Good neighbour
Colleagues up and down the country pride themselves on knowing their neighbourhoods. And for Chester postman, Clifford Parry, his care for his community led to him scooping a nomination for an award from the local Neighbourhood Watch group.
One customer on his round, Sarah Johnson, nominated Clifford – known locally as ‘Paz’ – for an award to recognise ‘his willingness to go that extra mile to notice anything unusual and make sure that people are checked up on’.
‘Paz is a friendly, well-known and respected local postman,’ said Sarah. ‘He’s both hard working and caring, frequently going above and beyond his duty. Among his priorities is the welfare of the local community, particularly on his daily round. We benefit from his vigilance, kindness and “get things done” approach. He is a tremendous asset to our community.’
Heather Thompson, who volunteers at the Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association, told us they launched the awards to highlight the great efforts being made by people to keep their community safe.
‘Paz was commended for his cheerfulness, and being a very community-spirited individual,’ said Heather. ‘Crime prevention and reduction through Neighbourhood Watch starts with three basic things; knowing your neighbour, being neighbourly and being active in the community. It’s great to see a postman working in a community showing such care for those on his round and embodying the Neighbourhood Watch values.’
Forever modest, Clifford said: ‘This was a complete surprise! I just keep my eye out for anything different. My wife says I’m too nosy for my own good! I often find keys in doors and hand them back. A while ago I saw a garage door open and the next door gate was open too. I spoke to Sarah about it, so this is obviously how all this came about.
‘I’ve been working for Royal Mail for 36 years in January. I don’t see the people on my round as customers. I see them as friends. I look out for them.’
Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association (CNWA) promotes safer and more cohesive communities across Cheshire by working in partnership with Cheshire Police and supporting Neighbourhood Watch schemes across the county.
Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators are volunteers who run schemes in their area and share local community safety information with those around them. Click here or email cheshirewatch@cheshire.pnn.police.uk for more information.
