Clean Britain Awards make shiny happy people
April 1st 2009 “It seems appropriate that The Cleaning Show should follow Crufts,” joked the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor David Bell, on introducing the Clean Britain Awards (held on 10th March 2009).
He went on to say that,“without ownership and pride in an area we’ll never achieve improvement.The awards help to re-establish the ‘feelgood’ factor and I hope the good work of the Awards spreads.”
A total of 63 entries were received this year from local authorities across the UK, consisting of 18 cities, 12 towns and 33 whole districts.Grades were given by an awards assessor posing as a visitor who performed a half day inspection on each entry.
Assessment criteria is given from a visitor’s point of view and includes: first impressions, litter and fly tipping, cigarette butt, chewing gum and dog-fouling deposits,waste bin management, signage and street furniture cleanliness, unauthorised graffiti and overhanging hedgerows on busy pedestrian routes.
The awards are promoted by The British Cleaning Council.The two main objectives are to recognise the efforts applied by a multitude of authorities, organisations and voluntary bodies in maintaining high standards of public space cleanliness, and, to encourage a sense of civic pride in communities and areas throughout the UK.
Speaking at the awards, BCC chairman Stephen Wright said, “keeping Britain clean for residents and especially visitors is a top priority.We cannot allow standards to fall to satisfy short-term economic gains.Clean public areas are especially important for the Olympics and will help achieve tourism and economic recovery.”
There were a lot of proud faces as winning teams received their certificates and posed for photos, shepherded efficiently as ever by Richard Chisnell,who commented,”it’s great to see so many mayors here supporting the local effort, all wearing very shiny chains.” (That explains the reason for the large amount of rattling during the applause then). More articles from Clean Britain Awards: | 
