Praise for action against crime

Councillor Wera Hobhouse

Campaigns to prevent doorstep crime and under-age drinking run by Rochdale Council's trading standards service have won praise following a study of the service.

Senior trading standards staff from Stockport and Trafford councils were part of a three-strong team who carried out a review of the service in the borough. In their report, they praised the good practice they saw, including a joint 'No Cold-Calling Zone' scheme that halved doorstep crime and the 'Heywood 100 Day Campaign' that produced a big downturn in alcohol-related nuisance.

They also said the service had a 'can do' attitude and a very strong professional leadership.

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, the Council's cabinet member for the environment and sustainability, said: "I am pleased that the report reflects the hard work undertaken by trading standards officers on behalf of the people of the borough. The report is positive about the work of trading standards and suggests certain improvements that will result in an even better service being provided."

The reviews are part of a Government initiative to help check and improve the performance of trading standards services in councils throughout the country. Over two days, the peer review team interviewed staff at all levels, along with councillors, partner organisations and customers.