A Hurst Green Shopkeeper has been given the first of a new Community Award by Halesowen North Councillor Stuart Henley for his outstanding work during the Coronavirus Pandemic which saw him go above and beyond for local residents in need. 

Amritpal Singh Kang, locally known as Bobby, runs the Nisa Hurst Green store which has been in his family since it was started by his father in 1992.

He has been awarded the Halesowen North Community Champion 2021 award for providing vital support to local residents by ensuring shelves remained well stocked, taking measures to prevent panic buying and organising free of charge delivery for those who were isolating or shielding due to being considered vulnerable. Halesowen & Rowley Regis MP, James Morris said:

"I want to congratulate Bobby on being awarded Halesowen North Community Champion 2021. People like Bobby have been the unsung heroes of the pandemic, serving their community with the essentials they need, but also looking out for those who weren't able to get out due to their need to isolate. As a reassuring presence in a time of great uncertainty, he fully deserves this accolade" 

Bobby added: "We have been a family business in Hurst Green for nearly 30 years and many of my customers have become lifelong friends so when hard times hit i feel it is my duty to give something back to the area.

"Community is all about working together and helping our area be the best it can be. The news is always full of negative stories so it's nice to be involved in something with such a positive message".