Big Clean gets 500th tidy business charter recruit

Tommy Downes from Rochdale Borough Council, Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Dave Wolstenholme from the Carpet Studio and Christian Crossley from Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale show their support for the Tidy Business Standards Charter.

Rochdale Council’s Big Clean campaign has achieved another milestone in its mission to tidy up the borough by getting a 500th firm to sign up to the Tidy Business Standards Charter.

The Carpet Studio on Canal Street, Littleborough is the 500th business to be approved to join the Charter, which is awarded by the council in recognition of business’ efforts to control and manage the amount of waste and litter coming from their premises.

Traders are invited to register their interest in becoming a member of the Charter, which is free, and the council will work with the business and look at 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.

Dave Wolstenholme, joint owner of the Carpet Studio, said: “It was a nice surprise to hear that we were the 500th business to be part of the Tidy Business Standards Charter. It’s important to us to keep the area outside our premises clean and tidy because it’s the first impression customers have of our business. We’re very proud.”

Businesses have a civic responsibility to keep areas around their premises clear from litter and refuse. Gum, cigarette ends and matches are also types of litter, and businesses are urged co-operate with the council to minimise such waste.

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “Firms that are part of the Tidy Business Standards Charter are those that are serious about tackling litter around their premises and work alongside the council to make this happen.

“Litter, fly tipping and graffiti shouldn’t be accepted as a way of life – why should it? The Big Clean is on and we’re absolutely determined to make the borough a tidier and brighter place. Residents and businesses - get involved and take action now!”

The Tidy Business Standards Charter is a scheme designed by the council to raise businesses’ awareness of waste and litter management and the civic responsibilities they need to abide by.

To find out more information about the Big Clean or the Tidy Business Standards Charter, contact:

Telephone: 0845 226 1800

Email: environmental.management@rochdale.gov.uk