0:00:03 > 0:00:08From waste and recycling to pest control and trading standards,
0:00:08 > 0:00:13the taxes we pay our local councils are used to provide
0:00:13 > 0:00:15many of our most essential services.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18I like people who are keen to recycle.
0:00:18 > 0:00:23In this series, we follow the front line staff working behind the walls of Tameside town hall
0:00:23 > 0:00:25in Greater Manchester.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30Like council officers across the country, these local heroes
0:00:30 > 0:00:34are waging war on those blighting our communities.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37Oi, oi, oi! Excuse me, love, you can't do that!
0:00:37 > 0:00:39They're protecting us from hidden dangers.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43If there's rodent activity in your kitchen, you won't be opening tonight.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Making sure our cash is spent on those who need it most.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50I'm at a loose end. I do not know where to turn.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54And responding to their residents when they call the council.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02Coming up:
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Council officers battle to protect the public
0:01:05 > 0:01:07when mice move into a takeaway...
0:01:07 > 0:01:11Britain's got a mouse problem. They need to resolve that first.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13They come from outside, not from inside.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20..get elbow-deep in rubbish looking for the culprit of a botched Italian recycling job...
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Look!
0:01:22 > 0:01:23It's not me.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Are you sure? I'll check on the CCTV!
0:01:27 > 0:01:32..and respond when residents call the council for help to keep warm.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35The proof of the pudding will be in the eating, as they say,
0:01:35 > 0:01:36or in the heating!
0:01:45 > 0:01:49There are 433 local authorities in the UK,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52employing over two million people.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56Tameside Council and its dedicated staff stands proudly
0:01:56 > 0:01:59at the heart of the Greater Manchester Borough it serves.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04Be it food hygiene, pest control, health or waste manage management,
0:02:04 > 0:02:08like town halls nationwide, council officers here work tirelessly
0:02:08 > 0:02:09on behalf of their residents,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13especially when they call the council.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Environmental services, Bev Hursthouse speaking.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21Across the UK, local council officers like Bev Hursthouse
0:02:21 > 0:02:25protect us all from the hidden horrors of food-borne germs and disease.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Hygiene, I would definitely say, is more important
0:02:28 > 0:02:31than what colour the wallpaper is, more important than what colour
0:02:31 > 0:02:33your seating area is,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37because the colour of your wallpaper or your array of seats
0:02:37 > 0:02:39isn't really going to make anybody poorly
0:02:39 > 0:02:42but behind closed doors, there's so many risks there.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50The most recent survey suggests that around a million people
0:02:50 > 0:02:52in the UK suffer from food poisoning each year.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57By law, all food outlets in the country have to be inspected
0:02:57 > 0:03:01and their standards of food hygiene rated from zero to five
0:03:01 > 0:03:03by officers like Bev.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09The rating gives the public the chance to see behind the closed doors
0:03:09 > 0:03:12and if the businesses are doing well and they get a good four or five,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15they're proud to display that.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18But businesses don't have to display their ratings
0:03:18 > 0:03:21and rarely do when they've been scored as low as zero.
0:03:22 > 0:03:28A one-star rating to a business is indicating that major improvement is required.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31It could be a number of things, going back to something structural,
0:03:31 > 0:03:36it could be staff training, it could be cleaning issues. It could be a number of things.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39It's usually a few things when it's a one -
0:03:39 > 0:03:41it's usually a couple of items that need addressing.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45These ratings are invaluable for us customers,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49but council officers also categorise food businesses
0:03:49 > 0:03:53to decide how frequently they need to carry out inspections.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Decisions are based on the businesses' compliance
0:03:56 > 0:04:00with the code of practice laid down by the Food Standards Agency
0:04:00 > 0:04:03and the subsequent risk they pose to public health.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07A 'C' rated business is classed as low risk
0:04:07 > 0:04:10and will be inspected every 18 months.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12A 'B' every 12,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16but risky 'A'-rated premises will be visited every six months.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Today, together with Sian Dyer, Bev is making a visit to a takeaway
0:04:21 > 0:04:25serving everything from pizza and chips to curries and kebabs.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Is it OK if we come through?
0:04:28 > 0:04:34This business was rated as a C, low risk, but when Bev made her routine inspection a week ago,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38she had some serious concerns about its backyard.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41It was filthy and attractive to rodents.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44On my last inspection, there was quite a lot of build up out here
0:04:44 > 0:04:48so we asked for the area to be cleaned and any food items
0:04:48 > 0:04:50such as the oil to be covered,
0:04:50 > 0:04:55they've done a really good job, actually - they've cleaned this really, really well.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58But they've missed one vital spot.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01They need to pest-proof this door, there's quite a large gap under there
0:05:01 > 0:05:06which is potentially an area that any vermin could get into.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10This crack is an open invitation to disease-ridden vermin
0:05:10 > 0:05:14who have food waiting for them in the cellar.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16And it looks like they've found it.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Mouse droppings.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Have you had any problem with mice at all?
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- Have you found any mice? - We found some droppings.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28That's why we've called this guy in tomorrow, innit?
0:05:30 > 0:05:34All rodents carry diseases that pose a serious risk to public health.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39They spread bacterial infections, like salmonella and leptospirosis
0:05:39 > 0:05:43by contaminating work surfaces with their faeces.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46What's good is you have your contractor guy coming in tomorrow,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49but we need to realise is we've got a mouse problem today.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Britain's got a mouse problem, rat problem. They need to resolve that first.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55They've come from outside, not from inside.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58If I could just have my say, the business owner's got a duty
0:05:58 > 0:06:01to make sure he's protecting his business
0:06:01 > 0:06:04and the people coming in to buy food from his business.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08So filling in holes, having a pest contract, doing your visual checks,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11making sure you haven't got mouse droppings,
0:06:11 > 0:06:15is the responsibility of the business owner.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17If there are mice in the restaurant's cellar,
0:06:17 > 0:06:21it's highly likely others have made their way into its kitchen.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Bev and Sian act quickly, hunting out any telltale signs.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Just seeing if we've got any more droppings in this area.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37What mice like to do is run round the edges,
0:06:37 > 0:06:39that's why you tend to not see them visually,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42but you always look for the signs, which are the droppings
0:06:42 > 0:06:44and that generally shows you where they're running.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Fresh droppings.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- Definitely fresh.- Very fresh?- Yeah.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55All that needs to be sealed completely.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58And you can see it goes all the way along there.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- That needs to be sealed.- Yep.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05This is where have the problem, this is where we've found the mouse droppings.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10Having found a wealth of evidence to suggest a serious rodent infestation,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Bev and Sian are forced into immediate action
0:07:13 > 0:07:16to safeguard the public's health.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- We need to look at closing the premise.- Closing it?
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- We need to close.- You know how hard it is, to support a family nowadays?
0:07:23 > 0:07:27If I could just say, we don't want businesses to close either.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31But right now, there's people buying products from your shop.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35But you haven't found no mouse droppings on the surfaces or anything, have you?
0:07:35 > 0:07:37But, you haven't got...
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Have you found any droppings on the surfaces?
0:07:40 > 0:07:41There's mice.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Not on the surfaces.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Doesn't matter. There's mice. There's mice.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51Eventually, the management agree to close the takeaway for 24 hours.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53They'll use the time to deep-clean the kitchen
0:07:53 > 0:07:57and make sure the mice can't access it or the cellar again.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59I couldn't walk away from a business
0:07:59 > 0:08:01knowing that something's not right here
0:08:01 > 0:08:03and there's a potential risk to consumers or to people
0:08:03 > 0:08:07that are going into that business. We have to stop it.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10With their duty to the taxpaying public in mind,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Bev and Sian will return.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14They'll only allow the takeaway to trade again
0:08:14 > 0:08:17when the serious threat to public health has been removed.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Officers like Sian and Bev respond to requests
0:08:32 > 0:08:35and complaints passed to them from the Council's call centre.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Welcome to Tameside Council. How can I help?
0:08:38 > 0:08:43Staff here do their best to direct residents' queries to the right officer,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46but not all calls are easy to pass on.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Yes, we deal with that here.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51We've had quite a few funny calls over the years, we really have.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54That's the thing I like about the job.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Thank you. Your address, please?
0:08:56 > 0:08:58'I had a lady on the telephone,'
0:08:58 > 0:09:02I was quite agitated, because she was agitated,
0:09:02 > 0:09:06she was very upset, she said she had asylum seekers living in her loft.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09I was a little bit... You hear of these things,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12and I was thinking, we have to get the police involved,
0:09:12 > 0:09:13do this and do that...
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Then she said, "Do you know what they do during the night?"
0:09:16 > 0:09:19I said, "What's that?" She said, "They come down and they paint my radiators pink."
0:09:19 > 0:09:21And they polish my shoes.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25At that point I stopped panicking and thinking I should get in touch with the police
0:09:25 > 0:09:27and I phoned one of our social services sections.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33The one that's made me smile recently was a dog fouling,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36as daft as that might sound. Somebody rang us up,
0:09:36 > 0:09:38and said they wanted to report some dog fouling.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40When I asked where it was, he said his shoe.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44Well, I found it very difficult at that point to maintain the professionalism, but I did!
0:09:46 > 0:09:47Brilliant.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Britain's local councils are battling ever-decreasing budgets,
0:10:00 > 0:10:05but even when times are tough, they endeavour to help those most in need.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Thanks to some additional Government funds,
0:10:07 > 0:10:12Councils across the country have been piloting a boiler scrappage scheme
0:10:12 > 0:10:15aimed at residents on low incomes.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17James Mallion runs the scheme in Tameside,
0:10:17 > 0:10:22which reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions by installing free
0:10:22 > 0:10:23energy efficient boilers.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27We've got funding for about 180-200 boilers
0:10:27 > 0:10:31depending on the individual costs per job, which can vary.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34There are two main objectives - we're helping people in that situation
0:10:34 > 0:10:37so they can have more cost-effective heating
0:10:37 > 0:10:40and heat their homes more affordably and hopefully, in some cases,
0:10:40 > 0:10:42bring them out of fuel poverty.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45But also, we're looking at the carbon emissions from that, as well.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52It's estimated that nearly 2.4 million English households
0:10:52 > 0:10:56are in fuel poverty, meaning they spend more than 10% of their income
0:10:56 > 0:11:00on fuel to maintain a satisfactory level of warmth in their home.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03I know it's recently been announced in the North West,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06it's the worst region in terms of the number of households
0:11:06 > 0:11:09that are in fuel poverty. It is an increasing problem, really.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13One of the residents who called his council
0:11:13 > 0:11:18and qualified for a new boiler is 77-year-old pensioner Derek Southall.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21His old-fashioned gas fire is outdated and inefficient.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24It's quite old. We've had it a long time.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30The radiators were put in 1972.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35The boiler's usually all right, though it does go wrong sometimes.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38It's always been quite efficient,
0:11:38 > 0:11:42but they tell me it's not very efficient nowadays,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45it's using too much energy.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47It was put in when my wife was alive
0:11:47 > 0:11:51so obviously, it'll take some memories,
0:11:51 > 0:11:57but they tell me the new one will be better, so I hope they're right.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00James and private contractor Darren Lewis arrive
0:12:00 > 0:12:03to check Derek's house ahead of the installation.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05DOOR BELL RINGS
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- Hi, Mr Southall.- Come in.- I'm James from the council. This is Darren.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12- Hello.- Hi, Mr Southall.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15- Please go in.- Thank you.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19We will put in your new central heating system,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22replacing your old boiler which is 60% efficient,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- and we're putting in a new combination boiler which is 91% efficient.- Great.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31We'll be putting all new radiators in. And I'll just need to check a few things with you.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- OK. Just go where you want to go. - All right, thanks.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39Experts suggest that during UK winters, 24,000 older people
0:12:39 > 0:12:42could die from cold weather.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46The times we're in, it's very difficult for everyone to afford to heat their homes,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49and particularly the most vulnerable people in the community.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53It is only a one-off scheme, so it's not long term,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56it's not available to a lot of people
0:12:56 > 0:13:01and it's not available in all areas either, so it's a challenge.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03It's very frustrating for a lot of households,
0:13:03 > 0:13:08they are struggling in terms of falling into debt with high energy bills.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11They might feel like they can't afford to put the heating on
0:13:11 > 0:13:13so then they end up with health problems.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19It's really nice to be able to do something that does help people.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23I think sometimes the council does get a bit of a bad reputation
0:13:23 > 0:13:27because a lot of the work we do is indirectly helping people,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30whereas fortunately for me,
0:13:30 > 0:13:34it's a nice position to be in, where you are directly helping people.
0:13:34 > 0:13:41Without further ado, the builders begin the job of replacing Mr Southall's 40-year-old boiler.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45They came on time.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47They started straightaway.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52They seem to be working very hard, and they know what they're doing,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55so, just leave them to it.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00Mr Southall's is one of over 100,000 new boilers installed nationwide.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05When the house is back to normal, it'll be warmer,
0:14:05 > 0:14:09and I'll save money on gas and heating.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Should be all right.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15It is good to be able to do this kind of work that is very visible,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17it is very proactive.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Only time will tell if this successful pilot scheme
0:14:21 > 0:14:24will turn into a permanent enterprise.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27For now, many local authorities do offer advice
0:14:27 > 0:14:29on how to make your house energy efficient,
0:14:29 > 0:14:33so if you have any questions you could call the council.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Yes, I am pleased with it.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38The proof of the pudding will be in the eating, as they say -
0:14:38 > 0:14:40or in the heating!
0:14:51 > 0:14:52On the other side of town,
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Bev and Sian have the enforcement bit between their teeth.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00We're from Environmental Services again, just to do your re-visit.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02They're back at the takeaway that closed down after
0:15:02 > 0:15:06evidence of mice was discovered in its cellars and kitchens.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11Do you know how hard it is, love, to support a family nowadays?
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Today it's D-day for the business.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20The thing is with mice in a food establishment is,
0:15:20 > 0:15:23they don't just stay on the floor, they tend to wait till you've closed
0:15:23 > 0:15:26the business and then go and urinate all over your worktops
0:15:26 > 0:15:29and your pans and your cutlery.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31They're not shy, they'll come out and do the business
0:15:31 > 0:15:34when your business is closed, so to speak.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39So, potentially, there's a risk there of eating contaminated food.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- Can we start in the cellar? - You could do, yeah.- Is that OK?
0:15:44 > 0:15:47Only Bev and Sian can give them permission to reopen and they
0:15:47 > 0:15:51have to be convinced that any risk to public health has been removed.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54When we was here last, there was
0:15:54 > 0:15:58a number of holes that needed to be filled -
0:15:58 > 0:16:01obviously access for vermin.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03We've spotted some droppings in the corner.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07There were some holes in the ceiling, structurally,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10but the work seems to have been carried out.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14But the mice's main route into the takeaway was through a large
0:16:14 > 0:16:16gap under the back door.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19It's a big improvement that with the back door.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22With doors altered and holes filled there has been an improvement,
0:16:22 > 0:16:27but is it enough for Sian and Bev to let the business resume trading?
0:16:27 > 0:16:30As you know, these were really emergency jobs, to get done,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33so you could reopen.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35As we've said, the work is temporary,
0:16:35 > 0:16:37so you've done a temporary repair job.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39That's not going to remain in place for ever.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41We're happy for you to open.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44We'll sign off to say that we're happy for you to open.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Continue with the cleaning, don't just open the shutters,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50you've got to give it a really good wipe down, OK?
0:16:50 > 0:16:53The takeaway has rectified it's pest problem,
0:16:53 > 0:16:54but having found issues,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Bev downgrades it from a category C to B,
0:16:57 > 0:17:01meaning more regular inspections to make sure the problems don't return.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04I do like to work with the businesses,
0:17:04 > 0:17:06I don't go in all guns blazing.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10We do have guidelines and legislation that we have to follow
0:17:10 > 0:17:13and I hopefully do go in and make this clear to businesses.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17It's good news, but still a bit of work to do and everything,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21so hopefully we'll be able to trade soon.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Hopefully, step in the right direction, and we're open tonight,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26so that's a good thing.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29From now on, Bev will inspect the business every 12 months,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32to check it stays clean and mouse-free.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35In this way she can make sure customers are safe.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37OK. Thank you.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Every year, 177 million tonnes of waste
0:17:49 > 0:17:51are generated in England alone.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Because it costs us all millions to get rid of,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57the country's local authorities are battling
0:17:57 > 0:17:59to utilise their resources more effectively
0:17:59 > 0:18:03and encouraging us to reduce, re-use and recycle.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07But campaigners say while some areas of England are reaching recycling
0:18:07 > 0:18:12rates nearing 70%, others areas are only achieving 15%.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16So recycling is a contentious issue that splits opinion across the country.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21One of the good points, for me, is their recycling policy.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I know a lot of people think that it's a pain -
0:18:24 > 0:18:26why do we have to have so many bins?
0:18:26 > 0:18:31The fact is, we can't keep on filling land up with rubbish.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36The council could do more on approaching
0:18:36 > 0:18:39the people proper to recycle.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42It becomes wrong when they just impose upon you and say,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45"As from next week, you'll put this stuff in that bin,
0:18:45 > 0:18:49"that stuff in that bin." It will not work.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52You can't make people recycle.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58People now should recycle, it's come to that way of life.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01It's not a hard thing to do.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03They give you a letter when you first start.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05I've actually got it pinned up in me kitchen.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08They also give you a paper that says what goes in what,
0:19:08 > 0:19:12so really, at the end of the day, it's up to you to do it, isn't it?
0:19:12 > 0:19:14I do try me hardest,
0:19:14 > 0:19:18but sometimes it's a bit hard - just throw it in the bin.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33If we persistently refuse or fail to put the right rubbish
0:19:33 > 0:19:36in the right bin, it's the council that gets called.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Environmental enforcement officers Louise Ashton
0:19:41 > 0:19:44and Sharon Campbell have received a complaint from the bin men
0:19:44 > 0:19:47about a local restaurant where general waste isn't being
0:19:47 > 0:19:51separated from rubbish that could be recycled.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- That's it.- Pagliacci Ristorante. Pizzeria.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00Before going in they brush up on the lingo.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02How do you say that? Paglia...
0:20:02 > 0:20:06Pagliacci. I don't know how you pronounce the double C.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Yeah, cheek. Pagliacci. Pagliacci. Yeah.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16I'll have to have a go at it.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24- I'm from Tameside Council. My name's Louise.- Hello.- Nice to meet you.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25I wonder if we could go somewhere
0:20:25 > 0:20:28and have a quick word about your recycling bins.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- Now?- Yes, please. If you could fit us in. No problem. Thank you.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Quite often we'll go out to bins
0:20:35 > 0:20:39and there'll be a blue bin, which is paper and cardboard,
0:20:39 > 0:20:44and somebody's filled it with general rubbish or they've filled it
0:20:44 > 0:20:48half full of plastics and it's contaminated now.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51It can't go in to that recycling stream
0:20:51 > 0:20:53because it will ruin the whole load.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57The problem we're having is we're getting reports off
0:20:57 > 0:21:01the lads that the actual recycling bins are contaminated.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04You can see they are. We've got glass in there. We've got ash.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07We've got cans.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10The council provides a free collection service
0:21:10 > 0:21:11for recycled waste.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16If waste isn't separated the whole bin full has to go to landfill.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21This costs Tameside Council £300 per tonne to dispose of.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25Unnecessary costs like these divert our money from other essential
0:21:25 > 0:21:29council services, and fines can be issued if the problem persists.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33But restaurant owner Dom say's he isn't contaminating the bins
0:21:33 > 0:21:36and begins his own investigation to find out who is.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- It's not me.- Look!
0:21:39 > 0:21:45Last night they were full. This morning, this. I don't know.
0:21:45 > 0:21:52- It must be somebody else. - Are you sure? I check on the CCTV.
0:21:56 > 0:22:02- Manager.- OK. Sorry.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06The chefs blame Manager Fabrizio but he has a different theory.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10It's no member of staff make this kind of mistake
0:22:10 > 0:22:15because we learn every member of staff working here
0:22:15 > 0:22:20in the kitchen, the KP, every night,
0:22:20 > 0:22:25divide to the bin, plastic or bottle.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28I believe it's somebody else.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32If this isn't an inside job, Louise and Sharon must identify the actual
0:22:32 > 0:22:36culprits who could face fines of up to £2,500.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40The only way to do this is by getting their hands dirty.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42This is a bag of general waste.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45That's not ours because we would have used this.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- Somebody was around here.- Right.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- In the restaurant we wouldn't use stuff like that.- OK.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55We have to root through the rubbish to get to get the evidence we need.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00I can tell you a lot about a person's lifestyle from the rubbish, you know.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Even if we don't actually get evidence,
0:23:03 > 0:23:05I can tell you what the shopping patterns are...
0:23:05 > 0:23:07and all the rest of it.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10As the saying goes, it's a dirty job but somebody has to do it.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Looks like beauty therapy stuff.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18It looks like it's from a beauty therapy.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21On the back, there's something that says...
0:23:21 > 0:23:23I saw a telephone number.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Do you know how many times I catch people who just abandon
0:23:26 > 0:23:28the bin bag outside here.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29We don't want to have that.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- There's no address on this. But there is a name.- Telephone number as well.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38Yeah, there's a name of a clinic, so I'll look into that.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42They may have found the culprit, but Dom's not stopping there.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45For two or three weeks, there has been carton box there, they abandon.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Passionate about his neighbourhood,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- he has a proposition for Sharon and Louise.- With your help...
0:23:57 > 0:23:59That's something we can address with the council.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11I'm going to give you my phone number now and then you
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and I will stay in touch and I'll get one of the project officers,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16between us we'll sort something.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23Dom's a very vibrant character. Very outspoken. Lovely man.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- Wash my hands now.- Yes.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27I like characters like that, it makes your day.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31It just breaks up the sort of bland, rooting through rubbish
0:24:31 > 0:24:34to sort of meeting someone who's quite a nice person.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51The UK's council officers who are keeping our streets safe
0:24:51 > 0:24:54and fighting to make best use of our taxes,
0:24:54 > 0:24:56face fresh challenges every day.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Working as a team is one way to conquer them.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Me and Louise, we work well together. We're a good team.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I think we're better together than apart.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11It's just something that we've always done and we work really well.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14We have our ups and downs, laughs and jokes.
0:25:14 > 0:25:15I can think of one that's quite funny.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Where Sharon managed to run me over.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Yeah, Sharon ran me over at a fly tipping job.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24She hadn't put her handbrake on properly.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Carried me up the backside and tipped me headfirst into the rubbish.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32That's not very nice, is it? That's not what you call a friend.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34It's a good job she had her rigger boots on.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Health and safety, always health and safety,
0:25:36 > 0:25:38otherwise she might have been a bit, uh...
0:25:38 > 0:25:40worse for wear.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56Another dynamic duo working together today is pest control officer
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Brian Wheelan and his colleague Danny.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02A landlord's called the council to a vacant property with a cellar
0:26:02 > 0:26:05full of rubbish and possible rodent activity.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09We've got a void property that's got reports of rats in the cellar.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13I believe there's a trap door underneath the stairs,
0:26:13 > 0:26:14so I'll have a look around.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Bit of luck, we might see a bit of live activity.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Enjoyable for you, fella. Seeing as you've not seen any.
0:26:20 > 0:26:21Hopefully!
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Normally Danny works as a grave-digger in Tameside's cemeteries
0:26:27 > 0:26:30but has swapped pick axe for pest control poison
0:26:30 > 0:26:32and is joining Brian on today's rat hunt.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35Meow.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39And it looks like Brian has another new recruit with a nose for rodents.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46The house has only been empty for a few weeks but it's been longer
0:26:46 > 0:26:49since anyone was brave enough to venture into the cellar.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53Right, according to this there's a trap door under the stairs or something.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Here we go. Bingo. Cheers.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Are you ready with your torch?
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Urgh, God. Look at that.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11If rats are present,
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Brian's experienced nose will be able to sniff them out.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Oh, it stinks, man. Urgh.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- It's nice down here, though.- Is it? - Lovely.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Look at the state of this, man.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29As a grave-digger, Danny's used to being six foot under
0:27:29 > 0:27:31but this might be a step too far.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33I've got a step machine, there.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Fighting their way through the rubbish,
0:27:39 > 0:27:44it's not long before the first signs of telltale signs of rats emerge.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49There's a very, very strong smell of wee in here.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50There's rat droppings.
0:27:52 > 0:27:53Oh, some fresh ones.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58On the bed, there. Here you are, Dan. Them ones, there.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00THUD! You all right, mate? Be careful!
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Just went through it!
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- Just watch yourself. You all right?- Yeah, I'm all right.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09See them there? They're your fresh droppings. You can see 'em shining.
0:28:11 > 0:28:18So it's not been...too long since it's been and had a...a poo.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Rats can squeeze through spaces just 1cm wide,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24so it could have been prevented from entering by access holes
0:28:24 > 0:28:28being sealed and attractive bedding and food sources being removed.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Now it's obvious rats are in residence,
0:28:31 > 0:28:35but Brian and Danny haven't actually spotted any...yet.
0:28:35 > 0:28:36- Yeah.- Ssh, ssh.
0:28:40 > 0:28:41Hear it?
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Ssh, ssh.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53- That's a toilet area there.- Yeah.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01I just heard them underneath here.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Cos we've walked across here and sort of compacted a few things down.
0:29:04 > 0:29:05You could hear 'em running,
0:29:05 > 0:29:08all scattering through underneath here, but I mean,
0:29:08 > 0:29:13they'll be deep down and have only come out here, used this as a toilet.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17All this is gorgeous here for them. It's like, er...
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Cancun in Mexico, this, for them.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22I mean, they've got everything. Beautiful.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28It'd be nice if they came out, like, but...
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Unfortunately.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35All right, mate, what we'll do is bait it up first.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37- Yeah.- Get 'em eating the poison.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40So I've put quite a bit of bait down, yeah?
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Put some on there, mate.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Right, er...
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Give us some. Put some down here, mate.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Open it like a bag of crisps.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58And then...fold it over.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07So what we'll do now is we've put the bait down, we leave it a week,
0:30:07 > 0:30:09we'll come back, check the bait.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11If it's been taken, put more bait down.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13So we'll have to see how it goes.
0:30:13 > 0:30:14Let's go.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18Poison laid, this brave pair will return to face the perils of
0:30:18 > 0:30:23the cellar in a few days and see if they've managed to remove any rats.
0:30:36 > 0:30:41In 2012, local authorities received 150,000 complaints
0:30:41 > 0:30:44from their residents about their local environment
0:30:44 > 0:30:48and spent over £6 billion on environmental services.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51Today, enforcement officer, Pete Grimes,
0:30:51 > 0:30:54is investigating after a resident called the council
0:30:54 > 0:30:57to complain about smoke coming from a neighbour's chimney.
0:30:57 > 0:31:02We received a complaint regarding smoke and odours from a chimney.
0:31:02 > 0:31:03The complainant says that
0:31:03 > 0:31:05she couldn't have the window open,
0:31:05 > 0:31:08she suffers from chest problems and they were getting
0:31:08 > 0:31:11ash fallout on the window ledges.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Under the Clean Air Act, the UK's local authorities can declare
0:31:14 > 0:31:19all or part of their district a smoke control area.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Offenders failing to burn an approved smokeless fuel
0:31:22 > 0:31:25and emitting smoke from a chimney, furnace or fixed boiler
0:31:25 > 0:31:28can be fined up to £1,000.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31The complaint has been made against resident Andy Chipman,
0:31:31 > 0:31:34who's recently installed a wood burner.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38We holidayed in Cornwall and, er, in the cottage, there was a log burner
0:31:38 > 0:31:42and it was ever so nice to sit there of an evening with the fire going
0:31:42 > 0:31:45and my wife got really excited about it and, er,
0:31:45 > 0:31:47we spoke about having one ourselves.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51Anyone wanting to burn fuel that's not approved by DEFRA -
0:31:51 > 0:31:54the government's Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs -
0:31:54 > 0:31:57can only do so using a DEFRA-approved appliance.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- Mr Chipman? Hiya. Pete Grimes of the environmental health.- Yeah.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05- We spoke the other day on the phone regarding the appliance?- Come on in.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Pete wants to find out if Andy's burner,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10and the fuel he's using, meet the regulations.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Tameside is a smoke-controlled area and we don't want
0:32:13 > 0:32:16people burning coals and wood as a main source of fuel,
0:32:16 > 0:32:18cos you end up back to the '50s and '60s,
0:32:18 > 0:32:19with all the smogs and smoke.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Any appliance you buy, it's got to be DEFRA-approved.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26- That is not DEFRA-approved to burn...- I've just found that out.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29'Unfortunately, a lot of people see these log-burning stoves advertised
0:32:29 > 0:32:32'and they don't do... They don't work properly.'
0:32:32 > 0:32:35They just see this appliance and go and buy it and get it fitted.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39And then, someone complains and we go out and say, "Unfortunately,
0:32:39 > 0:32:42"you've bought one, but it's not the correct one for Tameside."
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Then they end up with all the heartache of either ripping it out
0:32:45 > 0:32:48and reinstalling it and buying the right one.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Because Andy's wood burner isn't approved by DEFRA,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54he should only be burning smokeless fuel.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56From my point of view, the fire's OK,
0:32:56 > 0:32:58as long as you only use smokeless fuel.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01That was another question I was going to ask.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03That means no burning of wood as your main source of fuel.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05- Wood kindling to get it going. - Right.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07And then thereafter smokeless fuel.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- Good, OK.- OK?- All right. - OK, Mr Chipman.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- Thanks for your time.- OK. - If you need any more information,
0:33:12 > 0:33:14give me a ring, you've got my number.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16I'll have a chat with you again, not a problem.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- Good.- OK, then? - Right, lovely.- Thanks a lot.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Thanks to Pete, Andy agrees to obey the law,
0:33:21 > 0:33:25but is left with a woodshed full of fuel he can't use.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30I knew about smokeless regulations, from the old days
0:33:30 > 0:33:33of smokeless zones and things like that, but I wasn't aware
0:33:33 > 0:33:38that they were strictly attached to, er, these log-burning fires.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42I mean, I thought it wasn't gas. We were just burning wood.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44I just thought a log burner was a log burner.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48DEFRA's website has a list of appliances and approved fuels
0:33:48 > 0:33:52that anyone thinking about buying a new fire or wood burner can access.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56And if you're not sure whether you live in a smoke-free area,
0:33:56 > 0:33:58you should call your council.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02Unfortunately, he's just been misled by his supplier. He's bought it
0:34:02 > 0:34:05with the understanding that it was a DEFRA-approved appliance.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10I am quite satisfied that, er, he will cease burning logs
0:34:10 > 0:34:13as his main source of fuel and go on to smokeless fuels.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30Back in Ashton, dynamic duo Brian and trainee pest control officer
0:34:30 > 0:34:35Danny have returned to remove rubbish from a rat-infested cellar.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38We're wearing it because obviously the stuff we'll be touching's
0:34:38 > 0:34:42going to be contaminated with rat urine, er, and faeces,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45so we don't want to get all that on us.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50It'll be dusty enough. And a bit murky down there.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52Brian's suited and booted
0:34:52 > 0:34:55and Danny's armed, but not very dangerous.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- Oh, very big little thing, that. - It's all I could find.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00THEY LAUGH
0:35:00 > 0:35:04On his last visit, Brian left poison for the rats to feed on.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Right, come on, then.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10But there may still be live rodents down below.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15This won't worry Brian, though,
0:35:15 > 0:35:19because, after 17 years in pest control, he's seen and heard it all.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21'You do get the stigma of rats, the size of rats,'
0:35:21 > 0:35:25when people say to you, they turn round and say to you,
0:35:25 > 0:35:28"Well, it was that big and it was running off with a bone."
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Very pungent smell of rat urine.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34The biggest rat I've ever had is probably about so big.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37I just heard a squeak, in there somewhere.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39But you always get people who say
0:35:39 > 0:35:43that they're massive and huge, like you think they're going to eat you,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46but it's never as big as they make out, honest to God.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49I just thought I'd play it a bit safe at the moment.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Cos what we don't want to do is transfer any live ones up there,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54then that gives us another issue.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59The cellar's full of a human family's belongings.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04But Brian's found a place that the rats like to call home.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Oh, that'll be there.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08It's where they've been nesting and chewing.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11See where they've chewed the insulation?
0:36:11 > 0:36:13But is anybody in?
0:36:13 > 0:36:15LOUD SQUEAK Ooh!
0:36:16 > 0:36:20Having found the nest, Brian's closing in on his prey.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24But will he ever get close enough?
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Everyone turns around and says, "Yeah,
0:36:28 > 0:36:32"but you're no further than five foot away from a rat." Yeah, you're right.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36Give us light.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40But the papers make it sound more... The media make it sound like
0:36:40 > 0:36:43five foot that way, five foot that way, five foot that way.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45But if you think, and just step back a little bit,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48what's five foot below us?
0:36:48 > 0:36:51The sewers. And where do the rats come from? The sewers.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57With the cellar almost clear, Brian's still not seen a rat...
0:36:59 > 0:37:01MACHINE BEEPS
0:37:01 > 0:37:05..but finds yet more evidence that they've been living here.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07Yeah, that's all there.
0:37:07 > 0:37:13And that is one big massive one. There and there.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15There's another one.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Down the sides of here.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20You get people turning round saying to us, "The rat's behind the cooker"
0:37:20 > 0:37:23or "the rat's here," and when you get there, there's nothing there.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26I do think they smell a pest control officer coming
0:37:26 > 0:37:28and it is quite funny, actually, sometimes.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34Thanks to Brian and Danny, the rats have fled.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36And after six hours' hard graft,
0:37:36 > 0:37:40the boys have finally reached the end of a very dirty job.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44With jobs like this, I'd definitely buy an extra line on the lottery.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47I do the house lottery, I do the national lottery.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Well, do everything.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Just sometimes, you think to yourself...
0:37:55 > 0:37:57..is it worth doing sometimes?
0:37:57 > 0:38:00But it's all right. You just get stuck in.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05It's, er...
0:38:05 > 0:38:08But, yeah, I think I do wish my numbers were coming up.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13With the cellar clear of rubbish,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16and anything that could harbour rats,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Danny and Brian fill the van and hit the road.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Across town, having consulted with the council
0:38:36 > 0:38:40about the amount of litter blighting his neighbourhood,
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Italian restaurant owner Domenico has rallied his community,
0:38:43 > 0:38:47and enforcement officer Louise, into a communal clear up.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50We bit while the... While he was keen
0:38:50 > 0:38:53and I put him in touch with one of my colleagues
0:38:53 > 0:38:56and they've got together a brilliant turn out.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59And it's various members of the local community
0:38:59 > 0:39:02and we're going to have two hours of, er,
0:39:02 > 0:39:06litter picking and just generally tidying up the area.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09I'm hoping it'll be like a rolling stone, it'll start to gather
0:39:09 > 0:39:11a bit of momentum and people will get involved.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14We're hoping this will just be the start of something for them.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21England is a beautiful country, but the people don't take much care
0:39:21 > 0:39:24and much, much, er, pride - that's the big problem.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- I follow him. He looks like a trouble causer.- He is.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Is very, very important to be proud of this town,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32because it's a nice town and nice people.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Litter things up!
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Dom is very passionate about where he works
0:39:37 > 0:39:39and where he has his business and the area.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42He refers to it as "the village", which really tickles me that.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47Right, where we off, then? Where's my...? Oh, I've lost my black bag.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50LAUGHTER Cheeky!
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Louise and the troops have two hours
0:39:54 > 0:39:57to collect as much rubbish as they can.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59I find it quite scary. We've just walked, what,
0:39:59 > 0:40:0160-70 foot from where we started
0:40:01 > 0:40:04and we've well over half filled the bags.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13I feel like a little troll under this bridge,
0:40:13 > 0:40:16just waiting and picking up rubbish.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Louise has spent over 35 years working for the council,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22but is still shocked by people's
0:40:22 > 0:40:25apparent disregard for their community.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28I think most people dump stuff, because they're too lazy
0:40:28 > 0:40:33to actually do something about it, and take responsibility for it.
0:40:33 > 0:40:34It's not rocket science.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38And a lot of that stuff that Dom's just pulled out of there,
0:40:38 > 0:40:41and put into these bags, I would say, what,
0:40:41 > 0:40:4440% of it was stuff you could recycle.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51I had a choice, you know, between the GPO, as it was then,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54British Telecom, and this.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Still, GPO doesn't exist any more, does it? So...
0:40:58 > 0:41:02SHE LAUGHS: Perhaps it wasn't a bad choice after all, that!
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- 20 bags.- 20 bags?- 20 bags.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- Brilliant.- And they was full as well.- Are they?- Yeah.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- LAUGHTER - And they was full to the brim.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- DOM:- In two hours, you cannot have a miracle. We've done the best we can.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17The hard work starts from today.
0:41:17 > 0:41:23Today's just the aperitif. The starter! The appetite!
0:41:25 > 0:41:29Rubbish removed, time for a fully deserved alfresco dinner.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Prego. That's all vegetarian.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36LOUISE: It's just a nice way of saying thank you.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40And he's taken time out of a very busy schedule to do that, really.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41Thank you.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44He's definitely stepped up to the plate and he's got out there,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46got his hands dirty, come in and washed them
0:41:46 > 0:41:50and then sorted himself out with the pizzas for all of us
0:41:50 > 0:41:53and I think, again, we feel like we've made some new friends today.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Can I go for that one, then?
0:41:55 > 0:41:58I'm hope this is just the start of getting the message
0:41:58 > 0:42:01to everybody else to start to do something about,
0:42:01 > 0:42:04because, on your own, you cannot win the war.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06You need the support of everybody else.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10Today, we were only 40 people. I hope next time we'll be 100.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Because with 100, we can cover more area.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Cheese!
0:42:14 > 0:42:16LAUGHTER
0:42:18 > 0:42:22It's been another successful shift for Britain's local heroes.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26They've helped keep residents' homes warm and wallets healthy.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Yes, I am pleased with it.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30The proof of the pudding will be in the eating, as they say,
0:42:30 > 0:42:32or in the heating!
0:42:32 > 0:42:37They leapt at the offer of a community clean up and free pizza.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Nothing like a good walk all over the town centre
0:42:39 > 0:42:42and picking up rubbish to work up an appetite.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46And acted fast when the public's health was in jeopardy.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- The business owner's got a duty...- Yeah.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- ..to make sure that he is protecting his business...- Yeah.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54..and the people that are coming in to buy food from his business.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57And all this when we call the council.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02It's nice to see a conclusion, cos you don't always see conclusions.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Cos some of these problems just come back week after week
0:43:05 > 0:43:09after month after month and if you do get one that is just...
0:43:09 > 0:43:13If you can make it a one-off by action that you've taken,
0:43:13 > 0:43:16that makes you feel good about yourself.