner as one of the borough’s unsung heroes.

“You are a man of real conviction, dedicated to the cause,” he told Mr Burns.

Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Howard Sykes added: “I couldn’t think of anybody more appropriate for this award.”

Mr Burns, who is chairman of FCHO, was the country’s first tenant chairman of an arms length management organisation (ALMO), and was an instrumental part of the team which brought almost £150 million into Oldham for housing investment.

‘I feel so humble’

HARRY Burns has worked long and hard, often unrewarded, to improve the lot of local tenants.

The chairman and a tenant representative on the board of First Choice Homes Oldham, was the first person to receive the award, which will be presented every year.

Mr Burns, who holds the British Empire Medal for service to the community, has been involved in tenant activities for 30 years, and is a former chairman of Barker Street Tenants and Residents’ Association.

He was a founder member in 2002 of First Choice Homes Oldham, and its first vice chairman. He has been chairman since 2004.

He said of the award: “It is an extremely big honour and came as a shock. I feel very humble. To get an award from your own people in your own town, which I love, is very special.”

His voluntary work as chairman involves about three-and-a-half days of work a week.

FCHO chief executive Cath Green said: “We are extremely proud that Harry is receiving this award. We are honoured to have him as our chairman. We don’t believe that this inaugural award could have gone to anyone more deserving.”


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