Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council's Street Cleaning Team have scooped a bronze award at the Clean Britain Awards. The Clean Britain Awards, organised by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and sponsored by Kier, recognises outstanding contributions made to the improvement of the local environment and street cleansing. 

The Awards are reviewed by a panel of expert independent judges and assessed against four key criteria litter, aesthetics, waste issues and highways. Councillor Owen Bierley, Conservative Chairman of the council's Prosperous Communities Committee, said:

“This is recognition of the hard work our street cleansing team carries out every day.

“Taking pride in the way our area looks is high on our list of priorities and to be awarded on a national level is praise indeed. Our waste services combined with our efficiency makes West Lindsey a great place to live and work. Well done to all.”

Mr. Chris Allen, Head of Public Protection at West Lindsey District Council explained that the team’s bronze award is for delivering a five star service. He said:

“Just fifteen staff keep all the highways in the district clean, emptying dog and litter bins and also earning income for the council through commercial weed-killing, asbestos removal and road-sweeping. This entrepreneurial approach means the service costs just £17 per household per year or 32p per week.”

Mr. Ady Selby, the council's Team Manager of Operations also congratulated the team, adding:

“Our hard-working staff, are out in all weathers, seven days a week, covering an area of 447 square miles. In recent years we have moved away from fixed schedules and become a more reactive service, the guys have really embraced this new way of working. Residents and Parish Councils help too, last year over 60 voluntary litter picks took place. This shows that residents also really care about their environment.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, Mr. Steve Lee was quick to praise all who entered, saying:

“From the UK’s largest local authorities to community groups and individuals, we have seen an unbelievable level of dedication and innovation and it is vital that we take the time to recognise and celebrate the results of their work.   

“A well-presented, safe and hygienic environment plays an important role in fostering a sense of civic pride and reducing the likelihood of antisocial behaviour. It will also help attract and sustain increased levels of commerce and tourism, which are vital to helping to sustain local businesses.”