300 miles and still going strong

Wesley Gledhill

Wesley Gledhill has walked over 300 miles around the streets of Rochdale and Heywood checking business records for Rochdale Borough Council. In the process he has worn out a pair of shoes and lost over a stone in weight.

Mr Gledhill, from Sudden is coming to the end of a six month placement with the council’s Environmental Health and Licensing Service. His placement was organised by the Government’s Future Jobs Fund.

Mr Gledhill has covered virtually every street in Rochdale and Heywood, checking the council’s records against the businesses that are actually operating.

The council’s Workplaces Team Manager, Allan Watson said: “It’s really important that we have up-to-date records so that we know which businesses are operating and which have closed down so we can organise our food safety and health and safety inspections. This is rather a laborious job and so we’re extremely grateful to Wesley for completing this arduous task.”

But Mr Gledhill was not put off by such a job, He said; “I’ve found my placement with the Environmental Health Team really useful. I’ve learned a huge amount and as a bonus I have lost weight and feel much fitter. As part of the placement, the Future Jobs Fund has arranged computer training for me and I’ve gained an NVQ in business administration. All I need now is to get myself a permanent job”.

Allan Watson added; “Wesley has done a great job for us checking our database and updating it where needed. This is something we find difficult to keep on top of as we are busy carrying out our inspections. We were delighted with the speed with which he learned his way around our computer system and the amount of work he has got through. We’ll be sorry to see him leave and wish him every success in finding employment in the future.”

Mr Gledhill’s placement finishes at the end of July and the council are already working with the Future Jobs Fund to find someone to continue the role.