A HOUSING campaigner who helped secure Broomhill’s £20 million regeneration has scooped a national award.

Greenock woman Jenny Speck has been the driving force behind many of the changes in area.

She was nominated by River Clyde Homes and went on to win the ‘Scottish resident of the year’ prize.

Jenny decided to get active after retiring as a lab technician at National Semiconductor, and turned her attention to her new neighbours.

The Broomhill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association chairwoman has worked with the housing association to try and reverse the decline in the area.

Eight years on they are looking forward to a new community centre and health centre, as well as enjoying the many millions of pounds spent on upgrading homes.

Jenny, 72, who lives in Whinhill Court, said: “I am gobsmacked I’ve won this. 

“I moved to the area after I retired eight years ago — I was old enough to retire but too young to be sitting on the couch watching Jeremy Kyle.

“I joined the association to get to know people and make friends and was offered the job as chairwoman.

“I am under no illusions though — no one else wanted to do it!”
But Jenny was soon throwing herself into the role.

She said: “There was a perception that Broomhill had a problem with anti-social behaviour, some of it was justified and I think some of it was magnified.

“There was a lot that needed to be done, there were a lot of empty houses and many of them needed to be pulled down.”

Now Jenny is involved in all areas of housing, acting as an advocate, sitting on committees and advising River Clyde Homes bosses.

She added: “My door goes all the time, but I don’t mind and I always do what I can to help. If I can’t help I point them in the direction of someone who can.”

Broomhill has become a flagship area for RCH as they pioneer new ways of heating homes to tackle fuel poverty and upgrading properties.

Jenny added: “One of our greatest achievements is the community centre.

“That will make a huge difference and give us a focal point.”

Praising Jenny, River Clyde Homes chairman Albert Henderson MBE said: “All in all she is a great advocate for tenants across Inverclyde in general, regularly championing the needs of individuals and the community. 

“We’d like to congratulate Jenny on her well deserved win and thank her and her fellow volunteers for their hard work in our communities.”