0:00:02 > 0:00:05From rubbish and recycling...
0:00:05 > 0:00:07to potholes and pavements...
0:00:07 > 0:00:12- Another street down, another street to go.- ..educating our children...
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- Fantastic.- ..and caring for the elderly...
0:00:16 > 0:00:18It does make a difference
0:00:18 > 0:00:20when you see what can be achieved.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25..we rely on our local councils to provide a huge range of services.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28You may kiss the bride.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:30 > 0:00:32In this series, we follow front-line staff
0:00:32 > 0:00:36working for Wigan Council in Greater Manchester.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- BANGING - Oh! Sorry.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Like council offices across the country,
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- they're protecting us from hidden dangers...- Oh, dear.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46..stepping in when there's an emergency...
0:00:46 > 0:00:47POLICE SIREN
0:00:47 > 0:00:49You never know what you're turning up to.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51..and responding to residents...
0:00:52 > 0:00:54..when they... PHONE RINGS
0:00:54 > 0:00:56..call the council.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Coming up on today's programme...
0:01:07 > 0:01:10The council's emergency team
0:01:10 > 0:01:14swing into action as a massive fire breaks out at a block of flats.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19They're very lucky to get out alive and unhurt, aren't they?
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Officers help neighbours who are living next door to an eyesore
0:01:22 > 0:01:24garden full of rubbish.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27You've got to feel sorry for the people living next door,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30haven't you, the state this property is in?
0:01:30 > 0:01:32And solving a grave problem.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Somebody has actually climbed in there to put flowers on the grave.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39A council-run cemetery is given a face-lift.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42I'm going to get dirty, believe it or not.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Wigan lies 20 miles west of Manchester.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58It's home to over 300,000 people.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01The council is the beating heart of the community.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07And what was the inquiry regarding, do you know?
0:02:07 > 0:02:09It's responsible for running everyday services that
0:02:09 > 0:02:13keep our towns and cities ticking over as normal.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15OK, thanks for calling the council.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21But every so often, it has to deal with the unexpected.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25In the early hours of the 14th of June, a massive fire broke
0:02:25 > 0:02:29out at a privately owned block of flats in the centre of Wigan.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Around 200 residents had to leave their block of flats, as more
0:02:33 > 0:02:36than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39I was duty officer for that weekend
0:02:39 > 0:02:43and I got a call at approximately 7.30 in the morning, saying
0:02:43 > 0:02:49there was a major fire in Wigan and people were being evacuated,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53and that we'd be needed to support the fire brigade and the police.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58200 people fled their homes as the fire took hold.
0:02:58 > 0:02:59The fire was so serious,
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Wigan Council's emergency plan was activated.
0:03:09 > 0:03:1324 hours after the start of the blaze, key council staff,
0:03:13 > 0:03:18like housing officer Michelle Price and her colleague Jennifer Martlew,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20are on their way to the scene.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Obviously, this is the building that's had the huge fire.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26You can see there, the roof.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31It looks in a bad way, so people have had to be evacuated from there.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33And you can smell it as well.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36No-one is allowed back in the building,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40and some apartments may have been completely destroyed by the fire.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44They're very lucky to get out alive and unhurt, aren't they?
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Not a nice time, is it, for people, definitely?
0:03:48 > 0:03:52It's been a traumatic experience for all of the residents.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56Wendy Jones was asleep when the fire broke out.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Went to bed about 11 o'clock.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04And then was woken to banging on the door, shouting, "Fire,"
0:04:04 > 0:04:07and then you could hear the fire alarm going off.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16Didn't realise that it was serious until they knocked again,
0:04:16 > 0:04:20and as soon as I opened the patio door, you could smell the smoke.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Yeah, it was... It was for real.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33The council is now helping Wendy and the 200 other evacuated residents,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36feeding them and finding them somewhere to stay.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44The first thing we did was open the rest centre adjacent to the
0:04:44 > 0:04:50fire, so people had somewhere to go, had food.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54We also gave frequent updates on the incident to people.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00It was emotional, and the big thing, really, was that everybody was
0:05:00 > 0:05:04different. There was so many people, all with different problems and issues,
0:05:04 > 0:05:09and trying to cope with that and satisfy people was very difficult.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Residents evacuated their homes 24 hours ago
0:05:16 > 0:05:19in only the clothes they were wearing.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24Many are desperate to go back in and rescue more of their belongings.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27So, if you can go through by room, and then we'll sort of... Is that all right?
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Housing officer Michelle is helping residents to make
0:05:30 > 0:05:32a list of their key possessions.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Firemen will then bring out anything they can.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38OK, what kind of teddy?
0:05:38 > 0:05:40It is kind of busy, it is kind of hectic,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42but it's helping people, so...
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Anything else, any other sentimental items?
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- Photographs...- We've lost everything.- Have you? You've been told that your...
0:05:54 > 0:05:59It's been a difficult day for everyone working at the scene.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04And for council housing staff, there are still huge challenges ahead.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Emotionally, the mood is... I suppose it is kind of up and down, really.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11Some people have been quite upset that they've lost their flats
0:06:11 > 0:06:12and their belongings.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15Not a nice time for some people, but everyone is sort of bearing up OK,
0:06:15 > 0:06:19being quite strong and focusing on what they can do, really.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22It all starts again in the morning, I think, really, and see where people are at then.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Coming up...
0:06:26 > 0:06:30I have got a key, but there's no door.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Can the council rehouse residents and help them
0:06:33 > 0:06:35rebuild shattered lives?
0:06:35 > 0:06:38There's nothing left, they've been devastated,
0:06:38 > 0:06:40they can't salvage anything.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42So I've lost everything.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01One of our councils' key day-to-day jobs is dealing with rubbish.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Most of us have something to say about it.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09For my £100 of council tax a month, I'd like to see my
0:07:09 > 0:07:14council address the issue of litter in some of the suburbs of the city.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17As a private homeowner, my bins get emptied every week
0:07:17 > 0:07:20and they don't leave a mess in the street any more,
0:07:20 > 0:07:21so that's really good from the council.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26I'd like to understand my bin rota, because I clearly don't.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29But I'm fine where I live, it is quite a rural area.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31I think I get value for money,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34I don't have many problems at all, but I'm fortunate.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Rubbish dumped in back yards and gardens
0:07:37 > 0:07:40is an ongoing problem for councils across the country.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46Local authorities now have powers to prosecute householders
0:07:46 > 0:07:47if the rubbish isn't cleared up.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54In Wigan, cases of illegally dumped rubbish are dealt
0:07:54 > 0:07:59with by environmental enforcement officers like Mark Farrimond.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01The garden is full of all sorts of stuff.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03He's not been putting his bins out,
0:08:03 > 0:08:07and he's been storing black-bag waste, I think, in the rooms.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Today Mark has been called out to an empty property
0:08:13 > 0:08:15on the outskirts of town.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19The back yard of the house is piled high with rubbish
0:08:19 > 0:08:23and neighbours have rung in to complain about the mess.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25There is a lot of waste in the property.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28I do believe that the people living in the property before
0:08:28 > 0:08:30wasn't putting the bins out.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33They were storing rubbish in rooms in the property
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and it's now all ended up in the back garden.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42This is the second time Mark has been called out to this property.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46He's already warned the landlord there may be squatters inside
0:08:46 > 0:08:49but so far nothing seems to have been done.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53There's a hole in the back door, which is still unsecure.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55I've reported that to them.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Mark's concerned that the rotting rubbish will create more
0:09:00 > 0:09:03problems for people living nearby.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06It looks like the contents of the house,
0:09:06 > 0:09:08some of the contents have been put out into the back garden.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12Once the weather gets warmer, there is going to
0:09:12 > 0:09:15be odours coming from that which is going to be flies, insects.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Obviously, the residents won't be able to enjoy the
0:09:18 > 0:09:21warm weather outside, because they are going to be affected with this.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23It needs sorting out, really.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27Householders who regularly dump rubbish in the garden can be
0:09:27 > 0:09:32found guilty of a criminal offence and fined up to £2,500.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37That might not be the case here but Mark needs to contact
0:09:37 > 0:09:40the landlord to find out what's going on.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45I'm hoping they'll have done it by the end of this next week.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49If they don't do that, then we will threaten to do work in default,
0:09:49 > 0:09:53and that will mean that we will get a contractor in to remove
0:09:53 > 0:09:56the waste and then bill them for the waste.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Coming up...
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Mark returns to the house.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03There's glass all over the floor here.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Anybody could cut themselves on that.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Could the situation be about to take a turn for the worse?
0:10:21 > 0:10:25Local councils are involved in many of the key moments of our lives...
0:10:25 > 0:10:28from the day our births are registered...
0:10:28 > 0:10:31to the day our loved ones bid us goodbye.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Andy Bond's job at Wigan Council is about dealing with the dead
0:10:41 > 0:10:42and the relatives they leave behind.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49As Bereavement Services Manager, I am responsible for the small team
0:10:49 > 0:10:54who deliver the funerals
0:10:54 > 0:10:57of about 70% of the registered deaths in the borough
0:10:57 > 0:10:59on an annual basis
0:10:59 > 0:11:01and ultimately to oversee that the service
0:11:01 > 0:11:05we deliver is done with dignity and respect.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Another important part of Andy's job is managing
0:11:08 > 0:11:12and maintaining the borough's nine cemeteries.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15We have hundreds of visitors every day to the cemeteries
0:11:15 > 0:11:19and we've got to make sure they feel they're in a well-presented
0:11:19 > 0:11:22place and they feel safe and welcomed.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Lower Ince is Wigan's oldest cemetery.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Over the years, parts of it have become badly overgrown.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36It's the least visited areas that are affected.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41But local resident Brenda Rigby is prepared to struggle through
0:11:41 > 0:11:45the undergrowth to get to her grandma's grave.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Last time she visited, she tripped on the weeds.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53There are weeds and nettles.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55Mothering Sunday, I nearly did myself a mischief.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01I'm upset because I think about my grandma
0:12:01 > 0:12:05and I would like it to be normal, just so you can walk down,
0:12:05 > 0:12:08because I remember with my mum,
0:12:08 > 0:12:09I used to come and it was walkway,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12you could see, and so nice.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15It's a shame.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19A shame but, obviously, money is money, isn't it?
0:12:22 > 0:12:26It's surprising, once you get into it, you can see the headstones.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Restoring this old cemetery is a huge challenge
0:12:29 > 0:12:31for Andy and his team.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Because money has been restricted over the years, the older,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39historical parts of the cemeteries are just let to grow,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43so you get trees establishing, rhododendrons growing over
0:12:43 > 0:12:47and the historical headstones have become inaccessible.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51Now, thanks to some extra help from a local church,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54this historic cemetery is getting a face-lift.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- So we're better starting on this side, really.- This edge.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58And go that way.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02Today, Graham Gifford from the Church of Jesus Christ
0:13:02 > 0:13:06of Latter-Day Saints is meeting Andy and his colleague Mark Birchall.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Every year, the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, Mormons,
0:13:11 > 0:13:13do a day of service.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17The people in this area, the members of the church in this area
0:13:17 > 0:13:20are going to come to Wigan this year.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25So it's the cemetery's turn to get that day of service.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Just watch your footing.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35At the weekend, the church volunteers will spend a day here,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37mowing, pruning and weeding.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- In relation to headstones that are down?- Leave them.- You've got to.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47Some of the headstones are broken but the council staff can
0:13:47 > 0:13:50only move or repair them with relatives' permission.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53When people move house, they tell the gas board,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56electricity board, water, telephone. They don't tell us.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00So we always struggle to make contact with family members to say
0:14:00 > 0:14:03there is an issue or there is something you might be able to do.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Brenda Rigby's grandma is buried in an area which needs
0:14:08 > 0:14:10the most serious pruning.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13So this is the area I'm a bit more concerned about.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Fortunately, it's one of the places where the volunteers
0:14:16 > 0:14:18will be working on clean-up day.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- There's some fabulous graves down there.- Yeah.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23It would be good to uncover them again
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- and just make it available for the public.- Just open it up.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28It's a massive area, isn't it?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31It can only be improved. It can definitely be improved.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34It's now fingers crossed for fine weather
0:14:34 > 0:14:37and a big turnout at the weekend.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41They are all volunteers. They can't be forced to come.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43It's up to them to decide on the day
0:14:43 > 0:14:45but I've a sneaky feeling this might be a good one.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Brilliant.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Coming up...
0:14:53 > 0:14:57The volunteers prepare to do battle in the undergrowth.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01I don't think Wigan Council believe that we could achieve this.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04And a council officer goes head-to-head with
0:15:04 > 0:15:06a slab of concrete.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08It keeps me in trim, doesn't it?
0:15:08 > 0:15:10I'm not getting any younger.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25A massive fire has ripped through a six-storey
0:15:25 > 0:15:27block of flats in Wigan town centre.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33The council's emergency plan has been activated
0:15:33 > 0:15:38and staff are working alongside the emergency services to help
0:15:38 > 0:15:40the 200 residents, who have had to be evacuated.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Emergency fire helpline, Lee speaking.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Just a bed.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56The council has set up a special hotline.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59What they're doing tonight, they're going out to look
0:15:59 > 0:16:02at the fourth floor, which is the most heavily damaged.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05They are looking at possibly demolishing the whole fourth floor.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09The residents initially were shocked and it was coping with that shock.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15We had requests such as, "I've lost my mobile-phone charger,"
0:16:15 > 0:16:19and things which you wouldn't have thought was important to people,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22but it was initially to them.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24But as the incident went on,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27they then started to ask where should they go,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29what should they do.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32We will be able to give them answers to that.
0:16:32 > 0:16:3648 hours after the blaze started,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39fire crews are still damping down.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Many evacuated residents have spent a second night in local hotels.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46At the rest centre,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49council staff are serving up breakfast to the homeless.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53It's a case of rallying together and making sure that we give support
0:16:53 > 0:16:56to our residents, which really, really is high-priority
0:16:56 > 0:17:00and that's basically... Our day job was stopped and it's hands to the
0:17:00 > 0:17:04pump and make sure that we are looking after our local community.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Firemen are assessing the damage as residents wait
0:17:09 > 0:17:13anxiously to find out when they can return to their flats.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Wendy Green was out of town when the fire broke out.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23I didn't find out about it until my brother rang me on the morning
0:17:23 > 0:17:26and said, "Your flats are on fire, get back."
0:17:26 > 0:17:29It didn't look too bad at the time.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31It was the back of the building that was on fire
0:17:31 > 0:17:33and I thought I might be OK...
0:17:34 > 0:17:37..I might be able to salvage some stuff.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40But then they came back later on in the afternoon
0:17:40 > 0:17:42and the front of the building had gone as well.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Wendy rents a flat in the most damaged part of the building.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53My apartment's on the top floor, it's over the top two floors.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54It's a duplex apartment.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Where you can see the badly damaged bit at the top,
0:17:58 > 0:18:00I'm sort of second one in.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Then the green bit that's exposed at the top,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07that would be my balcony and living area
0:18:07 > 0:18:09and kitchen behind that.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13I can see, just looking at it from here, how badly damaged it is.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18I've lost everything.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Everything's gone. I've got nothing.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21I'm wearing donated clothes.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Thank you.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27No, it's been a big shock.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Furniture, pots and pans, bedding, things like that can all be
0:18:32 > 0:18:37replaced but it's the sentimental stuff that can't be.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40I had a box brought up to me by my son only last week
0:18:40 > 0:18:44with Mother's Day cards in and photographs of the kids,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46my parents' wedding album.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50They're no longer here, that's all I had of those, that's gone.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Erm, I lost my nan a few years ago
0:18:53 > 0:18:56and I had a box with her belongings in.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58That's gone.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01I've got memories but that's it.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Everything else has gone.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07It's becoming clear that at least 50 flats
0:19:07 > 0:19:11are fire damaged beyond repair, including Wendy's.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17Council staff are on hand to give advice about emergency housing.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20I've got a key but there's no door.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22No door on it, OK.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Could you give the key to us just in case, if that's OK?
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Yeah, that's the front door.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32There are difficult times ahead but Wendy
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and her neighbours are grateful for the support
0:19:35 > 0:19:37they're still receiving from the council team.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41You don't realise how kind people can be until
0:19:41 > 0:19:45something like this happens. Everybody's mucking in together,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48everybody's helping each other and it's amazing.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54You find out who your friends are.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- INTERVIEWER: It brings out the best in people?- It does, yeah.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07The fire service is pulling down the top storey of the block,
0:20:07 > 0:20:09which includes Wendy's flat.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15Tonight she'll stay with friends but the long-term future is uncertain.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19I'm sort of in limbo at the moment.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23My priority now is to find somewhere else to live.
0:20:34 > 0:20:35Coming up...
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Wendy searches for a new home.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- Nice to see you again.- Take a seat. - Thank you.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44And can the council help other Wharfside residents
0:20:44 > 0:20:46rebuild their lives?
0:20:47 > 0:20:49I don't really want to be here.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51It's...
0:20:51 > 0:20:53It just brings that night back.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06The council has had calls about rubbish in the back
0:21:06 > 0:21:08yard of an empty house.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11There's going to be odours coming from that, which is going to
0:21:11 > 0:21:15be flies, insects, so it needs sorting out, really.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20Neighbours are fed up with the mess and now squatters may have moved in.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24There's a hole in the back door, which is still unsecure.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Environmental Enforcement Officer Mark Farrimond
0:21:32 > 0:21:34is in charge of the case.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Today he's going back to the house to check
0:21:39 > 0:21:41if the waste has been taken away yet.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47I've contacted the people who own it now and I'm going back to see
0:21:47 > 0:21:50if they've cleared the yard out, which I've asked them to do.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54So we'll have a look to see what maintenance has taken place.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57I gave them a deadline of a week to get it done.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00I'm hoping that it's been sorted out.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Looking at that, nothing's being done,
0:22:07 > 0:22:11because I can still see the mattresses in the back garden.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Disappointment for Mark.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22The back yard looks even worse than before.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27The only thing that's changed is the back door.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31The hole that was in the back door has been sealed up from the inside.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34So I'm not sure who has done that, obviously,
0:22:34 > 0:22:39but I need now to get in touch with the owners of this property and
0:22:39 > 0:22:42find out now what is their timescale,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45because it's gone on too long.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48Looking at this, you know, the state of it, the rubbish that's here,
0:22:48 > 0:22:50and the hot weather we've just recently had,
0:22:50 > 0:22:54I don't think they're looking after the residents that live here
0:22:54 > 0:22:56and the neighbours that live next door to it.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01It's time to check out the front of the house.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Looking at this, looking at this,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06the front window's recently been smashed.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11The condition of the property has deteriorated even further.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15It needs boarding up and made safe.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18That's a hazard to any children, even.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20There's glass all over the floor here.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Anybody could cut themselves on that.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27There are all-too-obvious signs that someone's been inside the house.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32The house is absolutely full of rubbish.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35The waste in here is going to be affecting other residents
0:23:35 > 0:23:38and it's annoying, looking at it. It's in a right state.
0:23:38 > 0:23:44In fact, I can actually see one of my letters there.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46So they have been receiving letters,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49because it shows they've been opening them.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55That door is hardly secure.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57No-one is answering the door.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04It's time for Mark to think about his next move.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09You've got to feel sorry for the people living next door,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11haven't you, the state this property is in?
0:24:11 > 0:24:13It's part of a row of terraced houses
0:24:13 > 0:24:18so it's paramount it gets sorted out as soon as possible.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22It needs really something done today.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24So that's what I will be pushing for.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28Mark's heading back to the office to make some urgent calls.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31With the rubbish mounting up and broken glass on the pavement,
0:24:31 > 0:24:34he wants action as soon as possible.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38I'm ringing from Wigan Council Waste Services.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40It's Mark Farrimond.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43I'm ringing from Waste Services at Wigan Council.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Mark's now managed to get hold of the company
0:24:45 > 0:24:48that manage the property.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50It's time for some tough talking.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53I'll be honest with you now, right? This has dragged on too long.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57The property is in a real bad state and this is a serious matter now.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I'm concerned now that we need to get this glass cleaned up,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03at least to get something made safe with that.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09OK, thank you. Bye. Bye.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Coming up...
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Can Mark get the rubbish problem sorted at the house?
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Or will he have to take the case further?
0:25:26 > 0:25:29If the waste has not been removed, I'll have to serve notice.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44The super depot is the HQ of Wigan Council's Environmental Services.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47Hundreds of officers leave here every day to empty the bins,
0:25:47 > 0:25:52clean the streets and carry out essential repairs.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Today, Drainage Investigation Operative Tommy Robinson
0:25:56 > 0:25:58is preparing for a heavyweight job
0:25:58 > 0:26:01that will put his strength to the test.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03You'll see the muscles kick in.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Council tenant Baback Armoun has a big problem.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24A massive raised slab of concrete in his back garden.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28The slab sits on top of a raised drain.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Baback's children like playing on it
0:26:31 > 0:26:34and he's worried they could get hurt.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38The reason I called the council was that top was a little bit high.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42My children usually play on it and sometimes they fall down from it.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Besides that, it's not nice-looking.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49Tommy knows it's a job that will test his physical
0:26:49 > 0:26:50prowess to the limit.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56Mostly the jobs are really about using your brain.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00This afternoon, this job's more about using brawn.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Tommy's going straight to the back yard
0:27:06 > 0:27:08to find out what needs to be done.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10This is the main drain.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14If the main gets blocked up, this is one of the manholes they'll
0:27:14 > 0:27:18come to, to clear it, basically.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20The kids have been playing on here.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22As long as we get this down to a minimum height, where
0:27:22 > 0:27:25they can actually walk on it without falling off,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27then my job's done.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Anyroad, I'll get cracking.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Literally.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36Tommy has to bring the slab down to ground level.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40Shifting a huge slab of concrete is going to be a massive challenge.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45First, there are four layers of brickwork to demolish
0:27:45 > 0:27:49and remove from the site.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52It keeps me trim, doesn't it? I'm not getting any younger.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Like I've always said, there's eight hours in a day, fulfil it.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Do your job, and you'll always have a job.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Time for a tea break and a chat with Baback about work in progress.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08So once I've got that back course off coming round...
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Will it be level, Tommy?
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Level with this ground?
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Like that.
0:28:18 > 0:28:19Perfect, thank you.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Cos you've made me a brew. You didn't give me any biscuits,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24but you made me a brew.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Baback's taken the hint.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- There you are, Tommy. - Biscuits.- Biscuits.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34Biscuits are what's needed to build Tommy's strength...
0:28:34 > 0:28:36The smell of it.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40..despite the overpowering stench from the open drain.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Nothing puts me off biscuits and food.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Not even a...
0:28:45 > 0:28:47touch of the old, er...
0:28:50 > 0:28:52..raw sauce.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57The final bricks have been removed.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00It's the moment of truth.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03Can Tommy shift the concrete slab?
0:29:10 > 0:29:11He's done it.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15He can now prepare the opening to the drain at ground level.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18The concrete slab goes back down
0:29:18 > 0:29:22and Tommy cements in a new manhole cover.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29How nice does that look?
0:29:32 > 0:29:33He's pulled it off.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35The slab has been re-laid.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41Tommy heads for home and a well-earned rest.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Baback's children can now play safely in the garden.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47It's a lot safer for the kids.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50I'm happy with it.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Another satisfied customer.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07An historic cemetery in Wigan has become so overgrown,
0:30:07 > 0:30:10many of the older graves are almost impossible to get to.
0:30:13 > 0:30:14No, it's a shame.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18A shame, but, obviously, money is money, isn't it?
0:30:18 > 0:30:22But a group of church volunteers are joining forces
0:30:22 > 0:30:24with the council to give it a face-lift.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27There's some fabulous graves down there.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31It's the day of the big clean-up.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36This is my elite A-team, this.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40You know, this is the equivalent of the local SAS unit.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Graham Gifford from the Mormon church is fighting with
0:30:45 > 0:30:47a gazebo in the cemetery grounds.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50You just keep hold, Alan. Keep hold, David.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59His prayers for good weather, and lots of volunteers,
0:30:59 > 0:31:00appear to have been answered.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03The car park is filling up.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08This is the area we're doing.
0:31:08 > 0:31:09These here.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11They've got a tough day ahead.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15This overgrown cemetery needs some heavy-duty pruning.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18You can see, there is graves in there.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25Somebody's actually climbed in there to put flowers on a grave.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28Somebody's left flowers in that area.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30That makes it even more important
0:31:30 > 0:31:33that we clear this area,
0:31:33 > 0:31:37so that people can come quietly and visit ancestors.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Time to get down to business.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46The volunteers hack their way into the undergrowth.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49It is kind of difficult to know where to start.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57I feel like it's so exciting, you know, and the sunshine is so good.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01I just enjoy it. And to help others, that's really good.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04It's going good, we've been cutting down so much trees, as you can see.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07It's coming along really, really well, actually.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14Mid-morning, and Bereavement Services Manager Andy Bond has arrived,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16dressed to impress.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21When we get volunteers in, we don't want them
0:32:21 > 0:32:24coming to do our work, we want to work with them, alongside them.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Obviously, my normal attire is shirt and tie, sat at my desk.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29I'd look a bit silly today.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31So we've raided the stores and I'm going to get dirty,
0:32:31 > 0:32:33believe it or not.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36I'll get stick for this, for the forthcoming few months.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38But it's worth it.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Graham and the team are well ahead.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47They've already cleared the first section.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52The old gravestones are gradually emerging back into the light.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54We're almost finished in this area.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59If you remember, we would now be stood at the edge of where the trees were.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03I went and parted some branches for you to see these flowers
0:33:03 > 0:33:04that were on that grave.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Just look how far back they've gone from here.
0:33:07 > 0:33:08Just look at all these old graves.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11I knew this was going to be a good project.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14I knew this was going to be a project worth doing.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17The volunteers are doing an incredible job,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20helping to save the council and Wigan taxpayers
0:33:20 > 0:33:22a tidy sum of money.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25There has been studies done where
0:33:25 > 0:33:27volunteer time is valued at £10 an hour.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29So if you look at the 150 people here
0:33:29 > 0:33:33and they do five hours apiece, that's quite a chunk of money.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36That's happening in our cemeteries that we couldn't facilitate
0:33:36 > 0:33:38on the resource we have available.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43We've got the heavy-lifting gang in now. Come on, let's go for it.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47By the afternoon, the volunteers have reached the most overgrown
0:33:47 > 0:33:49area of the cemetery.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Don't these lads know how to clear shrubbery!
0:33:52 > 0:33:53Don't they just!
0:33:56 > 0:33:59It's great to be able to provide a service like this.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00So...
0:34:00 > 0:34:04I'm really, really pleased with the progress we've made, as well.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08I don't think Wigan Council believe that we could achieve this.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09So...
0:34:09 > 0:34:11It's good news.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13It is.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Everybody's happy and smiling and chopping wood and bringing it over.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21We are uncovering some really,
0:34:21 > 0:34:25really big, historical Victorian headstones.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Fundamentally, the job's a good 'un.
0:34:32 > 0:34:38At the end of the day, the team have done 750 hours of work between them,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41transforming this historic cemetery for the people of Wigan.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46They've worked hard, they've uncovered loads.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49- It's a stepping stone for us, we can continue to do stuff.- Yeah.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Come on, let's go and wave them off. Let's go home.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59Thanks to the volunteers, Brenda Rigby,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02whose grandma's grave was hidden deep in the undergrowth,
0:35:02 > 0:35:06is now able to make her way there safely to pay her respects.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12I'm pleased. Absolutely pleased,
0:35:12 > 0:35:16because some of these I've not even seen myself after all these years.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18I am glad. I am glad.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37Complaints have come in to the council about broken glass
0:35:37 > 0:35:40and piles of rubbish outside an empty house.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43You've got to feel sorry for the people living next door,
0:35:43 > 0:35:45haven't you, the state this property's in?
0:35:45 > 0:35:48The Waste Services Department has told the landlord
0:35:48 > 0:35:49to get it cleaned up.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52This has dragged on too long and this is a serious matter now.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57It's a drizzly, wet morning in Wigan.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02And Mark Farrimond's first job of the day
0:36:02 > 0:36:04is a return visit to the house.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07This rain, this fine mist,
0:36:07 > 0:36:09some of the locals call it Billings rain.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13I'm not sure why that is and it's not hammering rain,
0:36:13 > 0:36:17but you still get wet through without really realising it.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20Yeah, it's a bit grim up north today in Wigan.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27It looks like something has happened, because I can see there is
0:36:27 > 0:36:30a gate on the back of the property which I've never seen before.
0:36:30 > 0:36:35And they've made some sort of attempts to secure it as best
0:36:35 > 0:36:37they can for the time being.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40There is a couple of mattresses there, a bed base.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43They were in the garden, so whether they're going to be taken
0:36:43 > 0:36:45away by somebody else, I don't know.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49The outside of the house has been sorted out
0:36:49 > 0:36:51but what about the back yard?
0:36:54 > 0:36:56The back yard has been cleared up.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58You can actually see the soil
0:36:58 > 0:37:01and bits of shrubbery that were in the garden.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Erm, it's been completely cleared.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06So that's a really good result.
0:37:06 > 0:37:11There's even a polite note for Mark on top of a rubbish bag.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13"Back in morning."
0:37:13 > 0:37:16So they're obviously going to come back for this
0:37:16 > 0:37:20and the other residue left, the mattresses, the bed and bed base.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23At least they're being responsible.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28It's time to check out the front of the house.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32The last time I came, the front window was all smashed in.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34There was a big hole here.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38There were shards of glass like sharks' fins, basically,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41sticking out, which was a danger, and some glass on the floor.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44At least they were health and safety conscious
0:37:44 > 0:37:46and carried out our wishes.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48What about the inside of the house?
0:37:50 > 0:37:53I can see into the property through there
0:37:53 > 0:37:57and it's absolutely clear, there is no waste in there whatsoever.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00The whole job's been done, which is very important.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02That's that, really, now.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09It looks like Mark's repeated calls for action have finally
0:38:09 > 0:38:13paid off and the council's job is now done.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16They've obviously listened to what we've said and acted on it.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18It may have taken a little bit longer than we wanted,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21but we've got the end result and that's what matters.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23I'm sure the residents will be pleased now,
0:38:23 > 0:38:26because it was in a horrendous state.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Yeah, I think it's a win-win all round for everybody, really.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Neighbours called the council
0:38:36 > 0:38:39and, thanks to Mark, the house is ready for someone new to move in.
0:38:51 > 0:38:56Fire has destroyed homes at a block of flats in Wigan town centre.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03Many of the residents have lost absolutely everything in the blaze.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06Furniture, pots and pans, bedding and things like that
0:39:06 > 0:39:10can all be replaced, but it's the sentimental stuff that can't be.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14We've got memories, but that's it. Everything else has gone.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Today, a week after the blaze broke out,
0:39:22 > 0:39:25work is under way on fire-damaged homes.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32A third of the 120 flats have been saved, but it'll be months,
0:39:32 > 0:39:35even a year, before the rest are repaired or rebuilt.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41Lisa Caffery, a council house lettings officer, is on site,
0:39:41 > 0:39:45helping people who need new homes.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47A lot of people have lost all their belongings, you know,
0:39:47 > 0:39:51they feel that they have to start afresh and, obviously,
0:39:51 > 0:39:55as Wigan Council, we're there to help in every way possible.
0:39:55 > 0:40:01I believe we've helped 10-15 residents, but that's still ongoing.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08One of those residents is Wendy Jones.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Today, she's come back to salvage a few belongings
0:40:11 > 0:40:14from her fire-damaged flat.
0:40:14 > 0:40:19It's been badly damaged by water from the fire hoses.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21She's keen to start a new life in a new home.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25I feel relieved that I'm getting my stuff out now,
0:40:25 > 0:40:29but I don't really want to be here.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32It just brings that night back.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42Across town, Wendy Green is also looking forward to a new start.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48A week ago, she looked on as her fire-damaged flat was demolished.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54She lost almost everything she'd ever owned in the fire.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- Hello! Hiya, nice to see you again. - How are you doing?- Thank you.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02Today, Wendy is picking up the keys to a new privately rented flat.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Thank you very much for your help, all of you ladies,
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- you've been amazing again. - No problem at all.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10- You've done a great job. - Best of luck in there.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Thank you, I hope I get a bit longer in this one.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13LAUGHTER
0:41:13 > 0:41:15See you, bye-bye. Bye.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19'I'm feeling more positive today - a new start, new keys, a new place.'
0:41:19 > 0:41:24I'm feeling more human again now. It was a bit rough last week.
0:41:30 > 0:41:31Ah!
0:41:33 > 0:41:37Home, sweet home! Another one.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41Start again.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- Right, Wendy, here's your flat. Do you want to come through?- Thank you.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50Wendy Jones is also moving into a new flat today.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54She's being rehomed by the council in the town centre.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56- Smaller bedroom.- Smaller bedroom.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00This'll feel like home a little bit, won't it?
0:42:00 > 0:42:05I feel a lot better now that I know I've got all my things
0:42:05 > 0:42:09out of the old apartment and I can now start
0:42:09 > 0:42:14to get everything in order and start to settle in my new home.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18- Thanks very much, Wendy, nice to meet you. Bye-bye!- Bye!
0:42:20 > 0:42:24It could take a long time for the residents of Wharfside
0:42:24 > 0:42:27to recover from the trauma of what happened,
0:42:27 > 0:42:28but, thanks to the council,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31they've taken the first steps in the right direction.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36A few more weeks and it'll be like I've always been here.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48Like their colleagues nationwide, council officers have been
0:42:48 > 0:42:52dealing with the everyday and the unexpected...
0:42:54 > 0:42:58..talking tough to get a local eyesore cleaned up...
0:42:58 > 0:43:01I'll be honest with you now, right? This has dragged on too long.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03It's got in a really bad state.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07..working with volunteers to transform a local cemetery...
0:43:07 > 0:43:09They're enjoying what they're doing
0:43:09 > 0:43:12and the ultimate benefit is our cemetery looks much better.
0:43:12 > 0:43:17..and helping the homeless make a new start after a devastating fire.
0:43:18 > 0:43:23I've got my new home. And anything, I know they're just a phone call away.
0:43:23 > 0:43:25They've worked hard to help their residents
0:43:25 > 0:43:27when they called the council.