Tidy Business Standards Charter boosts clean pride

Date published: 18/08/2008

Businesses across Rochdale are signing up to Rochdale Council’s newly launched Tidy Business Standards Charter, which is awarded to businesses in recognition of their efforts to control and manage the amount of waste and litter coming from their premises.

Traders are invited to sign up to the Tidy Business Standards Charter, which is free, and the council will assess the business’ existing litter management policies.

Upon meeting the required standards, the council will present businesses with a Tidy Business Standards Charter certificate and window sticker to demonstrate their commitment to keeping their surrounding areas clean and tidy.

Debbie O’Brien, Chief Executive of Rochdale Town Centre Management, believes the Tidy Business Standards Charter will offer traders a tangible way of demonstrating how serious they are about making their surroundings cleaner and brighter.

She explained: “It’s very important for a town centre to have businesses which have a sense of pride in their external area. As we all know, a first impression is always the one which remains with us, and if you get off to a bad start it is always difficult to change that initial perception.

“Luckily in Rochdale, we have some fantastic traders who have a great deal of pride in their business surroundings. It’s great that the Tidy Business Standards Charter recognises this contribution.”

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “By signing up to the Tidy Business Standards Charter, traders are proving to their customers that they are serious about their local environment and are complementing the council’s efforts to curb the amount of litter and grime around premises.

“The council is on a green sweep mission, and we’re determined to make the borough a colourful and more attractive place for everyone who lives and works here. People deserve it.”