0:00:02 > 0:00:07From waste and recycling to pest control and trading standards.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12The taxes that we pay to our local councils are used to provide
0:00:12 > 0:00:15many of our most essential services.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17I like people who are keen to recycle.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20In this series, we follow the front-line staff working
0:00:20 > 0:00:24behind the walls of Tameside Town Hall in Greater Manchester.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Like council officers across the country,
0:00:28 > 0:00:32these local heroes are waging war on those blighting our communities.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Oi! Oi! Oi! Excuse me, love, you can't do that!
0:00:36 > 0:00:38They are protecting us from hidden dangers...
0:00:38 > 0:00:40If there is rodent activity in your kitchen,
0:00:40 > 0:00:42you won't be opening tonight, it's that simple.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45..making sure our cash is spent on those who need it most...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49I'm at a loose end. I do not know where to turn.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53..and responding to their residents when they call the council.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04Coming up in today's programme, council officers turn detective
0:01:04 > 0:01:05after a resident dies alone.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10It doesn't feel right, somehow, going through somebody's personal belongings.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12Unfortunately, it's something we have to do.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- Hello!- A resident calls the council after discovering
0:01:16 > 0:01:19an unwanted ingredient in her curry.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Halfway through we discovered black beetles.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27And officers respond when shoppers and staff
0:01:27 > 0:01:29are put in danger at a cash and carry.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- I'm losing confidence, really. - You don't need to.- I am.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44In the UK, over 400 local councils employing over two million people
0:01:44 > 0:01:48are charged with putting our money to the best possible use.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Every hour of every day, these local authorities
0:01:51 > 0:01:53and local council officers work around the clock
0:01:53 > 0:01:57to keep us safe, caring for us from cradle to grave.
0:01:57 > 0:01:58Hello, Bereavement Services.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02Mike Gurney is in charge of the council's bereavement service.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04Based at Tameside's crematorium,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07it's his job to care for the deceased and their families.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09I don't think people do realise how much
0:02:09 > 0:02:13the council are involved in their lives in many ways.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Everybody at some point has got to come to me. That sounds awful.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20People get scared when I say, "See you soon." They start worrying.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Today Mike's dealing with a call from the police
0:02:23 > 0:02:27asking for the council's help, and for him to turn detective.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30We've just received a phone call from the coroner's office, and it's
0:02:30 > 0:02:35regarding a gentleman that has been found dead in his property locally.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Initial enquiries haven't revealed any relatives
0:02:38 > 0:02:39whatsoever at the moment.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43What I need to do now as part of our service is to do more enquiries,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47as to whether he's got any family or not, and I need to get into
0:02:47 > 0:02:50the property now to go through his belongings and to establish
0:02:50 > 0:02:54if there's any monies available to arrange a funeral for him.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57In cases like this,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01when someone dies without any known surviving relatives,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04it becomes the council's responsibility to arrange
0:03:04 > 0:03:06what's known as a community funeral.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10A community funeral is where somebody dies in Tameside,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13and there's no known relatives
0:03:13 > 0:03:15and there's no-one to sort their funeral out.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19We have a statutory obligation to make sure we arrange a funeral in those circumstances.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Local authorities in England and Wales carry out
0:03:23 > 0:03:28around 3,000 community funerals a year, at a cost of £2 million.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32To recoup some of these costs,
0:03:32 > 0:03:36councils are allowed access to any assets the deceased leave behind.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40We literally have to go in the house, people's houses,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44and find any bank details. If there's no actual money available,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47maybe there's anything valuable there, we can sell it,
0:03:47 > 0:03:49to pay towards the funeral.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52But in a lot of the cases, there's no money whatsoever.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53In a bid to find out
0:03:53 > 0:03:57if the deceased man has any surviving family or remaining funds,
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Mike's preparing for the difficult task of searching his home.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06OK, so we've got some disposable suits we need to take with us just as a precaution.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11A face mask, because it can be not very nice, shall we say,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14the smell, sometimes, it depends on the circumstances,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17how long the person's been there, so face masks.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19These are my shoes that I wear when I go in these properties,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22because some of them are pretty horrendous.
0:04:22 > 0:04:23These are our big socks.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27These are to go over our shoes, should it be extremely bad.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31We've been involved in lots of things, exhumations,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34and we were very much involved in the Shipman Inquiry a few years back,
0:04:34 > 0:04:37and my staff were involved in exhuming bodies.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40I do go home and off-load sometimes to my wife, and I've got a great
0:04:40 > 0:04:43family network, so I think it's talking things through
0:04:43 > 0:04:47amongst the staff, but my coping mechanism is probably a sense of humour.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49I don't know, I think I've got a good sense of humour.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52My wife would kill me if she saw this. Not ironed!
0:04:52 > 0:04:57You know, it's not being disrespectful, but it's probably just a coping mechanism.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02If Mike can alert any relatives to the man's death or find some funds,
0:05:02 > 0:05:06he can reduce the burden on Tameside's taxpayers
0:05:06 > 0:05:08and help give the man a respectful funeral.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Coming up, the officers discover some valuable information.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- I found a big metal box.- Is there a key in it?- No.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- There's no key in it?- No.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23But will it help them find any family for the deceased?
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Local councils nationwide do their best to help out
0:05:32 > 0:05:36whenever a resident calls about life or death.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38That would be Bereavement Services.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41If you bear with me, I shall put you through. Thank you.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45But not all queries from the bereaved are easy to resolve.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Cheapest and legal way to dispose of a dead body...
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Yeah, and wasn't the story that,
0:05:50 > 0:05:54"Can I carry them round in my boot, of the car?"
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Yeah. I mean, that's weird, isn't it?
0:05:57 > 0:06:01I had one lady once, she requested to hire a helicopter.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05She wanted her husband's ashes spreading across Tameside.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08I were like... "No!"
0:06:17 > 0:06:18Alerted by the police,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Mike Gurney has arrived at the home of a resident
0:06:21 > 0:06:25who's thought to have died without leaving any surviving relatives
0:06:25 > 0:06:26to help with his funeral.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29Got some steps to make it easier.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33He needs to find out more about the deceased gentleman's life
0:06:33 > 0:06:36and begins his investigation by speaking to a neighbour.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Mrs Harrison? Hello there. Just to let you know,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41we're going in the property now to see what we can find.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Are you the lady that reported you hadn't seen the gentleman?
0:06:44 > 0:06:47I hadn't seen him, but Jill across the road informed me that his
0:06:47 > 0:06:50curtains hadn't been opened for a few days, because we'd been away.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- Right, OK.- So the window cleaner was due that same day, and Duncan knocked on the door
0:06:54 > 0:06:57and said, "Would you like me to look through his bedroom window?"
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- Right, OK.- So we said, "Yes, if you would, Duncan."
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- Could he see him through there? - He could do.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05He went up on his ladder, Duncan, and came back round immediately and
0:07:05 > 0:07:08told me he'd found Stephen through the window collapsed on his bed.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12The man suffered a fatal heart attack.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Now it's up to Mike to explore the house for clues
0:07:15 > 0:07:18that might confirm he died without any family.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Shall we do a sniff test?
0:07:21 > 0:07:23HE SNIFFS
0:07:23 > 0:07:26I think it's... HE SNIFFS
0:07:26 > 0:07:28I think it's going to be all right, actually.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30What we do need is gloves. Can you get my gloves?
0:07:30 > 0:07:32They're in the black bag in the boot.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35The man's body was removed by funeral directors,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38so Mike's task shouldn't be too unpleasant.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39Most circumstances,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42these people have been dead in their house for days, weeks,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44sometimes months, and as soon as you open the door,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47the smell can be quite horrific, for obvious reasons.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50So we always have a quick check first, we do a simple sniff test.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53That sounds ridiculous, but to see if we can bear the smell in there.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58If Mike fails to find any information that identifies
0:07:58 > 0:08:01any surviving relatives, the local authority will fund the funeral.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Let's open the curtains.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07So Mike and his colleague Andrew begin a thorough search of the flat.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11What we're looking for is any personal stuff that will tell us a lot about
0:08:11 > 0:08:14who the gentleman is, we need birth certificates,
0:08:14 > 0:08:15any bank books, any bank details,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19anything that would link us to another member of his family we can contact.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21That's what the aim, really, is today.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24And also to take out any valuable belongings of the gentleman
0:08:24 > 0:08:27that we can, well, for safety purposes,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30but we may have to sell them in order to pay towards his funeral.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- Mike?- Yeah. - I've found a big metal box.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- Is there a key in it?- No. - There's no key in it?- No.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46We find all sorts when we're going through people's belongings -
0:08:46 > 0:08:49criminal records, all sorts of issues in some of them,
0:08:49 > 0:08:51but that's not for us to judge.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55We're just there to make sure the funeral is carried out
0:08:55 > 0:08:56in the right and proper way.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58He looks organised.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Yeah, passport, everything here, bank statement, that's great.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07This helps us paint a picture of this guy,
0:09:07 > 0:09:12maybe lead to who he is and who his family are.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15What we'll do, we'll take this file back, go through that in detail.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Having uncovered personal information,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Mike and Andrew set about searching for any valuables.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Just take that. Magnetic therapy,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25but I'll take it because it's classed as jewellery, isn't it?
0:09:27 > 0:09:32Doesn't feel right, somehow, going through somebody's personal belongings.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35It just feels like you're intruding a bit, but unfortunately, it's
0:09:35 > 0:09:39something we have to do, because there's nobody else to do it.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43What's that? Here we are. A picture of him.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44Ah. I always find it,
0:09:44 > 0:09:48when you see a photograph it makes it more real, doesn't it?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50You can relate to the person who lived here then.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55I think anyone who works with the council should have that enjoyment
0:09:55 > 0:09:59in making sure we are delivering services well for the public.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02And I just want to make sure things go well for people,
0:10:02 > 0:10:04particularly in the bereavement side of things.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06That last chapter of people's lives, really.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09There's Christmas cards here, so
0:10:09 > 0:10:12we could find phone numbers on Christmas cards, Andrew.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- You know, for a family member, anything.- Yeah, yeah.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Here we are. What's this?
0:10:19 > 0:10:22We'll take these back and go through them in detail.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Don't drop them. They might be in some sort of order, that lot.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Mike and Andrew leave the property with just a small amount of cash
0:10:29 > 0:10:32and some valuables but the box they've discovered could
0:10:32 > 0:10:34provide them with vital information.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Coming up - the officers continue their investigation.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Here you are - birth certificate. Brilliant. That's what I'm after.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48But will they be able to find out enough to help give the man
0:10:48 > 0:10:49a fitting funeral?
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Despite having no legal duty to provide burial space,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03most local councils in the UK
0:11:03 > 0:11:07maintain and manage cemeteries for their residents.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Estimates suggest that there are around 4,000 in the UK.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Tameside Council looks after eight cemeteries, which means grave-digger
0:11:15 > 0:11:19Geoff Dale and his assistant Matt Smith are always busy.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Right, Matt?
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Today, they're performing essential checks on headstones.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29Checking a big headstone like that,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32obviously you've got to stand clear of it in case it goes.
0:11:34 > 0:11:35That's passed, that.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- Passed?- Yeah.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40In the past, somebody's been killed by a falling monument.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44So it were brought to the attention of the HSE and that's why we do it.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47We have to do these annual checks on all the headstones
0:11:47 > 0:11:51to make sure that it's a safe place for the public to come into.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54It's passed at the front.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Aye.
0:11:56 > 0:11:57It's failed at the back.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00They're testing the stability of every headstone, applying
0:12:00 > 0:12:07the same amount of pressure as a person leaning against them would.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09That's failed.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12A fail means they have to secure the headstone,
0:12:12 > 0:12:14ensuring no mourners are in danger.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- That's not coming off, is it? - No. Don't want it coming off.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23While our local authorities manage our cemeteries,
0:12:23 > 0:12:27the graves within them belong to the families who've purchased the plots.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31It's their responsibility to repair headstones like this,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33so for now, the lads make this one safe.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37The family will be contacted if they're contactable and then
0:12:37 > 0:12:40this is supposed to stay on for three months then.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43And if after three months nothing happens,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46it's supposed to be taken off and laid down.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47In this cemetery,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50there are currently around 4,000 graves to check.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54Jeff and Matt are up to 1,464.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00But finding graves with 17th-century maps is not
0:13:00 > 0:13:03a walk in the park for these 21st-century council workers.
0:13:06 > 0:13:091,797.
0:13:09 > 0:13:101,797.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15No, I've got 1,796.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Not 1,797, though.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Have you got 1,798?
0:13:21 > 0:13:22- No.- No?
0:13:22 > 0:13:24No.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- The one we want, 1,896, is that way.- Right.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31We're getting somewhere now, aren't we?
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Cos it might be round the corner, you know.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- You know, past them shrubs. - Right. 93, 94.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44Do you reckon it's in there, then?
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- Oh, aye, yeah - it's here. - You got it?- Yeah.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Yeah. You just get in. Just have a check of that one, eh?
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- You just have a check of it, mate. - I've got, er, Aaron Townsend.
0:13:55 > 0:14:02- That's it, mate. Townsend - 1928?- Er, 1928, yeah.- That's it. That's 1,896.
0:14:02 > 0:14:03That's a pass.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- Yeah, it's a pass.- Right.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- We're making progress.- Yeah.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13My map skills aren't the best but they're getting better.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Jeff's map skills - yeah, he's about as good as me!
0:14:19 > 0:14:25With one more grave ticked off, there's just 2,635 to go.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26Just one of them days.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Across the UK, council officers are working day and night
0:14:39 > 0:14:43on our behalf, trying to keep their borough and its inhabitants safe.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48Today, after finding an unusual ingredient in a takeaway,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51a concerned resident has called on the council for help.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56A lady had purchased a curry from a restaurant in the Tameside area.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Upon eating this takeaway, she thinks she may have stumbled
0:15:02 > 0:15:06across what might be an insect of some description.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Worried Emma Sandbach e-mailed Bev Hursthouse
0:15:08 > 0:15:11after making the discovery.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14We brought a takeout home from the restaurant
0:15:14 > 0:15:15and halfway through,
0:15:15 > 0:15:19we discovered a black sort of beetle.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Despite being a delicacy for over two billion people worldwide,
0:15:25 > 0:15:29some insects like cockroaches can cause illnesses like dysentery
0:15:29 > 0:15:30and gastroenteritis -
0:15:30 > 0:15:33exactly the potential risk to public health
0:15:33 > 0:15:36council heroes like Bev are fighting to stamp out.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39The restaurant where they picked the takeaway up from,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42it's got a really good reputation. It carries the five stars.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45It's had a recent routine hygiene visit.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47They've got a pest-contracting place.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- Hiya. Is it Emma?- It is, yeah.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53If Emma's suspicions are correct, the restaurant will be
0:15:53 > 0:15:56in for a nasty surprise, because it could be closed down.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58OK, so this is the...
0:15:58 > 0:16:02The complaint we got from you, um - you purchased a chicken masala.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- Mhm.- So you dined in and brought a takeaway out for husband.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- Is that right?- Yeah.- Yeah, OK.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- And this is...you think it may be an insect of some description?- Mm-hm.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14What I'm going to do, I'm just going to have a look while we're here.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17If for any reason we do think it may be, obviously what I'll do is take
0:16:17 > 0:16:21that away and we'll do some further investigation. If it was a beetle,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24obviously nobody wants to find a beetle in their food.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Nobody wants to find that in any food business.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28I'm going to tip that out there.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30A beetle may just be one, you know, on its travels,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33whereas a cockroach would sometimes indicate that there's a problem,
0:16:33 > 0:16:37an infestation, and then we've got a problem in a food business.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42I can identify that for you. It's not an insect. You're all right.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- Oh, good.- What it is, it's one of the cardamoms, called a cardamom pod.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Oh, right. Yeah. - People react differently.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I mean, if I found what I felt was an insect in a curry,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55I'd probably dissect it and investigate further.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58However, a member of the public that's not, you know, familiar
0:16:58 > 0:17:02with all the different forms of species and different forms of spices
0:17:02 > 0:17:05and you know, may just be quite alerted at the fact
0:17:05 > 0:17:09that something doesn't normally look like it should be in a takeaway
0:17:09 > 0:17:11or a curry or any food item, really,
0:17:11 > 0:17:12is obviously a bit of a problem.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16What sometimes triggers the concern off is
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- these little spikes here. - That's what it was.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22No, rest assured, it's definitely a cardamom pod.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24I can tell that just from experience.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- You don't need to worry. - OK, brilliant.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30One thing I will say to you and it's the restaurant in question,
0:17:30 > 0:17:32we've just had a recent food hygiene check,
0:17:32 > 0:17:34so we know they're above board and everything's fine.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- They've been rated the five stars, as well.- Oh, good.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Do you want me to leave you with that?
0:17:40 > 0:17:41Yeah, I'll throw it in the bin now.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- I feel better now.- Let hubby know that it was a cardamom pod,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- rather than something nasty.- Yeah. - We really do appreciate your call.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52We are here to advise and the aim of our job is to prevent people
0:17:52 > 0:17:55from being harmed or becoming unwell.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58If it is something that potentially could make you poorly,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01or could cause you harm, or could cause any further harm,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03or requires a product recall
0:18:03 > 0:18:06or, you know, absolutely get in touch.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Bye-bye now.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11I thought it's best to check because if it was a beetle,
0:18:11 > 0:18:13and we didn't do anything about it, then...
0:18:13 > 0:18:16lots of people would be eating beetles.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21I'm glad I didn't go back to the restaurant with it, anyway, asking for my money back.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24That would have been even more embarrassing.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33For the nation's unsung local heroes like Bev,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36keeping us, the public, safe is an ongoing battle.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39My job is really very varied.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43We would look at investigating any sort of food borne illnesses,
0:18:43 > 0:18:46or food outbreaks, you know, health and safety.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48You know, we prevent them accidents.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51We want to make sure people are doing a day's work
0:18:51 > 0:18:53and going home at the end of the night.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Bev has joined forces with colleague Sian Dyer
0:18:57 > 0:19:00to check up on a business that they've visited four times
0:19:00 > 0:19:02in the last seven months.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04On her last visit to this cash and carry,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07Bev found numerous causes for concern.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10So today they're making a surprise inspection.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14The last visit there was some butchery equipment,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17band saw machines. They've got some lifting equipment.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22They're things that we need to double check on whilst we're here, as well.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26Latest estimates show that workplace injuries and ill health
0:19:26 > 0:19:29in Great Britain cost us £13.8 billion.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33But without the vital inspections and spot checks
0:19:33 > 0:19:35of council officers like Bev and Sian
0:19:35 > 0:19:37these figures might be even higher.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39Good afternoon.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- We're just here today to do your routine food inspection.- OK.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Just to have a look at your butchery area, as well.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- At the end of the visit we'll have a chat with you.- OK.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Great, all right, thanks very much.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52We kind of look really at procedures.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55We look at what they're doing. We look at how they're doing things.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58We look to make sure they've got things in place
0:19:58 > 0:20:00to keep things safe.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06What we're doing at the moment, we're looking to make sure that all of the walkways are all clear.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10Obviously, we look for cleanliness, we make sure there's no obstruction
0:20:10 > 0:20:12and nobody's at risk of getting hurt, or anything.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Should illness or injury occur, the business itself could be prosecuted.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21The council's responsibility is to check that health and safety protocols are being followed.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25If they aren't, the business could be closed down.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- Is it all just raw meat that you cut up in here?- Yeah.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- You don't buy any cooked-in foods, or anything?- No, just fresh.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35It's all fresh, raw meat.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40The officers have longstanding concerns about health and safety in this cash and carry.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Previous problems have arisen with the butcher's electric saw.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Is this isolated?
0:20:46 > 0:20:48It's turned off?
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Safety procedures have not been followed.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54If not used with the protective guard, the saw could be lethal.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57A lot of the work that was noted last time,
0:20:57 > 0:20:59they've been actioned now,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02so we can say some improvements have already been made.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05I assume that the guards on the band saw,
0:21:05 > 0:21:07I think when Sian has gone to have a look,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10that was maybe one of the problems that was picked up last time.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- It's good, you've got your guard in place there.- Yeah.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18It's good news. Atif the owner has acted on the council's previous guidance.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21But Bev and Sian aren't finished yet.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- There's a storage room upstairs.- Storage, OK.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28As they head upstairs, more potential problems appear.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- So this is all your dry stock up here, is it?- Yeah.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- I notice some of your levels are stacked quite high.- Mm-hm.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37- Can you see?- Yeah.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42If that tumbles, somebody's underneath that, you're in trouble.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Does prayer take place up here, as well?- Yeah.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Yeah, OK. My concern is that your prayer mat here,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51somebody's going to end up with bottles of Iru-Bru on their head.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55Again, that's just something, we need to bring them levels down. OK.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59As Bev's investigation goes on, one major issue emerges
0:21:59 > 0:22:03and it's putting the store's employees and customers in danger.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05How is the stock brought up here?
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Is that brought upstairs?
0:22:07 > 0:22:09A lift.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Do you not have a guard that stops anybody falling over that?
0:22:13 > 0:22:14It's just...
0:22:14 > 0:22:17The balcony opens onto an unguarded 15-foot drop.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22There's nothing in place to prevent the dangerously high stock,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25or employees, falling to the floor below.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Atif tries to solve the problem with a quick fix
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- a flimsy piece of wood.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38But it's nowhere near enough to satisfy the officers.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Let me check.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- Let me call the guy who will deal with it.- That'd be great, thanks.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53An employee tries to help out and comes to his boss's aid.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58But Bev's concerns remain.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Am I right in thinking that guard's not being used at the moment?
0:23:02 > 0:23:06Somebody is coming and using this one as well.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- Right, so it's normally when the forklift's...- Yeah, yeah.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- It's used...- The forklift's not too much used in the week, or day, sorry.- OK.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21The makeshift barrier is simply not good enough for Bev and Sian.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23If stock was to fall from this height,
0:23:23 > 0:23:27anyone below could be seriously injured.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30If anyone falls onto here, it's going to topple over.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32If you've got customers walking below,
0:23:32 > 0:23:34you don't want that falling onto them.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38We don't encourage customers, there's one yellow line...
0:23:38 > 0:23:41You might not encourage it but as you've found yourself,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43if you're not by the till and somebody else is,
0:23:43 > 0:23:46it's going to be very difficult, isn't it?
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- So when can the, erm... - Definitely in a few days.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52It needs to be done today.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54I will try to do it today.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56I'm short of staff, it's not easy, so...
0:23:56 > 0:24:01My suggestion would be, close the door for ten minutes and do it.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02Yeah, that's true.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- My concern is this has been mentioned before.- Has it?- Mmm.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08I'm losing confidence.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10- You don't need to.- I am.- Trust me.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I'm losing confidence that one, it's going to be done today...
0:24:13 > 0:24:18This shop is like, I'm running this shop from recently.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22This used to be my brother's company, I bought from him.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25And now... This is first time I have...
0:24:25 > 0:24:27So definitely I will do it.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32It is bread and butter for me, you know, I don't want to lose it.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- If it's not, we will look at serving notice, to make sure it gets done. - No problem.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42Coming up, Bev and Sian's inspection uncovers even more hazards
0:24:42 > 0:24:46putting lives and the future of this business at risk.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48I keep getting a smell of smoke.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Our country's unsung council heroes are on the front line
0:24:55 > 0:24:59everyday fighting to make best use of the nation's money.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01But because we're all paying for their services,
0:25:01 > 0:25:05we've all got an opinion on their work, both good and bad.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10I think overall, the council do a good job, but I do think they've
0:25:10 > 0:25:14got to keep their priorities right and not waste money on stupid things.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20I suppose they do their job reasonably well.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22The council is very,
0:25:22 > 0:25:26very good at making sure you pay your council tax.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30They are not so good at checking up on some of their employees,
0:25:30 > 0:25:32the bin men, for example.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35They missed three streets not so very long ago
0:25:35 > 0:25:40and when their department was phoned up and asked about it,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43we were informed that all our bins had been emptied.
0:25:43 > 0:25:44But in actual fact,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47they were standing on the pavement full waiting to be emptied.
0:25:48 > 0:25:49We are under austerity times
0:25:49 > 0:25:51and there is only so much money in the pot.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54At the end of the day, I think society has been spoiled
0:25:54 > 0:25:56over the past 20 or 30 years with all
0:25:56 > 0:26:00this increase in public spending, and the reality of it is we have
0:26:00 > 0:26:03all been living beyond our means for a very, very long time.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05And sooner or later, we have got to face the music.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08We are now starting to face the music.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Local authorities nationwide might be battling funding cuts
0:26:20 > 0:26:23but demand for their services doesn't cease,
0:26:23 > 0:26:27neither does the determination of heroic officers like Bev and Sian.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Their inspection of a local cash and carry
0:26:30 > 0:26:34has already highlighted some potentially lethal hazards.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38- I'm losing confidence, really. - You don't need to.- I am.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42Now the officers are heading down into the bowels of the building.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Does your light work in here?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47It does on this one, but that one it's not working.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50It's not working really, it needs tidying up, doesn't it?
0:26:50 > 0:26:55Is smoking taking place down here? I keep getting a smell of smoke.
0:26:55 > 0:26:56I don't smoke.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59There is no evidence but I keep getting a smell of smoke
0:26:59 > 0:27:02so you need to make sure your staff are not coming down and smoking.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Smoking in the work place is illegal.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09I think we've found the smoke room.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Fines of up to £2,500 can be issued,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15a huge sum for small business owners like Atif.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18OK, this is something that needs to be stopped.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23It's not the smell that's the problem, the problem is it's not
0:27:23 > 0:27:28legal to smoke in a work business or indoors in a place like this.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31The problems continue to mount for Atif.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34And the more they investigate, the more Bev and Sian uncover.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Is there a light down here?
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Yeah, there is a light...
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- This one here?- Yeah, that's the one.
0:27:45 > 0:27:51- OK. Little bit wet, that one.- Is it? - Where's the moisture coming from?
0:27:51 > 0:27:54The water running down the light switch is a serious breach
0:27:54 > 0:27:56of health and safety guidelines.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- Don't touch it.- No, I'm going to not touch that one.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02It increases the chance of an employee suffering
0:28:02 > 0:28:05a potentially fatal electric shock.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10In one year alone in Great Britain, 350,000 people were injured,
0:28:10 > 0:28:11and 28 people killed
0:28:11 > 0:28:14by low voltage electrocutions.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18- I need to change it, definitely. - Who's put this on for you?
0:28:18 > 0:28:22- This one guy.- He's an electrician, is he?
0:28:22 > 0:28:24He's a proper electrician, qualified, yeah.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27You need to get him back out to have a look at that.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- Definitely, it's a bit risky. - It's a lot risky!
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Sometimes you can see that problems have occurred that perhaps could be
0:28:35 > 0:28:38rectified quite quickly,
0:28:38 > 0:28:40and problems that are occurring that is probably not something
0:28:40 > 0:28:43they've picked up on. But on the other end of the scale,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46you have businesses that are flouting the law,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49they're cutting every corner to make...
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Money really is just what's important to them and nothing else.
0:28:52 > 0:28:57With customers and employees at serious risk of electrical shock,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00stock piled dangerously high and an unguarded drop
0:29:00 > 0:29:05of 15 feet, this business has a lot of work to do.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08I think what we'll probably do is call back a little bit later.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11As I said to you earlier, I'm not sure
0:29:11 > 0:29:13if you have got any more employees coming in tonight to do
0:29:13 > 0:29:16an evening shift or anything, but I think it is all hands on deck
0:29:16 > 0:29:19at the moment, and even if it means closing the business for
0:29:19 > 0:29:2210 or 15 minutes and just bringing that to a reasonable level.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26But we will pop back later this afternoon and have a look at that.
0:29:26 > 0:29:27Thank you very much.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28The owners now have two hours
0:29:28 > 0:29:31to address these vital health and safety issues.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34If they don't make significant changes,
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Bev and Sian have the power to close the business until they do.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51Across the borough, at the council's crematorium, Mike Gurney is going
0:29:51 > 0:29:54through the documents he found at the recently deceased man's home.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00Main thing we're looking for is contact with family.
0:30:00 > 0:30:01So let's get some...
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- Let's get that. Is that the issue paper?- Yeah.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09It seems that the man died without any surviving relatives.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11In the UK, when this happens,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14it's the council's job to arrange their funeral.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Mike and his team work hard to ensure that everyone is given a
0:30:17 > 0:30:22respectful farewell, no matter what their personal circumstances are.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26The council have a funeral director contracted to work with us,
0:30:26 > 0:30:28so we do get a reduced price,
0:30:28 > 0:30:30and we have a funeral director that we use regularly.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33And it's about £1,300 for a basic funeral.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35Here y'are. Look. Birth certificate.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38Brilliant. That's what I'm after.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41That'll give us more information, won't it? Look at these.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Oh, this is good.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49This will give us... Copy of birth certificate. Born, Tameside Hospital.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53- He had a driving licence. - That is good.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56We found that he was a man who'd been in employment for most of his life.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00We found he'd been a bus driver, he'd done engineering, got certificates
0:31:00 > 0:31:05in engineering. He was very into his films. He enjoyed doing quizzes.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07This looks like old job stuff.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09It looks like he has been looking for work for a long time.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13He kept a log of all the jobs he had applied for and couldn't get a job.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17He was obviously a very organised man, that's what came across.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21We've got his confirmed date of birth there is 31 May 1958,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23what does that make him? 55, isn't it?
0:31:27 > 0:31:28Mike's efforts are paying off.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32He's discovered a lot about the dead man, Stephen Jones' life.
0:31:32 > 0:31:37Four blank cards. No addresses on any.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40But he hasn't found anything to link him with relatives.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44It's looking like we can't find any family details.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46I'll be taking this on board now to raise a funeral
0:31:46 > 0:31:49so we can stop any further delay.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52And give him a good send off.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58With no remaining family, Mike's quest to arrange a fitting farewell
0:31:58 > 0:32:00for Stephen is not easy.
0:32:02 > 0:32:03Still to come,
0:32:03 > 0:32:07the day of the funeral arrives but will Mike be able to galvanise the
0:32:07 > 0:32:11community to pay their respects to a quiet neighbour they barely knew?
0:32:18 > 0:32:20It's been two hours since enforcement officers
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Bev and Sian told the cash and carry
0:32:22 > 0:32:26with a dangerous drop to make its premises safe.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29I'm losing confidence that it's going to be done today.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32If it's not, then we will look at serving a notice.
0:32:32 > 0:32:38How have we done up there? Can we have a look? Is that all right?
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Now the officers are back.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43If the owners haven't made the business safe,
0:32:43 > 0:32:44the store could be shut down.
0:32:44 > 0:32:51This is better, OK. So, the pallets they'll be taken away, will they?
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- Yeah.- OK, so the issue we've got we need to lower these.- Definitely.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58With the barrier in place, the shop has taken some steps towards
0:32:58 > 0:33:02improving safety, and Bev and Sian decide it can stay open.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04We will monitor that business.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06It will still come up in the programmed inspections,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10and revisits will occur obviously to check that they are complying
0:33:10 > 0:33:14with any contraventions that were identified at the time.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16- Thanks very much.- Thanks very much.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21So I would say now that the business has become compliant.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23They are more aware, obviously, of the dangers.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25They will continue to work with myself
0:33:25 > 0:33:27and my colleague to put right what was wrong.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32The council will keep a close eye on this business to ensure
0:33:32 > 0:33:35the public and employees stay safe and secure.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Across the country our heroic local council officers share
0:33:49 > 0:33:52a strong sense of commitment to the people they serve.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55And their dedication often extends to days
0:33:55 > 0:33:57when they're supposed to be off duty.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01This morning, the borough's annual triathlon is taking place, and
0:34:01 > 0:34:05as always, officers from the local authority are on hand to help out.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09A lot of council officers live and work in the borough
0:34:09 > 0:34:12and it's not unusual to see them in different roles.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15You might see them one day at work, you might see them
0:34:15 > 0:34:20the next day leading or marshalling in the triathlon, or other events.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23Council staff like Ian have volunteered to help out,
0:34:23 > 0:34:27ensuring the event runs smoothly and keeping competitors safe.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30I get involved in the triathlon because I'm involved with the local cycling club
0:34:30 > 0:34:33and it is about the community giving something back,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35bringing the community out and giving people a go.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36Hiya.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40What we wanted here was something that anybody could come and have a go at.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43There'll be different abilities in the group and you can have a go
0:34:43 > 0:34:45and you'd be supported in a friendly environment.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49People might go away and think, "I'll take up cycling, I might join the gym.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53"I might start running." That's only going to be a good thing.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56The triathlon starts with a 500-metre swim,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59followed by a 15-kilometre mountain bike ride.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02To finish, competitors have a 10-kilometre run to complete.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05To show how it's done, the council's chief executive,
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Steve Pleasant, is taking part.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09I'm very nervous at the moment
0:35:09 > 0:35:12because I have never done anything like this before in my life.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14I don't know how I got convinced to do it.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17It was an act of bravado but now, actually, I'm very, very anxious.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23This is all about survival today, from me.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26If I can just get through and get round, I'll be very, very happy.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30For chief exec, Steve...
0:35:30 > 0:35:32One down.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34..and council officers, like Mike...
0:35:34 > 0:35:37and Bev, giving up their time is a way to do
0:35:37 > 0:35:42more for their residents and have a bit of fun.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44I love it. I get to tell people I'm taking part in the triathlon
0:35:44 > 0:35:47and they just think, naturally, that I'm riding,
0:35:47 > 0:35:49swimming or running. I'm not, I'm just doing the easy bit
0:35:49 > 0:35:53of standing here and making sure they stick by the path.
0:35:53 > 0:35:54Yeah, it's good fun.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56Straight right. Well done.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58It's a wet and windy Sunday morning
0:35:58 > 0:36:01and it's not just the competitors keeping Mike busy.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04You're going right. Oh!
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Come on, Dobbin.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09OK.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14I didn't know that was in my job description!
0:36:14 > 0:36:16It's just a great team at work, it really is.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20There are so many organisations relying on charitable work, these days.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22You know, councils can't always support them like they used to.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26So we just want to get involved with the community, the best we can.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28It's good fun, it's keeping healthy, it's keeping fit.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31That's what it's about.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39CHEERING
0:36:39 > 0:36:40After a gruelling two hours,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43the council's chief executive is coming to the end of his ordeal.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47That was hard.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48That was really hard.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Anyway, I'm very happy now, very happy indeed.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54I need you to just leave me alone while I sit down and die somewhere.
0:36:54 > 0:36:55Thank you very much.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Steve is one of over 100 people who took part.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06He decided to lead by example and, having done months of training
0:37:06 > 0:37:09ahead of the event, he's eager to see where he finished.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13I came 19th.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Very respectable, I'm very pleased with that.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20This is the first time I've ever done a triathlon, so, really good.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24What a great event. What a fantastic event. All these people doing this.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27The weather was OK.
0:37:27 > 0:37:28Everyone has had a really great time.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32In first place, our champion for 2013,
0:37:32 > 0:37:34in a time of 1:47:31,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36representing the High Peaks Cycles,
0:37:36 > 0:37:38- Gregg McNally! - CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:37:38 > 0:37:41The hard work of the dedicated volunteers has ensured
0:37:41 > 0:37:43the event was a huge success.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45If you're working in the public sector
0:37:45 > 0:37:50then your motivations will be very much about improving the lot of the local community.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53It's no surprise that you'll find people who work in the Town Hall
0:37:53 > 0:37:56actually involved with the church, involved with the food bank,
0:37:56 > 0:37:58involved with organising triathlons
0:37:58 > 0:38:01because they want to make a difference locally.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Ian and his colleagues will be back at the council in the morning.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08For some, the work doesn't end here.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10My work's not finished, no.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14I've got to go out and collect all the signs in now!
0:38:27 > 0:38:30It's a new day and, at the crematorium, Mike Gurney
0:38:30 > 0:38:33is making last-minute preparations ahead of the funeral
0:38:33 > 0:38:38of resident Stephen Jones, a man who died with no surviving family.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42It's Mike here from the Environmental Services. I'm dealing with a community funeral.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45It's absolutely critical to me that things go well.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47You know, all sorts can go wrong but it's for us
0:38:47 > 0:38:49to make sure the public don't know what's gone wrong
0:38:49 > 0:38:52and to make sure their service is spot-on, really.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58The minister taking the service thought it would be appropriate if I did a reading today.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02I don't know the gentleman but you feel like when you've been through his belongings at home
0:39:02 > 0:39:03you start to get a picture of the chap.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08I've chosen a reading which I thought was appropriate for today's funeral.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11Mike and the council team have been working hard to ensure that
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Stephen gets a good send-off.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17We've notified a lot of the neighbours near where Stephen lived
0:39:17 > 0:39:20because a lot of these funerals there's nobody there.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24This one today, I think, there will be a number of people coming which will be great.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26There seems to be a lot of community spirit in the area where
0:39:26 > 0:39:30Stephen lived and they are all wanting to pay their respects.
0:39:36 > 0:39:37Mike's efforts have paid off.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41Stephen's neighbours and other members of the community
0:39:41 > 0:39:42have arrived at the crematorium.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Normally for community funerals there's nobody there except myself,
0:39:45 > 0:39:50or my staff, who always sit in on a funeral. We never let a funeral go ahead with nobody there.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Stephen's was a different one because he lived in an area
0:39:52 > 0:39:55where neighbours looked out for each other.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59And, erm, it was a good turnout for him. I was pleased, yeah.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03In front of the gathered mourners, it falls to Mike to give
0:40:03 > 0:40:08a reading about a man he never met but has recently come to know.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12I would like to say thank you, on behalf of Tameside Council,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14for attending Stephen's funeral today.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17What's become clear in arranging this funeral is the community spirit
0:40:17 > 0:40:20in the Dukinfield area, where Stephen lived
0:40:20 > 0:40:23and the desire to give Stephen, your neighbour, your friend,
0:40:23 > 0:40:26your drinking partner, maybe, a proper send-off.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Going through all his belongings in his house, you feel like you get to know somebody a little bit
0:40:30 > 0:40:33and nobody else, there was no other family.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36It just felt fitting that I should do a reading.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39"You can remember him and only that he is gone.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42"Or, you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48"You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
0:40:48 > 0:40:50"or you can do what he would want,
0:40:50 > 0:40:54"smile, open your eyes, love and go on."
0:40:54 > 0:40:56Thank you.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02In helping to galvanise the community,
0:41:02 > 0:41:06Mike has ensured that Stephen received a gracious send-off.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13He had a smile for people, as we know.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16We would see him shopping, we'd say hello,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19pass a few words but not too many.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21We didn't know too much about him.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23I think it went very well, really.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25It was good to see so many people there
0:41:25 > 0:41:29and it was good that community spirit, that was clearly evident.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31A lot of them commented how lovely the service was.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34They all said they learnt a lot about him they didn't know,
0:41:34 > 0:41:36which was from the information we found in his flat, really.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40You know, I think it went really well and I feel we've done him justice.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48Mike's hard work has ensured a respectful funeral for a man
0:41:48 > 0:41:51who died without any family to say farewell.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54It's another vital role our councils perform
0:41:54 > 0:41:57and one that most of us don't even think about.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01There's probably lots of things in the council that people are doing that the public aren't aware of.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05It's not something you advertise, it's something that's done quietly
0:42:05 > 0:42:07and, you know, without too much fuss.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09It's something that we do regularly
0:42:09 > 0:42:12and it's sad to think there are people out there, in our borough,
0:42:12 > 0:42:15living alone, on their own, that people haven't noticed
0:42:15 > 0:42:19they're missing, which I find quite sad in many ways.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22That's the way society is, I suppose.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25There's probably people in all our streets that are living alone
0:42:25 > 0:42:28and recluse and people don't realise they've died.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38Once again the country's dedicated council officers have been
0:42:38 > 0:42:40hard at work.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42They have reassured worried residents.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- It's not an insect, you're all right.- Good.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- We call it a cardamom pod. - Oh, right.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49Ensured businesses keep their premises safe for customers
0:42:49 > 0:42:51and employees alike.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Do you not have a guard there that stops, obviously, anybody falling over that?
0:42:55 > 0:42:58And looked after their residents in life and in death.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01I'd just like to say thank you on behalf of Tameside Council
0:43:01 > 0:43:04for attending Stephen's funeral today.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06All this when we call the council.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Hello, Bereavement Services.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11I don't know what will be on my gravestone but people often ask
0:43:11 > 0:43:13what's going to happen to me when I die.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15I've told them I'm going to be cremated
0:43:15 > 0:43:18and I'm going to have my ashes scattered at Harvey Nichols in Manchester.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22That's because at least my wife will visit me twice a week!