Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards has been named Community Safety Team of the Year at this year’s Oxfordshire Community Safety and Fire & Rescue Awards.
At an awards evening at Blenheim Palace, the team was hailed for its work on tackling illegal tobacco sales in the county. It was praised for its contribution for improving public health, changing community perceptions about the dangers of illegal tobacco, and tackling offenders.
Mike Phillips, an enforcement officer at Oxfordshire Trading Standards, was also nominated for the Community Safety Employee of the Year award.
The awards were presented by Simon Furlong, Director of Community Safety and Chief Fire Officer, in the company of the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, the Leader and Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, as well as other invited guests.
Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, said: “As always, I am incredibly proud of the team and the difference they make to Oxfordshire residents and businesses. Every member of the service has assisted in this important area of work, either directly or by supporting other colleagues.
“Tackling illegal tobacco is a key priority for us. Removing the supply of cheap tobacco and helping to change public perceptions leads to more people giving up smoking, fewer young people starting smoking, and helps rid our communities of organised criminality”.
