Unlike England’s indifferent displays in the opening games of the World Cup, Merton showed the form of world champions with a stunning victory at the Municipal Journal Awards on Tuesday night.

The Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, provided a genteel setting for the evening, where Merton were awarded top spot in the Working with the Voluntary and Community Sector Achievement category. The award was in recognition of their superb work around the Merton Compact project.

Merton Compact is an agreement between Merton Council, the Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust, Metropolitan Police Service and the voluntary and community sectors, designed to strengthen relationships ensuring all sectors can work together effectively.

Ged Curran, Chief Executive of Merton Council said:

‘What a wonderful achievement. Merton Council is very lucky to operate in a place where the voluntary and community sector is so strong. This award is a tribute to all involved in the Merton Partnership and I am looking forward to us going on to even bigger and better things.’

Chris Frost of the Merton Voluntary Service Council expressed her happiness at the latest coup for Merton Compact.

“We are delighted that Merton Council has achieved this prestigious award
for its outstanding partnership work with the voluntary and community sector and we look forward to building on this success for the benefit of the community.”

Merton was also in the running for the Reducing Health Inequalities Achievement of the Year Award, in light of the excellent teenage pregnancy strategy work that has been carried out. The Safer Merton Youth Champions programme was also singled out for praise and awarded a commendation.