CIWM Clean Britain Awards highlight the importance of clean and safe public spaces

06 November 2015

Local authorities from across England, as well as volunteers and private companies, have been recognised for keeping our public spaces clean and beautiful in the CIWM Clean Britain Awards 2015 this week.

Presented in London yesterday, the awards are in their 26th year and recognise achievement and performance in a number of areas, including innovation and partnership working.

"With budget pressures tighter than ever, local authority teams have to be ever more resourceful in their efforts to keep our public spaces and places clean and safe for everyone to enjoy, and other stakeholders such as community groups also have an important role to play," says CIWM chief executive Steve Lee. "It is essential, therefore, that these efforts are recognised and showcased so that good practice can be shared. Local environmental quality affects us all and makes a big difference to our wellbeing and the way we feel about the places we live."

In the Clean Britain Local Authority Awards, which are broken down into three population size categories, the Gold Award winners were London Borough of Enfield, Braintree District Council, and the City of London. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Southend Borough Council, and London Borough of Broxbourne scooped Silver Awards, meanwhile, and Northumberland County Council, Reading Borough Council and Daventry District Council were Bronze Award winners.

The City of London also took the prize for Overall Winner for 2015 and Wendy Mead OBE, Chairman of Port Health and Environment Services Committee, said it was the result of hard work by the whole team.

"The City the London is delighted that the hard work of both our staff and our contractor, Amey, over the past year has been recognised. Members have worked closely with staff to support various initiatives that do not just keep the streets clean, but directly reduce the causes of litter. The City of London is fully committed to providing exemplary services for people who live, work or visit the Square Mile and see this prestigious award as valued recognition of our approach to providing a high quality street environment."

Reading Borough Council, bronze winners in the medium category, also stressed the importance and benefits of collaborative effort.

"We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award as it recognises the hard work put in by all involved over a number of years. The Love Clean Reading campaign brings together residents, community groups and Council services to help keep our town clean, safe, green and active," said Councillor Liz Terry, Lead Councillor for Neighbourhoods.

In the Clean Britain National Community Awards, which aim to showcase the work of community groups who are tackling litter and other environmental issues, the 2015 winner is Mitcham Community Orchard and Garden. Over 150 volunteers joined together to form the group and have transformed a local space that was renowned as a fly-tipping and graffiti hot spot.

Finally, the Guardians of Public Spaces Award, which recognise excellence in managing public spaces, from railways and shopping centres to parks and airports, went to Helping Hand Environmental for their ongoing campaign work with local authorities, waste contractors, community groups, schools and charities in developing and enhancing sustainable litter management.

Further information can be found at www.cleanbritainawards.co.uk and pictures of the awards ceremony are available from cassia.house@ciwm.co.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 6000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Press contact:

Pat Jennings
Head of Policy & Communications
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk