by Alex Wellman A proud community was rewarded with an award ceremony for their efforts in forcing gun crime down. Dozens turned out to show their support at the first annual Not Another Drop (NAD) Community awards, which recognised those

by Alex Wellman

A proud community was rewarded with an award ceremony for their efforts in forcing gun crime down.

Dozens turned out to show their support at the first annual Not Another Drop (NAD) Community awards, which recognised those who have gone the extra mile in helping bring violent crime down in Brent.

The awards, which recognised 15 people, were a thank you from the NAD team to all those who made projects, such as the annual Peace March a possibility.

Lauretta Scott, senior community safety officer for gun, knife and gang crime, Brent Council, said: "All the people who were recognised were individuals who gave up their time, energy, funds and resources just to help the cause and ensure that we can give people a better future.

"We thought it would be good to award them and thank them for all they have done."

Gun crime is down 60 per cent in the borough and police chiefs say that is down to the co-operation between the community, police, council and NAD.

Det Ch Insp Helen Ball, head of Operation Trident, the Metropolitan Police's special unit fighting gun crime in the black community, who was among the recipients, said: "If you look at Brent's history then the only conclusion you can draw is that the reduction in gun crime and shootings is very significant and I think NAD partnership has a lot to do with that.

"The fact that the community in Brent have taken such a strong lead and said we just won't have this in our community, is making a real difference."

Not Another Drop is an anti-gun and knife crime project run in the borough, which educates young people and organises events.

In September 2008 hundreds of people came out in support the annual Peace March and made their voices heard against violent crime.

The informal ceremony, at the Wembley Plaza Hotel in Empire Way, Wembley, on Thursday, December 18, displayed a video of the day which included emotional speeches by grieving family members of lost ones.

Patrick Jacobs, chairman of the NAD community group, then presented awards to 14 people including firemen, police officers, bus drivers and businesses before being a surprise winner himself.

For full coverage and pictures go to www.wbtimes.co.uk or for more information on Not Another Drop go to www.notanotherdrop.com

alex.wellman@archant.co.uk