GO! Southampton employee named best ranger at national awards

Now GO! Southampton's Debbi Martin has been named "Best Ambassador, Ranger or Warden" at the Town and City Management Industry Awards 2023.

She was presented with the prestigious award after displaying "incredible passion" for the city.

Debbi Martin has won a national award for helping to enhance Southampton (Image: Stewart Turkington)

Debbie, who has served the business improvement district (BID) for five years, was praised for going above and beyond in her efforts to make Southampton a better place in which to live and work.

Earlier this year she helped the city gain Purple Flag status.

Stephen Manion, GO! Southampton's chief executive, said: "Highlights from our submission included the high standard of street cleaning across the city as well as the absence of graffiti and litter – and we all knew this was largely down to the work of Debbi."

"We have a fantastic partnership with Southampton City Council for additional cleaning staff, and Debbi does an incredible job of maintaining a relationship with the team.

"It's because of this that graffiti in the city is removed in less than 24 hours."

READ MORE: Southampton awarded Purple Flag status for safe nighttime economy

Mr Manion said East Street graffiti reported one afternoon was gone by 5am the next day. He added that Debbi visited businesses along the route at 9am to confirm it had been removed and check for any additional concerns.

"Businesses appreciate this rapid response and friendly approach," he said.

"Debbi is a great ambassador for Southampton, with her warm welcome and helping thousands of visitors to discover the many attractions of the city."

This year alone, Debbi has been approached by businesses and visitors concerned about a wide range of issues.

Debbi Martin receives her award for helping to enhance Southampton (Image: Edwin Ladd)

These included rats chewing through wires, dangerous paving slabs, anti-social behaviour, medical issues, damage to historic buildings, and broken security gates. She has also helped thousands of cruise passengers find their way around the city.

READ MORE: GO! Southampton praises success of city centre street cleaning team

Debbie said: "I was genuinely shocked at my award win – it was a dream come true but completely unexpected.

"Southampton has always been my home and I love the city’s diversity and the amount it has to offer. I feel extremely lucky to live here and am pleased to be able to help it thrive.

"A huge 'thank you' to the judges for choosing me, and to the GO! Southampton team for putting me forward and supporting my work.”