Rochdale council services sweep up at national APSE awards

Rochdale Borough Council has won awards in two categories at this year's Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Performance Network awards.

The council’s street cleansing team took first place in the most improved performer category for ‘street cleansing’, which is testament to the teams who are out in all weathers making sure the borough’s streets and towns are maintained.

The second win of the evening was awarded to the grounds maintenance teams, who won the most improved performer in ‘parks, open spaces and horticultural services’, with the service also nominated for best performer in the same category.

Ranking as a best performer means that Rochdale has been chosen as one of only six leading local authorities, out of more than 200 across the UK - recognising the hard work and dedication of the council’s teams and many committed volunteers and local groups.

 

 

Grounds maintenance and litter removal were awarded 100 per cent in APSE’s performance indicator reports, helping the service take the win.

The council was also nominated as a best performer for 'refuse collection', which goes some way to acknowledge the amount of excess waste the crews have had to deal with throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, with no disruption to service.

 

 

Councillor Liam O’Rourke, cabinet member for environment and facilities, added: "How wonderful it was to hear that our frontline operational staff have been recognised in even more categories in this year’s prestigious government awards.

“Our parks and open spaces are much-loved, and I know residents appreciate their meticulous upkeep by staff and volunteers. I'm also delighted that our street cleansing teams have taken the win for providing another first-class service, alongside the recognition for our waste crews as best of the best.

"Congratulations to all the teams and local volunteers involved. I’m sure I can say, we are all extremely proud - these wins simply reinforce just how wonderful our borough is.”

Winners were announced at a charity awards dinner at the Village Hotel, Blackpool on the evening of Thursday 2 December 2021.