Barry Sullivan with model Nell McAndrew

A COMMUNITY volunteer has scooped a TV award for his work running a neighbourhood advice centre – despite facing a day-by-day battle with Camden Council.
Barry Sullivan was voted ITV’s Local Hero at a live award ceremony on Tuesday night after being picked ahead of hundreds of other nominees and nine other short-listed finalists.
He normally spends his nights working through a mountain of paperwork or visiting needy clients as chief volunteer at the Camden Town Neighbourhood Advice Centre – but at the glittering prize event Mr Sullivan rubbed shoulders with actress Linda Robson and TV presenter Nell McAndrew. He collected a cheque for £2,000 to help the CTNAC.
Mr Sullivan said: “This award is for the people of Camden. This is not just about me. It is about everyone who has supported the centre’s work over the years. It is also for the whole of the CTNAC management committee.”
The CTNAC was dramatically booted out of its council-owned building in Greenland Road, Camden Town, in December 2003 as riot-squad police stormed the building to remove protesters upset at the manner in which the Town Hall had pushed for the eviction
In dramatic circumstances, Mr Sullivan led a rooftop protest and demanded that a secret file of emails held on him at the Town Hall was released. The documents contain details of a criminal investigation into alleged drug dealing and fraud – claims that have never been substantiated.
The centre now operates from the home of former Mayor Gloria Lazenby in nearby St Martin’s Close.
Mr Sullivan said: “This award is one in the eye for council. It shows how the work of the centre is appreciated.”
Labour councillors have reacted with a stony silence to the award, despite being prompted for a response by Tory Councillor Martin Davies at Monday’s full council meeting.
Mr Sullivan, who will now make a series of appearances for ITV in a campaign to encourage others to do voluntary work, added: “It was upsetting that none of them said anything.”