St Helens man presented with Mayor’s Good Citizen Award to celebrate planting work

Stephen Mousdell, from Haydock, has spent months of his spare time revamping flower boxes, replacing planters and planting an arrangement of flowers across St Helens.

After being depressed by the neglected state of the town, he took it upon himself to improve the general aesthetic for local people, spending a lot of his own time and money in doing so.

Invited to what he thought was a general chat with the mayor and councillor Paul Hooten, Stephen was shocked to be presented with the Good Citizen Award for all his hard work.

Stephen Mousdell has been presented with a Mayor's Good Citizen Award

Stephen, 29, said: “I don’t know how to describe it. It’s unbelievable, a real honour to receive it.”

The mayor and other councillors have been following his work through social media and have been pleasantly surprised how he has been able to bring people of the town together.

Explaining that these awards are not given out very often, the mayor told Stephen: “It’s unbelievable what you have done on your own in such a short space of time.

“People have really taken a shine to you, and you have really brought people together. As a council we try to bring people together and it can be difficult […] but you have inspired everyone.”

One of Stephen's revamped planters in Haydock

After his visit to the Town Hall, Stephen was given direct access to councillors so they can collaborate and keep on top of the work he has done all over the borough.

Receiving praise and over £7000 to continue his work from people across the town, Stephen said this is what residents want to see; to keep the colourful assortment of flowers at various points in the town.

Stating that his Dad was “chuffed to bits” with his award, Stephen added: “This is my town, and I just want to spread joy and happiness.”