Local junior PCSOs lend a hand to clean a war memorial, and PCSO Mark Fitzgerald is honoured with a plaque at community garden opening anniversary

Dedicated Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Irlam and Cadishead carried out volunteer work to help to clean up the local war memorial at Prince’s Park.

PCSOs Mark Hutton and Mark Fitzgerald teamed up last week with the Irlam Primary School based Junior PCSOs to clear the war memorial in preparation for Armed Forces Day.

Junior PCSOs Leo, Henry, Georgia and Heva were Joined by their teacher, Sharon Pierce, as they all got stuck in and cleared away all the weeds and shrubbery from around the cenotaph, and picked up any litter.

The much-loved war memorial was left looking tidy and presentable ready for the commemorations later in the year.

Irlam and Cadishead Poppy Appeal organiser, Bill McLaughlin, said: “PCSOs Mark and Mark have for many a year, been regular supporters of the Irlam and Cadishead Poppy Appeal and Parade.

"For the last few years, they have done a great job of getting the war memorial
cleaned up and tidy. Great to see the Junior PCSOs joining in and doing a great service for our community.”

Meanwhile, last week Salford Neighbourhood PCSOs also carried out community litter pick with local residents, children and councillors in community garden.  

Salford district PCSO Mark Fitzgeraldd said: "Everyone did a great job, and then the residents made us some food. I was really surprised and honoured that the residents wanted me to cut the ribbon to their community garden as their local PCSO. 

"To top that, I was presented with a gift! I was very touched they got me a personal plaque that they are going to put on the wall of their community garden to say "Garden in the Alley September 2022. Opened by PCSO 61295 Mark Fitzgerald".  

"The plaque says 2022 because it was the fourth anniversary since we officially opened it. I was very touched by this."

PCSO Fitzgerald also received a "thank you" card from a resident acknowledging the work they do in their communities.