A woman who has championed the rights of council tenants in Sutton for more than 15 years has retired.
Jean Crossby, Chairwoman of the Sutton Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations, first joined the federation in 1995 and has been Chair for the last five years.
In that time Jean has fought tirelessly for the rights of tenants in the borough and raised awareness on issues such as Decent Homes for all council tenants.
Jean said “The decision to retire as chair has been a difficult one but due to health problems I am unable to dedicate the time and commitment this role deserves.
“I have some great memories of what the Federation and local tenants have achieved together, such as the Fair Deal for Sutton Tenants Campaign which saw us knocking on the door of 10 Downing Street.”.
Jean has also been instrumental is getting the St Helier Festival off the ground.
This annual community event, organised by the Federation with the support of Sutton Housing Partnership and the London Borough of Sutton, is held in June each year and offers a free fun day for local residents.
Jean commented: "I love seeing the community come together and having fun at the festival. This event costs approximately £15,000 to stage and all the money comes from sponsorship which the Federation and local residents work really hard to raise.”
A farewell reception was hosted by Sutton Housing Partnership and attended by local MPs Paul Burstow and Tom Brake and the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Ruth Dombey.
Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton & Cheam, said “Jean has been a star and it has been a pleasure to work with her as she has battled for the rights of tenants."
The Federation is a voluntary organisation funded by SHP, which operates from Sutton Gate where SHP’s main office is located.
Left to right in photo; Andrew Taylor CEO SHP, Councillor Ruth Dombey, Findlay MacPherson Chair of SHP Board, Jean Crossby, Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Paul Burstow MP for Sutton and Cheam.
Posted on Tuesday 19th October 2010