0:00:03 > 0:00:05From waste and recycling
0:00:05 > 0:00:08to pest control and Trading Standards...
0:00:09 > 0:00:11..the taxes that we pay to our local councils
0:00:11 > 0:00:15are used to provide many of our most essential services.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18I like people who are keen to recycle.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21In this series we follow the frontline staff
0:00:21 > 0:00:24working behind the walls of Tameside Town Hall
0:00:24 > 0:00:25in Greater Manchester.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Like council officers across the country,
0:00:29 > 0:00:31these local heroes are waging war
0:00:31 > 0:00:33on those blighting our communities.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- Oi, oi, oi!- Excuse me!- Excuse me, love, you can't do that!
0:00:37 > 0:00:39They're protecting us from hidden dangers...
0:00:39 > 0:00:40If there's rodent activity in your kitchen
0:00:40 > 0:00:43you won't be opening tonight. It's that simple.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46..making sure our cash is spent on those who need it most...
0:00:46 > 0:00:47I'm at a loose end.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50I do not know where to turn.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53..and responding to their residents when they call the council.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Coming up...
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Tempers fray as the council enforces new regulations
0:01:06 > 0:01:10aimed at clamping down on the illicit trade of scrap metal.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Yeah, I'm not happy about all these new licenses.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14I think it's a load of BLEEP.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16I think it's just robbing us...proper.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20A council officer responds to calls from concerned locals
0:01:20 > 0:01:23and rescues a disease-ridden dog in distress
0:01:23 > 0:01:25found roaming the streets.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27All his skin's split down the side of his face
0:01:27 > 0:01:30and he's started to bleed.
0:01:30 > 0:01:31And a resident calls the council
0:01:31 > 0:01:34to complain about a neighbouring mill
0:01:34 > 0:01:37that she believes is causing her endless sleepless nights.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39The noise was very bad last night.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Like a "zzzz", like that. All the time.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45And so I never get a full night's sleep.
0:01:54 > 0:02:00Almost two million people in the UK work for one of our 433 councils.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Funded by the taxes we pay,
0:02:02 > 0:02:06they work hard to stretch every penny of their budgets.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11From refuse collections and road maintenance
0:02:11 > 0:02:13to pest control and licensing businesses,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16hard working officers like John Gregory
0:02:16 > 0:02:21know that serving the public well is at the core of every task they do.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26The primary purpose of the licensing department in any local authority
0:02:26 > 0:02:28is to protect public safety.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30We deal with that stuff that falls
0:02:30 > 0:02:34just below the level of seriousness for the police
0:02:34 > 0:02:37but still has quite a serious impact on public safety.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Like their council colleagues across the country,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44John's team controls a variety of licensed businesses,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47from pubs and clubs to off-licences and taxis.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Another trade that has recently been regulated is scrap metal.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00The Scrap Metal Dealers Act of 2013 was established
0:03:00 > 0:03:04to licence the trade and stamp out metal theft.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09Today, John and his team are working with the police on Operation Alloy,
0:03:09 > 0:03:14which aims ensure that local dealers are adhering to the new legislation.
0:03:14 > 0:03:15The ones that want to operate legitimately
0:03:15 > 0:03:17have applied to us for licences.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20They will have a disc displayed in the vehicle
0:03:20 > 0:03:21that says they're licensed with us.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Between April 2012 and March 2013
0:03:28 > 0:03:33police in England and Wales recorded over 61,000 metal theft offences.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Nearly half of these involved removal of metal
0:03:37 > 0:03:40from structures linked to essential services
0:03:40 > 0:03:43like water, heating or electrical supplies,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46railway cabling and even manhole covers.
0:03:47 > 0:03:4942% of recorded offences
0:03:49 > 0:03:54related to thefts from metal fences, gates and war memorials.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56I'm sure we're all familiar with these people
0:03:56 > 0:03:58who travel round your estates,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00removing scrap metal off people's drives.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02What we want to do
0:04:02 > 0:04:05is filter out the known thieves from that.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07So there is a process where they have to apply to us.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10They have to produce a CRB Criminal Records check.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13And we have to carry out a number of background checks on these people
0:04:13 > 0:04:15to see that they're fit to do that.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17And if they're not, they won't get a licence.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20And if they carry on collecting scrap metal without a licence,
0:04:20 > 0:04:21they commit an offence.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27Until the new law came into effect in October 2013
0:04:27 > 0:04:31anyone could trade in scrap metal without a licence.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33But now mobile scrap metal collectors
0:04:33 > 0:04:35must display a licence on their vehicle
0:04:35 > 0:04:39and no dealers are allowed to buy scrap for cash.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Licensing officers like John, and colleague Dave Smith,
0:04:43 > 0:04:45can revoke a dealer's licence at any time,
0:04:45 > 0:04:49and impose fines of up to £5,000.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51As part of today's operation
0:04:51 > 0:04:54it's Dave's job to find dealers out on the streets,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57so that their licence can be spot-checked.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01It's not long before he sees some traders with a vanload of scrap.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03All right, lads? How you doing?
0:05:03 > 0:05:05I'm from licensing at Tameside.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Don't know if you know, we're running an operation today.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09I'm not happy about this new licensing.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- I think it's a load of- BLEEP.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13I think it's robbing us proper.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Prices vary by region, but obtaining a licence can cost traders
0:05:17 > 0:05:21over £300 and has to be renewed every three years.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25I think there are people out there who like to bash the council.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28And certainly from an enforcement side of things you see that quite a bit.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33The trick is not to take it personally.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35I don't take what they're saying personally.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38It's one of those things that if it wasn't me doing it,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40somebody else would be doing it.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43It's a way of getting money out of you.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50As part of today's operation,
0:05:50 > 0:05:54the roadworthiness of each vehicle will also be checked.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Dave escorts them to the council's depot to further
0:05:57 > 0:05:59inspect their truck and their paperwork.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04These lads with the scrap they've got on the back of their wagon,
0:06:04 > 0:06:06the tickets they've got should stipulate
0:06:06 > 0:06:09they were all collected in Stockport.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11If they collected waste in Tameside,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14they need a licence to do so.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21As the police and vehicle agency give the trucks a thorough
0:06:21 > 0:06:24once over, this dealer's day is about to get a lot
0:06:24 > 0:06:27worse as they discovers his tyres are very worn.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35The tyres aren't roadworthy so they'll need replacing.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Every minute spent here is costing the dealers money.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Should be out earning for my family, providing but I came here
0:06:42 > 0:06:46and let the police check and they told me I need two new tyres.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Because they're getting very low. Another hundred quid, if not more.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53Again, for what? For these to have a little field day watching us all?
0:06:55 > 0:06:57We done nowt wrong. We're all above board, paid all our taxes.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00What more do you want off us? More money, I guess?
0:07:01 > 0:07:03But their ordeal's not over,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06because Dave wants to check that they're sticking to the conditions
0:07:06 > 0:07:10of the new licence regime and not collecting scrap from Tameside.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Under the new legislative requirements you need to keep a
0:07:13 > 0:07:15record of the waste that you get and where you got it.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17There's a bit of an issue with this one
0:07:17 > 0:07:19because we've got a load of scrap on the back.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21He says it's from a certain place.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24But we've got no verification it's from this place.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27It could be, it might not be. I'm taking him at his word.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29I don't think he's lying, to be honest with you.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32But in terms of what's required legislatively he's not done
0:07:32 > 0:07:33what he needs to do.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Dave has a difficult decision to make,
0:07:36 > 0:07:40but because the laws are new the traders are cautioned
0:07:40 > 0:07:42and warned that if they flout them in the future, council
0:07:42 > 0:07:46licensing officers like Dave and John may not be quite so lenient.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Still to come, Operation Alloy continues to scour
0:07:54 > 0:07:56the borough looking for rogue scrap metal.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Apparently he's put the scrap metal in the back to take
0:07:59 > 0:08:01it for a ride around the block and he's taking it home again.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03So we will deal with that appropriately.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Across the nation, council environmental services teams
0:08:14 > 0:08:18deal with a plethora of problems blighting our day-to-day lives.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22From fly tipping and pest control to graffiti and noise pollution.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25Morning, Tameside council, can I help?
0:08:25 > 0:08:28I'll try the line for environmental services for you.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29Bear with me one moment.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Last year, there were 200,000 noise nuisance
0:08:33 > 0:08:35complaints in England and Wales alone.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Tameside resident Sheila Hardy has lodged one of them.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43She's called the council claiming that an apparently relentless
0:08:43 > 0:08:44noise from a nearby mill
0:08:44 > 0:08:47has led her to suffer six months of sleepless nights.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52It's a constant very loud humming, buzzing noise.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55I'm disturbed every night.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00It's very stressful because nobody wants to be awake all night long.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04As the noise is affecting Sheila's health and wellbeing,
0:09:04 > 0:09:08if it can be substantiated, it will be classed as a statutory
0:09:08 > 0:09:10nuisance, which could lead to prosecution.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12PHONE RINGS
0:09:12 > 0:09:14Hello, environmental services. Rodgers speaking.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17And it's the job of council officer Phil Rodgers to
0:09:17 > 0:09:21attempt to find a swift and amicable solution for all concerned.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24More often than not what tends to happen in regards to
0:09:24 > 0:09:27industrial noise is there will be a new process put in place,
0:09:27 > 0:09:29and they won't be aware that is causing a problem
0:09:29 > 0:09:32to the nearby domestic premises. It can be a nightmare.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Phil's first task is to visit Sheila Hardy and establish
0:09:37 > 0:09:40if the levels of noise are causing a statutory nuisance.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Hello, pleased to meet you.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45I'm Phil Rodgers from TMBC, I've spoken to you on the phone.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49As you know I've come to put recording equipment in.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51Is that OK?
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- That's fine.- Shall we go and put it in the bathroom?
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Recording the noise will allow Phil to investigate Sheila's
0:09:59 > 0:10:00complaint in more detail.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02There's the mill.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Yeah, I've had a look how close it is.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07We've measured it at 130m, I think.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12If the noise levels are excessive, and a therefore a legal
0:10:12 > 0:10:15nuisance, the council has the power to demand that the mill
0:10:15 > 0:10:18restricts the activities that are creating the noise.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20This is the activator which you'll press.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25If noise levels are a nuisance, failure to put abatement measures
0:10:25 > 0:10:30in place could ultimately lead to fines of up to £20,000.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33So are you quite happy using that?
0:10:33 > 0:10:34Yeah.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Right, splendid. - Thank you very much.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41With the equipment in place, the onus is now on Sheila to
0:10:41 > 0:10:45capture evidence of the noise that's she's complaining about.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46Bye.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Recording now wouldn't do any good.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53But when the surrounding noise levels drop there might be
0:10:53 > 0:10:55a perceivable hum or they might change the process at night
0:10:55 > 0:10:57when they do night work.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00So what I'm asking Mrs Hardy to do is record that
0:11:00 > 0:11:01when it affects her the most.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03And we'll analyse the recordings
0:11:03 > 0:11:06and look at the kind of levels she's having to put up with.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Hopefully the outcome of this will be that
0:11:12 > 0:11:16I can get a good night's sleep again, with a bit of luck.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35Controlling noise pollution is just one of the many tasks undertaken
0:11:35 > 0:11:39by council officers across the country, who work tirelessly
0:11:39 > 0:11:43behind the scenes to provide the essential services we all rely on.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Services that we sometimes take for granted.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50My job is to collect any stray animals that are out
0:11:50 > 0:11:54and about on the street. Good lad. It's mainly dogs, but we do do other
0:11:54 > 0:11:59things, like cats, horses, donkeys, snakes, whatever comes along.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05Today, Ian has responded to a call to the council
0:12:05 > 0:12:08about a disease-ridden dog that has been found roaming the streets.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Got a little black terrier.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16The dog's got a lot of its fur missing. It looks a bit scabby and a bit smelly.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20I'll have a look to see if it needs immediate vet's treatment or
0:12:20 > 0:12:24we'll take it to the dogs' home and treat it down there.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Ian's priority is to get the dog well enough to
0:12:28 > 0:12:31improve its chances of being rehomed.
0:12:32 > 0:12:38Every year, over 100,000 dogs are dumped or lost in the UK.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Every one of them poses a risk as they're much more likely to
0:12:41 > 0:12:44carry infectious parasites or diseases.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50Dealing with them cost £57 million last year. A bill
0:12:50 > 0:12:52split between animal welfare charities
0:12:52 > 0:12:56and local authorities, which means we help foot the bill.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01With the skin condition I don't know what it is.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05So I'm going to put these rubber gloves on to look at it.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07That's if I can get the dog on a lead because it is a bit nervous
0:13:07 > 0:13:09and a bit frightened.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13If the skin condition's untreatable, the dog may have to be put down.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Last year, almost 1,000 stray dogs were put to sleep due to
0:13:19 > 0:13:21ill health and over 2,000
0:13:21 > 0:13:23because of behavioural problems or aggression.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Come on, we'll go for a walk.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30We'll go for a walk. Come on. Don't want to come out now, do you?
0:13:30 > 0:13:34Ian will do everything he can to reduce those figures, and the
0:13:34 > 0:13:39cost to us taxpayers, by stopping this young dog becoming a statistic.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42DOG GROWLS
0:13:42 > 0:13:44OK, I won't touch you then.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46I won't touch you.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48We'll go for a walk then.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52Ian's ultimate aim is for the dog to be rehomed with a family who
0:13:52 > 0:13:55will look after it properly. But that can only happen
0:13:55 > 0:13:59if the dog is in good condition and poses no danger to the public.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02For a chance for a dog to be rehomed it's got to be healthy.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07It's obvious. It seems quite a lively dog, aren't you?
0:14:07 > 0:14:09You look fit and healthy apart from the skin.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12But if it's being aggressive with you all the time
0:14:12 > 0:14:14and everything like that, you'll have to put it to sleep.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16DOG BARKS
0:14:19 > 0:14:21He's more frightened than anything at the moment.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23You can tell that by the tail.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26The tail's so far between his legs it's showing its fright.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29The hard part is we have to get him in the van.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36This dog has been so badly neglected it's reluctant to put
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- its trust in anyone. - I don't want to do this to you.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46What the grasper does is it enables you to be able to control the dog.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49If I just use this normal lead there's nothing to stop
0:14:49 > 0:14:50the dog having a bite at me.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54I've been doing the job nearly 15 years.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58I've had the odd nips on my hands
0:14:58 > 0:15:03and things like that. The odd nip on my ankle.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04Come here.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Come on then.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10In getting the lead on and the grasper, I don't know
0:15:10 > 0:15:13if I knocked a couple of scabs off or whatever
0:15:13 > 0:15:17but all his skin split on the side of his face and he started to bleed.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22Because there's bleeding involved, I'm going to take it to the vet's
0:15:22 > 0:15:25rather than take it to the dog's home.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31As only healthy animals can be rehomed, this dog needs
0:15:31 > 0:15:35immediate treatment. Without it, its future is looking very bleak.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37'I'd say 50/50.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40'If we leave it any longer, the dog gets really uncomfortable'
0:15:40 > 0:15:45and the dog's in pain. they're the ones that tend to get put to sleep.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48The vet will be able to identify the dog's illness and determine
0:15:48 > 0:15:50whether it's treatable.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Might have trouble getting him up on the table.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58He doesn't want to be touched, basically.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02Have to be quick.
0:16:04 > 0:16:05I know.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08No touching, is there?
0:16:10 > 0:16:14A muzzle is fitted so the vet can carry out a thorough examination
0:16:14 > 0:16:18without fear of being bitten. The dog is clearly terrified.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Calm down, laddie.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26The vet suspects he's suffering from mange. A parasitic disease,
0:16:26 > 0:16:30which can be contracted by humans and causes severe itching.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I'll see what I can do just to see if he has got mange or not.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39They take skin samples to confirm his diagnosis.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43The dog is kept in overnight for observation.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45I'll come and see you tomorrow.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Thanks to the swift actions of Ian and his colleagues,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55this young dog has a fighting chance of being saved.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58There's absolutely no need for a dog to end up in that condition.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01His claws are very long, he's very nervy.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Don't like being out in open spaces.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07They've dumped it somewhere or given it to someone else to dump somewhere.
0:17:07 > 0:17:08You can't understand why people do that.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13Why get a dog in the first place if you're going to treat it like that?
0:17:13 > 0:17:18Coming up, Ian returns to the vets and the test results are in.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21But will the dog's condition be treatable, enabling him
0:17:21 > 0:17:22to be rehomed?
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Hello!
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Across the UK, road repairs, bin collections
0:17:37 > 0:17:41and hygiene inspections are some of the day-to-day tasks facing
0:17:41 > 0:17:45every local council. But responding to new challenges is
0:17:45 > 0:17:49when our heroic council officers come into their own.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52If you're finding anybody collecting scrap metal door to door without
0:17:52 > 0:17:55a licence, they are committing an offence as of the 1st of December.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59With the illegal trade of scrap metal on the rise,
0:17:59 > 0:18:03local councils are responding by enforcing a new law that
0:18:03 > 0:18:06requires all merchants to have a licence.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10We are now responsible for licensing scrap metal dealers including
0:18:10 > 0:18:12scrap metal collectors and yards.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13So we're involved
0:18:13 > 0:18:17because we have enforcement powers as well as the police.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19And we've got the facilities to allow them to come
0:18:19 > 0:18:21down and do a full enforcement.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27The licensing team have joined forces with police to spot
0:18:27 > 0:18:29check any traders carry scrap.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33How are you, lads? All right?
0:18:34 > 0:18:40In October 2013 the Scrap Metal Act was introduced requiring all
0:18:40 > 0:18:43scrap metal collectors to display their trader's licence
0:18:43 > 0:18:45on their vehicle and prove the source of their load.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Back at the council depot, the next trader can't do either.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Apparently he's put the scrap metal in the back to take it for
0:18:56 > 0:18:59a ride around the block and he's taken it home again.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01I suspect he's a scrap metal dealer and he's unlicensed.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04We will deal with that appropriately.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06His story might check out. It might be their waste.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10People do have wagons and their own waste
0:19:10 > 0:19:13but it just, on the face of it, looks like a collector.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16It would have been different if we had seen them
0:19:16 > 0:19:18roaming the streets collecting the scrap but we haven't.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20They've been stopped
0:19:20 > 0:19:23and there's no proof either way of who that belongs to.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Without proof that the scrap has been collected illegally,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29the driver is given a warning.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33This new Scrap Metal Dealers Act, as well as licensing
0:19:33 > 0:19:38the individuals involved, it requires scrap metal dealers not to pay cash.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41It makes it a lot more difficult, if you're a scrap metal thief,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43it makes it more difficult to get rid of it.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47The outlets for that scrap metal should be reduced down to a minimum.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Licensing officer Dave Smith heads back out onto the streets to
0:19:55 > 0:19:57pull in another vehicle to spot check,
0:19:57 > 0:20:01and he soon has another scrap-loaded truck in his sights.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04How you doing? You all right? How's things? All right.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07There's a force-wide operation going on today.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11We're taking vehicles in, checking your documentation and whatnot.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Making sure you're not overweight.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- Doesn't look like it's overweight, does it?- No.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21- Have you applied to be a collector? - Stockport and Tameside.- Smashing.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27'Obviously we're still in the phase of issuing licences and whatnot
0:20:27 > 0:20:29'so he's not been issued with his licence'
0:20:29 > 0:20:32yet but his application is in the process of going through.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35So we're going to take his vehicle in any way.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Make sure his vehicle is suitable
0:20:37 > 0:20:40and we can check all his documents back at the depot.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44As all scrap metal dealers move heavy
0:20:44 > 0:20:48and potentially dangerous material, it's essential their vehicles
0:20:48 > 0:20:51are roadworthy in accordance with the Road Traffic Act.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Put your indicator on this way.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58If not their vehicle licence could be revoked.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Put your full lock on this way.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07There's no real issues with it.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Looks like the vehicle is in good working order.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13HMRC have dip sampled their fuel tank to make sure they're not using
0:21:13 > 0:21:15illegal fuel.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18There's a couple of outstanding things on their application
0:21:18 > 0:21:20they need to provide as part of the legislation.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Once they do that we can issue them with their licence.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27David is happy that this merchant is aware of the new regulations
0:21:27 > 0:21:31and has applied for a new licence, so he's able get back to work.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35The legitimate operators have been pretty good about it.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39They can see that we have some additional enforcement powers
0:21:39 > 0:21:42to deal with the unlicensed operators.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44So if you're a legitimate operator
0:21:44 > 0:21:47and you pay all your operating fees and your business rates and two
0:21:47 > 0:21:50doors down from you is an unlicensed operator who isn't paying
0:21:50 > 0:21:54any of that and can undercut you, they're happy that we have
0:21:54 > 0:21:57the powers to deal with that unlicensed operator.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Close them down and stop them from operating again
0:21:59 > 0:22:02and it protects their business.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06Still to come, the operation widens its net as the licensing
0:22:06 > 0:22:08team spot other potentially hazardous loads
0:22:08 > 0:22:12that could be putting other road users at risk.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14It's possible we're looking at a ban
0:22:14 > 0:22:17if he's already got any points on his licence.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26From nationwide operations clamping down on rogue traders,
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- to stamping out noise and light pollution...- Who's next, please?
0:22:30 > 0:22:33..our local council officers will do everything in their power to
0:22:33 > 0:22:37give us the best service they can, including helping us
0:22:37 > 0:22:38get a good nights sleep.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Environmental Services Officer Phil Rogers is responding to
0:22:50 > 0:22:54a call to the council from resident Sheila Hardy, who says she's
0:22:54 > 0:22:59having trouble sleeping because of the noise from a nearby mill.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03The noise was very bad last night. Like a 'zzzz,' you know,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06a zedding noise like that. It's there all the time.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12On his last visit, Phil installed recording equipment to track
0:23:12 > 0:23:14the level of any noise.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- Hello, Mr Hardy. - Good morning.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Oh, something smells good.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Oh, it does.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25I wanted to ask how it's been since I put it in on Wednesday?
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- They were very bad last night. - Were they?
0:23:28 > 0:23:32I think I heard it quite a few times. It was quite bad last night.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35I'll take it away and listen to the recordings and look at the levels.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- As far as you're aware nothing's changed?- Nothing's changed.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Sheila is hoping the equipment has captured the noise from the nearby
0:23:44 > 0:23:48mill, which she claims has been keeping her awake for over six months.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Yep, green light tells me everything's recording all right.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Recording levels seem to be OK.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59So do you think you'll have enough on there...?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02To examine. We'll have a look and see what we've got
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- It's so peaceful now I can... - You really notice a difference?
0:24:09 > 0:24:12That's how it should be all the time, I'm sure.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17Would you say the recordings you made are typical of the noises
0:24:17 > 0:24:18that keep you awake?
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- Yeah.- Absolutely. - That's absolutely correct.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22OK.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Phil heads back to council HQ to review the recording.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Alongside the level of the noise, Phil must consider a number of other
0:24:35 > 0:24:39factors including the frequency and type of hum that's being created.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41That's noise within the room.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44It's generally accepted that any sounds
0:24:44 > 0:24:46consistently reaching above
0:24:46 > 0:24:4945 decibels can be classed as a nuisance.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52That's nine o'clock at night.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56There's a recording here, so we'll see if we can hear anything.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02A single tone at that level. Something like hoovering.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05I can't say what Mrs Hardy hears.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11And I can only go off the levels she records when she's being disturbed.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16You can hear an aircraft in the distance.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19If it was of a level that satisfies such a nuisance then
0:25:19 > 0:25:22I would intervene and cause the factory owner to do something
0:25:22 > 0:25:24to annul those noises at night.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29You can actually hear her going downstairs.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36And we're down to 20db, which is really quite low.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42There's been lots
0:25:42 > 0:25:45and lots of research done by the World Health Organisation,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47in particular, in relation to
0:25:47 > 0:25:50what kind of sound levels at night keep people awake.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Anything below 30 is not going to wake anybody up.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58So far Phil hasn't found anything that would legally constitute
0:25:58 > 0:25:59a noise nuisance.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04I can hear what I think it is she's trying to identify on that
0:26:04 > 0:26:06particular one if that's what it is.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09It's a pulsing noise.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15But it's not very loud.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20I doubt very much it would constitute being a statutory nuisance.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26So we're left with contacting the company now and see
0:26:26 > 0:26:29if there's any likelihood there's any nuisance there.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36This leaves Phil with a dilemma.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40Legally, he's unable to take any action against the mill.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44His challenge now is to find another way to resolve the problem
0:26:44 > 0:26:46and help Sheila get a good night's sleep.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05From keeping our homes havens of peace and quiet,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08to ensuring our streets are safely lit,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11council officers across the UK are always looking for bright
0:27:11 > 0:27:15ideas to save money that could be spent on other essential services.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23Across the UK our seven million streetlights clock up an electricity
0:27:23 > 0:27:27bill of more than £300 million each year and can account for as
0:27:27 > 0:27:31much as 30% of a local authority's energy consumption.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36Although this is one of our council's biggest single costs,
0:27:36 > 0:27:37fewer than one million of the
0:27:37 > 0:27:40country's street lamps are low energy.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45In order to switch to LED lamps, the authorities will have to make
0:27:45 > 0:27:46an initial investment
0:27:46 > 0:27:49but that should be paid off in just five years,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52as the LEDs could reduce an authority's electricity bill by up
0:27:52 > 0:28:00to 80%, potentially saving the country up to £240 million a year.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12Tameside Council has made the bold decision to trial the energy
0:28:12 > 0:28:15saving lamps and it's the job of street lighting electrician
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Simon Croot, to start changing over 120
0:28:19 > 0:28:22of the borough's 25,000 lamps.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Do I know much about light bulbs?
0:28:26 > 0:28:30I know the different flavours, yeah. You've got low pressure sodium.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Then the next flavour would be 90-watt.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37And that would be used on side streets and housing estates.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39Then you have the 135-watt for the really big long ones,
0:28:39 > 0:28:40about that long.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44They do go bigger than that, up to 1,000-watt but we don't use those.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48Fitting these lamps for the first time makes this an exciting
0:28:48 > 0:28:50day for Simon.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53We're taking some old high pressure sodium lamps off
0:28:53 > 0:28:58and we're going to fix some LED lanterns on the same columns.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03It's a trial with a view to rolling it out over the borough in the future.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06So this is a little bit of a test, really.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11A normal high pressure sodium bulb,
0:29:11 > 0:29:16for these type of street lights, will only last around four years.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19The new LED bulbs can last over 20 years and means
0:29:19 > 0:29:23that the council can spend less time and money maintaining them.
0:29:23 > 0:29:24And that's not all.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Normal street lights burning at 90 watts.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33We're going to put up nine LED lanterns today.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Burn wattage of 36 watts as opposed to 90 watts.
0:29:37 > 0:29:43Saving 50 watts of energy per lantern per hour.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46So it's quite a large saving for the authority.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49That's it. We're here.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53Then we crank it over.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59Simon has located his first street lamp of the day.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Lamp's in there. Classic 70-watt small side street one.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Because the new lantern heads use less power
0:30:11 > 0:30:13they also help to reduce the UK's carbon footprint.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21Right. Want to have a guided tour around this fancy new one?
0:30:21 > 0:30:24This is a completely different flavour of light, this.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26We've not had one of these before in Tameside.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29According to our engineer they're the best thing since sliced bread
0:30:29 > 0:30:30and I have to agree with him.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32This is the first one I've seen of these.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34These are the LED driver units. Good bit of kit.
0:30:44 > 0:30:45That's that wired up.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50- The moment of truth.- Charlie puts the fuse in there now.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54Your lantern's now lit. That's our new flavour of LED.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56That's the first one in Tameside.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59A proud moment for a street lighting electrician.
0:31:04 > 0:31:05One down, eight to go.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12Thanks to the local council heroes making the brave move to
0:31:12 > 0:31:16invest in LED lighting, the future is looking bright for Tameside.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21The financial savings made by using the new bulbs
0:31:21 > 0:31:23will benefit the whole community.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43Alongside supporting change on a national scale,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46councils also pride themselves on dealing with issues at ground
0:31:46 > 0:31:48level, no matter how big or small.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54For Tameside's animal warden Ian Millet, that means
0:31:54 > 0:31:58caring for the borough's abandoned and mistreated pets.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03Today he's returning to the local vets to check up on
0:32:03 > 0:32:07a neglected dog, suffering with a serious skin condition.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09I don't want to do this to you.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12If the dog's health hasn't improved, it could be put down.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19I don't think people, when they get the dog, realise the work involved.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23It is like having another child in the house.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28Ian is desperate to find out if the dog's skin condition is treatable.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30If not, it faces a bleak future.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36- What is it? Did he say? - Demodex.- Is it?- Yeah.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Demodex, commonly known as mange,
0:32:39 > 0:32:43is an infestation of mites in an animal's skin.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47The mites live and feed off hair follicles and oil glands, causing
0:32:47 > 0:32:52intense irritation, which is made significantly worse by scratching.
0:32:52 > 0:32:53DOG BARKS
0:32:53 > 0:32:54Hello!
0:32:56 > 0:33:00If infections take hold in the open wounds it can be fatal.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03But demodex responds well to medication,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06and in just 24 hours there's a marked improvement,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10saving the dog from the threat of being put down.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Are you coming with me? I reckon he's not even two years old.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Big black eyes. Yeah.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21And while it's still wary of unfamiliar surroundings,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24it's well enough to be taken to the Dogs' Home
0:33:24 > 0:33:27where it will be cared for until it can be rehomed.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31He's looking a lot better today now he's had a bit of treatment.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34And he seems to be calming down as well.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37I hope when I say that I'm not going to get bit now.
0:33:37 > 0:33:38This is the hard part.
0:33:40 > 0:33:41Come on.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44But all this could have been prevented had the dog been
0:33:44 > 0:33:46looked after properly by its owners.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52I absolutely love dogs. I hate how some people treat dogs.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58After being abandoned on the streets, a call to the
0:33:58 > 0:34:02council from a concerned resident has enabled Ian to get this
0:34:02 > 0:34:04young dog treated and keep him safe from further harm.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10Come on, you. A little bit nervous, aren't you?
0:34:14 > 0:34:17I love my job. People would kill for my job.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Dealing with all these animals and everything like that.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22I still want to win the lottery and buy a big house in the country
0:34:22 > 0:34:23and take them all home.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25But it's just one of them dreams, isn't it?
0:34:26 > 0:34:29If you find an animal that's been abandoned,
0:34:29 > 0:34:32mistreated or is being aggressive call your council to
0:34:32 > 0:34:36ensure that they are handled professionally and safely.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39This work is just another example of the ways our councils help
0:34:39 > 0:34:41residents both great and small.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58Back at council HQ, Environmental Services officer Phil Rogers
0:34:58 > 0:35:02has been working hard to bring an end to the sleepless nights
0:35:02 > 0:35:03suffered by one resident
0:35:03 > 0:35:08that she believes are being caused by a relentless hum near her home.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Although recordings of a neighbouring mill showed no evidence
0:35:11 > 0:35:15of a noise level that constituted a legal nuisance, Phil is determined
0:35:15 > 0:35:18to find a resolution for Sheila Hardy, and he's had a break through.
0:35:19 > 0:35:24We have spoken to one of the managers at the factory.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27He voluntarily agreed to undertake some processes to try
0:35:27 > 0:35:31and eliminate any noise that would possibly be a nuisance.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33A lot of the windows in the factory get broken
0:35:33 > 0:35:36so we undertook to make sure all those windows were blocked
0:35:36 > 0:35:42so that any sound escaping from those windows was abated.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44He also undertook to put some extra lagging on some
0:35:44 > 0:35:48of the machinery in order to dull any noise that was coming off them.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50And he did all those things.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53We've done absolutely everything we could do to satisfy
0:35:53 > 0:35:54Mrs Hardy's complaint.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Thanks to Phil's efforts and the compliance of the mill owner,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Phil's found a solution to Sheila's sleeplessness.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07And she's already feeling the benefits of his negotiations.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12I personally think one of the machines needed a part
0:36:12 > 0:36:14replacing and they've solved it now.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19They fixed the machine, fixed the windows and everything
0:36:19 > 0:36:21and it's sorted.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25I wouldn't have been getting onto the environmental
0:36:25 > 0:36:28if I wasn't being kept awake at night.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32If you're not sleeping at night, you're not sleeping at night so...
0:36:32 > 0:36:35I'm quite happy now.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38It's solved and I'm sleeping in an evening and I'm happy with that.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45It's a good result for this local council hero who's gone
0:36:45 > 0:36:47out of his way to help a resident in need.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Sometimes we get some intransigent business owners
0:36:51 > 0:36:55and sometimes we don't. On this occasion they were quite helpful.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59And voluntarily offered to do some work, undertake some processes
0:36:59 > 0:37:04that were likely to quieten whatever noise was being produced.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06I'm quite pleased and it resolved
0:37:06 > 0:37:08the situation to everybody's satisfaction.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Another example of the pro-active work being done by our council
0:37:21 > 0:37:25officers is the initiative being adopted by licensing teams
0:37:25 > 0:37:26up and down the country
0:37:26 > 0:37:30to enforce new regulations to crack down on metal theft.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36In Tameside, Operation Alloy is seeing the council's
0:37:36 > 0:37:40licensing team join forces with the police and vehicle agencies.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42They're spot-checking traders carrying scrap,
0:37:42 > 0:37:47to ensure they're adhering to the new Scrap Metal Dealers Act of 2013.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Apparently he's put the scrap metal in the back to take
0:37:53 > 0:37:56it for a ride around the block and he's taking it home again.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58So we will deal with that appropriately.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Not all traders agree that the new licenses,
0:38:00 > 0:38:04that cost upwards of £300 to obtain, are necessary.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06I'm not happy about these new licences.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08- I think it's a load of- BLEEP.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10I think it's robbing us proper.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Carrying out an operation of this scale allows the team to spot
0:38:14 > 0:38:17check any other commercial vehicles that they think could be
0:38:17 > 0:38:19posing a risk to road users.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Having spotted a pick-up truck carrying a large
0:38:24 > 0:38:28consignment of heavy paving stones, police officers have brought
0:38:28 > 0:38:31the driver in to check the roadworthiness of the vehicle.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34I'm 3/4 of a tonne over weight.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- And a nice fine.- He's being prosecuted for being overweight.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45He's going to get three points and a fixed penalty notice.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48He's looking at a ban if he has any points on his licence.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51And there's going to be a recovery fee of a couple hundred quid
0:38:51 > 0:38:52to get the vehicle back.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56So not a good day at the office for this guy.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Just getting rid of our rubbish.
0:38:59 > 0:39:00Out of the back garden.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03It wouldn't be safe to allow it to drive out of here.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06So it's on a recovery truck and back to the police compound.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Even though this truck isn't trading scrap,
0:39:09 > 0:39:11officers are compelled to act.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15And the result is another dangerous vehicle off Tameside's streets.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Hop out. Hop out.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20- Could you not feel it?- No.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22The latest trader to be stopped is a builder,
0:39:22 > 0:39:26whose van might be exceeding its acceptable weight.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29A lot of the time this is what we get, the builder's van type vehicles.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31It's not always the obvious pick-up full of scrap metal.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Until you get these in and have a look,
0:39:35 > 0:39:37you don't know what they're doing.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42You see how low down it is on the suspension and the tyres?
0:39:42 > 0:39:45If he's not been weighed then we'll do that.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47I nipped off the job to get some materials
0:39:47 > 0:39:50so they'll be wondering where I am.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Overloading a vehicle puts undue pressure on its shock absorbers
0:39:53 > 0:39:55and brakes.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58It's a problem all too familiar to head engineer Dave.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Compensator valve.
0:40:02 > 0:40:08Which adjusts the brakes' weight to the rear of the vehicle.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- That was under. - Show you the defects right now.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18It's all underneath so it's not something I was aware of.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22If I was aware of it, I would have had it fixed.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25If that goes off road today, I cease work.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Every vehicle has a legally acceptable weight,
0:40:31 > 0:40:36which for this van is 2,205 kilograms.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37Dave checks the weight
0:40:37 > 0:40:40and the effect it's having on the van's braking system.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47It's actually just in.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52The limit is 2,205 and he's 2,128.
0:40:52 > 0:40:59The axel weights are both 1,230. So it's fine.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02The weights were all good, brakes were all good.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05I think being here and working in this environment,
0:41:05 > 0:41:08you have a much more balanced approach to enforcement.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11We'll do a prosecution if we think it's necessary
0:41:11 > 0:41:15but we have such a wide range of enforcement options open to us
0:41:15 > 0:41:18and compliance options open to us, as well.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22A lot of the time it's about helping people in businesses
0:41:22 > 0:41:25operate legally. We offer so much support.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27Most of the work we do is supporting businesses.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33Got some defects they're taking it off road for the moment for.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37Got to get a tow truck to take it to the garage to have the defects done.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Then it's back on the road again.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44Been really good, excellent day. It's been a real mixed bag.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46A lot more variety than we normally deal with.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51To have the police here and seize uninsured vehicles
0:41:51 > 0:41:54and get dangerous drivers off the road has been really good.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57What's been good from the scrap metal perspective is we've had
0:41:57 > 0:42:02a few of them in, all of them bar one have been correctly licensed.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06Vehicles haven't been in particularly bad condition.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Back to base for debrief and cocktails.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24Like their council colleagues nationwide, it's been another
0:42:24 > 0:42:28successful shift for these heroic officers. They've saved
0:42:28 > 0:42:31taxpayers thousands of pounds by introducing energy efficient
0:42:31 > 0:42:33lighting to the borough.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35We're going to put up nine LED
0:42:35 > 0:42:39lanterns today. Wattage of 36 as opposed to 90 Watts.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Helped a resident get a peaceful night's sleep,
0:42:44 > 0:42:47after negotiating with the bosses of a neighbouring mill.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53Quite happy it's solved and I'm sleeping in an evening.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55I'm happy with that.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59And removed several hazardous trade vehicles from the road.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02It's possible we're looking at a ban if he has any points on his licence.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06But most importantly, they've worked tirelessly
0:43:06 > 0:43:09to help their residents when they called the council.