PRIDE in where you live is very important to Robert Cox and his dedication to improving his local area has led to a volunteer of the year nomination.

Robert said his village of Brierley was left with no community voice after the parish council disbanded in 2016. He was not the only one to be concerned about community spirit being lost and the Brierley Residents’ Group was formed in September 2017.

Forming the group was not easy and Robert, 43, of Church Street, took on a leadership role. He and eight others wrote a constitution which would serve as a focus for the group. Their purpose was to develop and sustain community spirit with a healthy environment for everyone to live in.

Robert was chosen to chair the group and has been responsible for securing funding and insurance so they can improve the village he has called home for the last four years.

“I’ve seen how the village has declined in pride over the years I’ve been here,” he said.

“You sit and complain or get up and do something and I’m one to do things.”

Litter picks have been a priority for the group, attracting up to 30 volunteers on Saturday mornings to clear up streets and green spaces. The group attracted volunteers using Facebook, sending leaflets and arranging meetings.

Robert arranges his duties to the village around work as a business improvement coach in the steel industry. He is pleased to have been nominated but recognises the importance of his peers.

“I’m quite proud but also very proud for the group,” he said. “I didn’t do it all on my own.”