Town centre publican and former BID chair Warwick Heskins given award for services to Newbury Pubwatch

A Newbury publican has received another award.

Warwick Heskins, the man behind The Catherine Wheel in Newbury town centre, has been given the National Pubwatch Star Award for his services to Newbury Pubwatch.

National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker presented Mr Heskins with the award at a Newbury Pubwatch meeting held in the Newbury Business Improvement District (BID) offices in Broadway House.

Mr Heskins, a publican in Newbury for more than 10 years, told newburytoday: “During the meeting, they presented me with a certificate.

“I wasn’t expecting it, so it was really nice.”

Mr Baker added: “It was great to be able to attend the Newbury meeting and recognise the service that Warwick has given to his Pubwatch.

“The local community should be grateful there are people such as Warwick who are dedicated to keeping their pubs a safe place to socialise.”

Mr Baker also acknowledged the strong support from Newbury BID, Thames Valley Police and West Berkshire Council, which all attended the meeting to give updates on what is happening in the town.

Mr Heskins has been the chairman of Newbury Pubwatch for the past six years.

He has worked closely with uniformed police officers and council licensing officers to promote Newbury as a safe town to enjoy a night out.

He also recently resigned as chair of Newbury BID, which he served for nearly four years.

Before to moving to Newbury, Mr Heskins ran The Maiden Over pub in Lower Early, and was the chairman of Woodley Pubwatch for just under two years.

He confirmed he is will continue running The Catherine Wheel in Cheap Street until landlord Stonegate finds a new manager to take over.