0:00:02 > 0:00:04From grappling with our daily grind...
0:00:04 > 0:00:07Why have they suddenly decided to dump all this waste in other people's bins?
0:00:07 > 0:00:10..to an unearthing the extraordinary.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13Wow, it's Wiggin's gold mask.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Battling those blighting the streets...
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- It's unacceptable, really. - ..bringing the community together...
0:00:19 > 0:00:20- Hi.- How are you?
0:00:20 > 0:00:23..and being on hand in troubled times.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27I've got kids. We can't even open bedroom windows because of the noise. It's affecting everything,
0:00:27 > 0:00:29sleep, you know, just day-to-day living, really.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33In this series we follow front-line staff working for Wigan Council
0:00:33 > 0:00:35- in Greater Manchester. - I speak to the waste.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39I sort of say to it, "Come on, talk to me. What have you got here?"
0:00:39 > 0:00:41Like council officers across the country,
0:00:41 > 0:00:43they're keeping us free from harm...
0:00:43 > 0:00:46You're looking at really serious injury or possibly death.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- ..stepping in to try and solve our problems...- I mean, it's constant.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52You'll be told today that we will be serving notice.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54..and responding to residents.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55I much appreciate what you're doing anyway.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- When they...- What was the enquiry today?- ..call the council.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Coming up...
0:01:10 > 0:01:14council officers join forces in a battle against rubbish and rodents.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Action man. Getting stuck in now.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Inspect the health of all creatures great and small
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- at an agricultural show. - I love my job.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Always wanted to be the voice for the animals.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32And assess the safety of adrenaline seekers at a motocross track.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Our worry was that riders would collide into the stone wall.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Wigan lies 20 miles west of Manchester.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56It's borough council is responsible for a community of over 300,000 people.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Any problems, just give us a call back, OK?
0:01:59 > 0:02:03One of its biggest departments is environmental services,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06with an annual budget of over £20 million.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11Council officers in this department are tasked with emptying our bins,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14collecting recycling and keeping the streets clean.
0:02:14 > 0:02:15PHONE RINGS
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Council waste services, Alex speaking.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21If rubbish is unlawfully dumped, or allowed to accumulate,
0:02:21 > 0:02:23environmental enforcement officers like Alex Kay
0:02:23 > 0:02:26come down hard on those responsible.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28My job is helping the residents
0:02:28 > 0:02:30who unfortunately have to live in
0:02:30 > 0:02:34and around waste that gets dumped, often causing a nuisance.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38That's what I enjoy, I enjoy getting decent resolutions to problems.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45One Wigan resident who's riled about rubbish is Barbara Paige.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49She's called the council because her neighbour's yard is full of it.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53I have reported it several times to the council.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57It's got worse in the last two years.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01And this year's been terrible with people putting things in.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Instead of having it removed, like they should do,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09or taking it to the tip themselves, they're just using this as a tip.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11It spoils the environment altogether.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17We generate over 28 million tonnes
0:03:17 > 0:03:19of domestic waste a year
0:03:19 > 0:03:21in the UK.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Be it bin rounds or tips, most of it is cleared up by local councils.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29But not all of us take advantage of their services.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33If we flout the law and fly tip or dump our waste where we shouldn't,
0:03:33 > 0:03:37officers like Alex have legal powers to force us to clean up.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42The property Barbara complained about appears unoccupied.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45But its overflowing back yard is on Alex's radar.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Apparently the house has been empty for a number of years
0:03:48 > 0:03:51and the back garden is also unsecure.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55It may not be the homeowner who is dumping the waste in the yard,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59but Alex has made several attempts to contact them without success.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Making matters worse, residents have started seeing rats.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07You look in and thinking, "Ooh, could it be a rat?"
0:04:07 > 0:04:10I have an outside toilet, but I wouldn't go in there at night
0:04:10 > 0:04:13cos I'm like this, open door, looking.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15I'm imagining they're there when they are not there,
0:04:15 > 0:04:17you know what I mean?
0:04:17 > 0:04:20It's time for Alex to take more drastic action.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23I'm going today to issue a notice
0:04:23 > 0:04:28that requires them to remove all the waste within 28 days.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Alex can threaten legal action against human wrongdoers,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34but rats have no respect for the law.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37If he's going to rid Barbara's neighbourhood of four-legged pests,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39he'll need reinforcements.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45Public protection officer Colin Evans
0:04:45 > 0:04:48has been rooting out rats for nearly 30 years.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51When I came into this job
0:04:51 > 0:04:53I was under no illusions of what was involved.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55None whatsoever.
0:04:55 > 0:04:56All I say is, "Bring it on."
0:04:56 > 0:05:00The dirtier, the better. If I get the solution, I am not bothered.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04When I first started in environmental services,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06I learned quite a lot off Colin.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09I did quite a lot of job shadowing with him.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14He taught me a lot about drainage and rats and rodents and stuff.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18We've kind of split, really, and we now look at...
0:05:18 > 0:05:19Rather than looking at everything
0:05:19 > 0:05:22we'll sort of have expertise in certain areas.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25If there is a rat to be found, Colin will find it.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Today, Alex is teaming up again with Wigan's Pied Piper
0:05:30 > 0:05:33and together they are hoping to crack this complaint.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36This is it.
0:05:36 > 0:05:37Nice!
0:05:45 > 0:05:46Getting stuck in now.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52Action man!
0:05:54 > 0:05:56They've got the same haircut.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00The waste in the yard provides lots of places for rats to hide.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04Colin wants to flush them out and has a good idea where to start.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07All these terraced houses years ago,
0:06:07 > 0:06:11had an outside toilet and like a coal shed.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13A lot of them get knocked down
0:06:13 > 0:06:15and they sometimes don't cap the drains off.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18I'll just have a look now and see if I can see any signs of an open drain
0:06:18 > 0:06:22where rodents might be coming out of. So, we'll see what we can see.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Nothing down there.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31With no sign of any historic plumbing, Colin's drawn a blank.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Rats have between four and six litters a year.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Producing eight to 12 offspring per litter.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45If left to breed unchecked,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49one pair could produce a colony of 2,000 rats a year.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Colin needs to find where they are coming from
0:06:53 > 0:06:56before an infestation takes hold.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58And he might have found a clue.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01This could be interesting.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05We've got the surface here, the tarmac's sunk.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08There's quite a big hole under there.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Public sewer's running straight down here.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Straight above a public sewer, which is full of rats.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18It's quite feasible there is a fault on that.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19On closer inspection,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Colin suspects the rats could be using the sewer as a route into
0:07:22 > 0:07:24the alley and back yards.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28Where that's collapsed like that,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31that does make me feel it's straight into the sewer, that.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33It looks like these rats are no match
0:07:33 > 0:07:35for a veteran vermin capturer like Colin.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37We've only been here 20 minutes,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Colin seems to have located the source.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43I think that just comes from years of doing it, really.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47He knows exactly what to look for and, yeah, I'm impressed.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50To prove his instincts are right,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Colin has some colourful chemical kit.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59Put some drain dye down this hole and I'm going to pour water down.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01If my theory is right...
0:08:01 > 0:08:05the pipe in here, the water in here, will turn green.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07See what happens.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09I'm optimistic.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18Yes, it is coming out already.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22No question at all, coming through there.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29That tells me the rats are coming up the side of the chamber,
0:08:29 > 0:08:31up where the wall is,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34and they found a weak spot and they have tunnelled out.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Rats' teeth are a fearsome weapon.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40They can grow up to 5.5 inches a year and,
0:08:40 > 0:08:42when they get their teeth into something,
0:08:42 > 0:08:43there's very little that can stop them.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48A rat would chew through tarmac no problem whatsoever.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51It would chew through concrete and get to through tarmac quite easily.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53There's plenty of purchase on it.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56They're very industrious.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58They've nothing else to do apart from chew and chew and chew
0:08:58 > 0:09:02till they find a way to get to a food source.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- Watch it.- That's it.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10With the rats' run located, Colin's work is done.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- Right, cheers, Colin.- Cheers, Alex. - See you later. Ta-ra, pal.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17It's now over to the council's highways team,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20who will fill the hole to stop the rats running out of the sewer
0:09:20 > 0:09:21and into the back yard.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24And for Alex,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27he still has the problem of getting the rubbish in the yard removed.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29But after weeks of trying,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32he hasn't been able to make contact with the homeowner.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Local intelligence is telling us
0:09:35 > 0:09:37nobody has lived here from some time.
0:09:37 > 0:09:38I've left them numerous contact cards
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and I've wrote to them and I've had no reply.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43So this is... We're at the stage we're at now.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Hence the reason why I'm sticking the notice on the door.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Hopefully, somebody might know where they live,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50they might know a way of getting in touch
0:09:50 > 0:09:53and just highlight to them that there is a notice been served
0:09:53 > 0:09:55and then hopefully they'll get in touch with me.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58But if not, 28 days and we'll have a resolution anyway.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05If the rubbish isn't removed within 28 days, Alex will get it cleared,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07but the bill will be passed onto the property owner,
0:10:07 > 0:10:12along with a fine of £100 plus charges in default.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16We've done all we can, so it's just a waiting game now.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Coming up... The highways team arrived to fix the hole,
0:10:22 > 0:10:24but disaster strikes.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Sometimes the plans are wrong.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29We might have nicked a water or a drain.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45Council officers on the front line deal daily with a variety of often
0:10:45 > 0:10:46unpleasant duties.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49From rotting rubbish in bins...
0:10:49 > 0:10:51It's probably been there for weeks, if not months.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53..to dirty drains.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56A bit of toilet paper in there and possibly some wipes over there.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01But it's not all dirty work.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05On occasion, they do get given more glamorous assignments.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10Haigh Agricultural Show is a local event supported by Wigan Council.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12It's a fun-filled family day,
0:11:12 > 0:11:14featuring friends of the four-legged variety
0:11:14 > 0:11:17where farmers can compete for coveted prizes
0:11:17 > 0:11:19by parading their livestock.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20COW MOOS
0:11:20 > 0:11:25Which is where animal health officer Sue Keane McPartlin comes in.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30I think in all I've been 25 years an animal health officer.
0:11:30 > 0:11:31I love my job.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35Always wanted to be sort of the voice for the animals.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36COW MOOS
0:11:38 > 0:11:43Events like these attract various animals from all over the UK.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Farmers hosting them require an animal gathering licence.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50The licence is enforced by the council.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51Sue is on site to check that
0:11:51 > 0:11:54the conditions of the licence are being met.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58One of the main reasons I'm here today is to ensure
0:11:58 > 0:12:02the welfare of these farmed animals
0:12:02 > 0:12:06and that disease is not going to be spread from farm to farm.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11If not properly managed, healthy animals could easily pick up
0:12:11 > 0:12:15infections from others carrying disease.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Sometimes it's as simple as breathing the same air.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22Diseases like foot and mouth are a huge health risk -
0:12:22 > 0:12:26they spread quickly and are devastating to the farming industry.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31The outbreak in 2001 saw around ten million animals destroyed
0:12:31 > 0:12:33and is estimated to have cost
0:12:33 > 0:12:36the UK economy £8 billion.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Although outbreaks like this are rare, they can happen anywhere,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44so Sue wants to take a closer look at the livestock.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48We're just going to have a look at the sheep now.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53When you're looking for a healthy animal,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56you are looking for something that's alert,
0:12:56 > 0:12:59that clearly is standing in a natural stance.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01It's going to have a nice bright eyes,
0:13:01 > 0:13:04it's going to be interested in what's going on around it.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06These look really well.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08They've all got nice, clean rear ends.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15So, a natural stance, bright eyes, and a nice, clean bottom...
0:13:16 > 0:13:20..show the sheep are healthy and happy and not a concern for Sue.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23But she still has other animals here to check.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25In the cow enclosure,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28they're making an extra effort to clean up in today's competition.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Who have you brought today?
0:13:31 > 0:13:34That is Lancashire Rose.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37That's Belle.
0:13:37 > 0:13:38What's the little one?
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- Teddy Bear.- That's Teddy Bear.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Now Sue is on first name terms,
0:13:45 > 0:13:49she asks to take a closer look at the cow's transportation.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54- So you brought all four here this morning...- Yeah.- ..in this? Yeah.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Contaminated vehicles travelling large distances accelerate
0:13:58 > 0:14:01the spread of devastating diseases, like foot and mouth,
0:14:01 > 0:14:04so checks like this are extremely important.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09It's very clean. It's the standard I would expect it to be.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13You can actually see they do have drains here as well.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- Two tanks of it underneath with water.- Yeah.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18And that's the important thing because if they were open,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20the slurry would be going onto the grounds.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- There is the possibility of spreading disease...- Yeah.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26..across the country wherever you go.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Sue has no beef with these cows or their owner.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Well, I wish you luck today. - Thank you very much.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38But stopping the spread of disease
0:14:38 > 0:14:41is about more than how the animals got here,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44it's also about where they came from,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47so it's time for a visit to passport control.
0:14:48 > 0:14:49Good morning, ladies.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Are you dealing with the cattle passports?
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- We're dealing with cattle passports. - OK.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Cattle in particular, they have passports.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00Anything to do with that animal is all recorded by the farmer,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03so you can see the traceability aspect of where it's been
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and eventually where it ends up.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09This may not be the Costa Del Sol,
0:15:09 > 0:15:13but Sue still needs to carry out some spot-checks.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15So, I just selected one of your animals.
0:15:15 > 0:15:16It is this female here.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19So can you show me where she is?
0:15:19 > 0:15:24Like a human passport, cows each have a unique identity number.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28The number is matched to a tag that is placed within the animal's ear.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Yeah, that's your herd number, UK 186453.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- Yes.- She's the 158th calf we've had.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40This four-legged tourist has Sue's stamp of approval.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43But Sue has plenty more checks to carry out.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48Like cattle, show animals such as horses also require a passport if they are
0:15:48 > 0:15:50to travel.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53So, this is Firtree Royal Princess.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- What do you call her at home? - Princess.- She's a princess.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Even royalty isn't pardoned.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05So, the requirements, then, are to have your animal identified by a
0:16:05 > 0:16:08silhouette. With Princess, she is black all over,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11so she won't have any distinguishing marks.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Princess may not have any distinctive marks,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17but she does have a chip on her shoulder.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20A passport could fall into the wrong hands,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23and horses could be given a false identity.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26But if they are micro-chipped,
0:16:26 > 0:16:30there's only one single microchip and you cannot duplicate the microchip
0:16:30 > 0:16:32in the horse.
0:16:32 > 0:16:33And there's Princess's chip.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36And it is registered. That's the coding for our country.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44With show ponies, sheep and cattle all present, healthy and accounted for,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46this show can go on.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51When I turn up to do a farm inspection, it is very official.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56So this is nice, you get that chance to be a bit more friendly and, you know,
0:16:56 > 0:16:58I enjoy this part of my job as well.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01COW MOOS
0:17:09 > 0:17:12From livestock licenses to health and safety.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18One of the council's core services is to make sure that businesses are
0:17:18 > 0:17:21complying with the most up-to-date health and safety standards.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24PHONE RINGS
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Business compliance, Varsha speaking, how can I help?
0:17:28 > 0:17:33Today, Varsha Patel is getting public protection manager Helen Whitaker up
0:17:33 > 0:17:36to speed on a business hosting an extreme sport,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38where safety is paramount.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43This motocross track, there has been a new operator that has taken over
0:17:43 > 0:17:46the track. There were some previous health and safety concerns,
0:17:46 > 0:17:51but he wants us to go down and speak to him about them in detail.
0:17:51 > 0:17:52Yeah.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57Motocross is a dangerous, high octane hobby.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Even on this practice track,
0:17:59 > 0:18:03riders can reach speeds of 50mph and jump to incredible heights.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08So it's no surprise that 95% of motocross riders
0:18:08 > 0:18:10have been injured on tracks like this.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Varsha has visited this track before,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19after residents had called the council with complaints.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20Hi, Paul.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22Hiya.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26But now new manager Paul Smith hopes to prove his health and safety
0:18:26 > 0:18:29measures meet the council's standards.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Before they brave the track,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Varsha and Helen want to check Paul's paperwork.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Before any rider goes on that track in the morning, I'll come here and
0:18:37 > 0:18:39I'll check the track, make sure it's OK.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42What we do is we have a pre-practice checklist.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Have you got an emergency incident plan, then?
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Yep. For major incidents,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50we've got every type in there.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52The paperwork is in good order.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56But for Varsha, being safe is also being seen.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58In terms of the emergency incident plan,
0:18:58 > 0:19:02you need to have it displayed so that customers can see it.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05So, I can see you have got your site plan there.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- There is going to be a bigger site plan than that on there.- That would be good.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Riders bring their own bikes to the track.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17But it's Paul who has a legal responsibility to make sure the owners
0:19:17 > 0:19:18aren't posing a hazard.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22Not just to other riders, but also to themselves.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25And what checks do you do on the bike before...?
0:19:25 > 0:19:26All the levers here, you see?
0:19:26 > 0:19:29They've got balls on them. So what you do if they fall off, they sometimes snap.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32If that ball had broken off, we wouldn't have allowed him back on it.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36There's a good chance that if someone falls on that, it is likely to pierce the skin.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43Separation of spectators from fast moving motorbikes is a key concern.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Right, so, this area here that you've got roped off,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48that's where the public can stand behind that?
0:19:48 > 0:19:51The public aren't allowed beyond the notices.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53This is a spot where a bike may run into a fence,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- and we don't want it hitting anyone in the public.- Yeah.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00The only people Paul allows near the track are trained marshals, who
0:20:00 > 0:20:04monitor every section and provide the first response in an emergency.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08So the communication to your riders on site is by flags,
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- from the marshals?- By flags.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12A yellow flag - caution, ride with care.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Red flag means stop, kill your engines.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17OK.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22Having checked he understands and implements his safety measures,
0:20:22 > 0:20:24they turn their attention to the track itself.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28On Varsha's previous visit,
0:20:28 > 0:20:32she found a serious issue with a specific section,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35and wants to see if her recommended improvements have been made.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38The main thing previously was the embankment.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- Yeah.- And our worry was that riders would collide into the stone wall.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48Because, at the time, there was no fencing or anything in place.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52But now, he's managed to put tyres at the bends,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55which is the area where they're most likely to hit if they are going to
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- hit there.- It's a good start, but for Varsha and Helen,
0:20:59 > 0:21:01it's not nearly enough.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05A large area of the wall is still exposed and could pose a danger to
0:21:05 > 0:21:08riders. The tyres need to stretch the full length of the wall
0:21:08 > 0:21:11to make it safe.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- The tyres, they need to be there as soon as possible, don't they? Cos this is the other bend.- Yeah.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Obviously, it's an ongoing project.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19This is going to be done within the next week or two.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- Obviously, you can see here, we've decided to put chestnut pailing up. - Yeah.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25This is going to continue right to the corner here.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30- Right.- The white fence you can see, it's actually quite sharp.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32All this is being removed.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Paul recognises that he needs to do more,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40and Varsha and Helen need to see evidence of change fast.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44So, you're going to get that done, then? You can send us some photos.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48They've agreed an action plan and will be back in 14 days expecting
0:21:48 > 0:21:49results.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55They brought up issues. We've tried to address them. We've not got everything perfect first
0:21:55 > 0:21:58time. We're working with the council to get everything in place and
0:21:58 > 0:22:00make it a safe environment for everybody.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06Coming up: Will Paul manage to make enough changes to prevent serious
0:22:06 > 0:22:08accidents on the track?
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Young lives are riding on it.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12The worst-case scenario,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15you're looking at really serious injury or possible death.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27There are 433 councils in the UK,
0:22:27 > 0:22:31and they've all got one thing in common - cutbacks.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34Since 2010,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38Government austerity measures have seen local authority budgets cut by an
0:22:38 > 0:22:42estimated £18 billion,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45affecting vital services such as health and social care.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51Times are tough, but not everyone is happy with how councils are coping.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Just because there's cuts doesn't mean to say they shouldn't be
0:22:55 > 0:22:58operating efficiently, although nobody wants cuts, obviously.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00I'm not happy with the council at all.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03I think, to be fair, because of the way it's gone, the way it's run,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06they're spending millions of pounds on buildings when they could be
0:23:06 > 0:23:09spending on other things, helping people out.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12I think the councils are having a really difficult time at the moment
0:23:12 > 0:23:14because of the levels of cuts they are facing,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17which means it's really hard for them to provide the basic services and
0:23:17 > 0:23:20still provide all the social care services that are essential.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26The health and happiness of residents is a primary concern for councils,
0:23:26 > 0:23:31and one way Wigan Council are finding solutions to cuts to social care is
0:23:31 > 0:23:34by joining forces with the emergency services.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Martin Coyne and Stephen Phillips are part of the
0:23:38 > 0:23:43Community Risk Intervention Team, otherwise known as CRIT,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47a new scheme run by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service,
0:23:47 > 0:23:49and supported by Wigan Council.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Together as a partnership, we thought,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55how can we access these people earlier on
0:23:55 > 0:23:58before they reach emergency services?
0:23:58 > 0:24:00And that's the idea of the CRIT,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04that we've got people going out into the person's home environment,
0:24:04 > 0:24:09and hopefully doing some preventative work with them and hopefully stop
0:24:09 > 0:24:14them from coming into local authority adult social care later on.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18The team's work is twofold.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22They reduce the pressure on the emergency services by being first
0:24:22 > 0:24:25responders to low priority emergency calls,
0:24:25 > 0:24:30and help the council by providing a range of preventative support.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34All you can see here is our fire prevention stuff.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38We fit smoke alarms, we hand out bedsheets that are fire retardant.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42This is our trauma bag.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44We respond to medical emergencies.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48It could be anything from slips, trips and falls to cardiac arrests.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Every year, the ambulance service responds to
0:24:52 > 0:24:54700,000 calls from older
0:24:54 > 0:24:58people who have fallen and need help fast.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02This is 10% of the total calls made to the service.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09One man who's been forced to make regular calls for help is 84-year-old
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Robert Sharples.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15You have fallen once or twice.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Once in the middle of the night,
0:25:17 > 0:25:21and in the doorway in there.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- Once in the hall.- After another recent call to emergency services,
0:25:25 > 0:25:29Stephen and Neil are en route to install a handy device to help keep him
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- on his feet.- Hello.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34I gather you asked for a handrail somewhere.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36It's here that's important.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38- Yeah.- On that side?
0:25:38 > 0:25:42We'll let you choose exactly where and what height.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47I had to send for a crew to lift me up the other week.
0:25:47 > 0:25:48Is that why you got referred?
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- From the chair to my Zimmer. - Right, I see.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- Was that the ambulance...- I was here all afternoon, I couldn't lift myself up.- Ah.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01A simple thing of just putting a grab rail,
0:26:01 > 0:26:04it suddenly improves people's quality of life
0:26:04 > 0:26:09and enables them to do things that, without them, they were really
0:26:09 > 0:26:12struggling to do. It's not a big thing, but it is satisfying, really,
0:26:12 > 0:26:17knowing that you can just do a little bit that makes somebody's life that
0:26:17 > 0:26:18bit better for them.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23With a new handrail fitted, Robert is steady on his feet
0:26:23 > 0:26:26and feeling good.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28That's better, isn't it?
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- That's easier.- That's good.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32- Much easier.- Job done.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34This may seem like a small job,
0:26:34 > 0:26:39but it will reduce the chance of people like Robert making an emergency call.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44That's a godsend to us because I spend most of my time in my back room.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46It's my little den.
0:26:46 > 0:26:47HE LAUGHS
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Even Mrs Sharples is impressed.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Oh, it's lovely! It looks posh.
0:26:53 > 0:26:54SHE LAUGHS
0:26:55 > 0:26:57With a hand rail fitted,
0:26:57 > 0:27:01two more residents can feel more secure in their homes.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Stephen and Martin are now free to assist with rapid response calls for
0:27:05 > 0:27:06the rest of their shift.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22Environmental enforcement officer Alex Kay has been tackling a double
0:27:22 > 0:27:24whammy of rubbish and rats in a back yard.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31He called in colleague and veteran vermin expect Colin Evans to root out
0:27:31 > 0:27:32where the rats were coming from.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35A rat would chew through tarmac no problem whatsoever.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38They found a weak spot and they've tunnelled out.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43Rat runs found, Alex focused on removing the rodents' hiding place.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47He gave the homeowner 28 days to clear the yard
0:27:47 > 0:27:49or face the bill and a fine.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52We've done all we can by the letter of the law,
0:27:52 > 0:27:54so it's just a waiting game now.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00Three weeks later, the rubbish hasn't been removed.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Some jobs are pretty straightforward, you know,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07you turn up and there's a problem, there's waste accumulation.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10We speak to the homeowners and we're able to get the waste cleared.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Other jobs are not so straightforward, like this one.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15It's frustrating for Alex.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Legally, 28 days have to pass before the council can step in
0:28:19 > 0:28:21and clear the rubbish.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27But the rats' route to refuse is about to become roadblocked.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31Their access to the alley is through a weak spot in the drain wall,
0:28:31 > 0:28:35so Gary Williams and Wayne Gough from the council's highways team are here
0:28:35 > 0:28:36to take action.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42We're just trying to investigate to see what's, erm,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45making the collapse. If it's anything serious.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48So we'll go from there.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50The drain is damaged.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53And Gary and Wayne need to dig deeper to assess it.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59But they've barely started when disaster strikes.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06I think the water main is going across...
0:29:06 > 0:29:08The connection is going across their hole.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10That might have something to do with it.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13There are more than 210,000 miles of
0:29:13 > 0:29:16underground water pipes in the UK.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Enough to go around the world eight times.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23The maze of water works are mapped, but if the plans aren't precise,
0:29:23 > 0:29:26then a pipe can easily be damaged by nearby digging.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31Sometimes the plans are wrong and they're slightly off.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33You might have nicked a water or a drain.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- Either one of them.- Because of the leak,
0:29:36 > 0:29:40Gary and Wayne have no choice but to call in the local water company.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51In the meantime, they battle to bring the burst pipe under control.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59It doesn't seem like it's flowing as hard as it was.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01We still have to make this safe
0:30:01 > 0:30:04and make sure it's all secure for the public.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11The homes still have a water supply, and the risk of flooding has passed.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15But there's no end in sight for the beleaguered residents of this street.
0:30:19 > 0:30:20Coming up:
0:30:20 > 0:30:23Colin steps back into the breach.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Obviously they've not sent a team back yet.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30Which I'll be chasing them up for, and giving them a bit of earache.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44Animal health officer Sue Keane McPartlin is out on her rounds.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47But this time she doesn't quite have the fun of the fair.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Today, she's inspecting a local dog boarding kennels licensed
0:30:52 > 0:30:56by Wigan Council. To operate,
0:30:56 > 0:30:59the owners must be complying with all licence conditions.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03And the best way to check this - turn up unannounced.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08The reason I carry out unannounced visits is because
0:31:08 > 0:31:10I'm able to see the
0:31:10 > 0:31:13kennels, how they're working in a day-to-day situation.
0:31:13 > 0:31:14Nothing's been prepared for me.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18I'm going to see, basically, the kennel today as it is, warts and all.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22If anything's going on that shouldn't be going on, I'll find it today.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24DOG BARKS
0:31:25 > 0:31:27All boarding kennels in the UK must
0:31:27 > 0:31:30be licensed by their local council.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34In Wigan, there are nearly 30 licence holders.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37They must prove that they have adequate facilities to cater to the
0:31:37 > 0:31:41animals' daily needs, and keep them healthy and safe.
0:31:41 > 0:31:47They could have their licence revoked, face a fine of up to £500 and,
0:31:47 > 0:31:51in extreme cases, even prison if the licence conditions aren't being met.
0:31:53 > 0:31:54Hello, good morning. Mr Higginbottom?
0:31:54 > 0:31:58Hi, it's Sue, I'm the animal health inspector from Wigan Council.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03- Yeah.- I've just come to do an interim inspection in relation to your
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- boarding establishment licence for dogs.- That's fine, yeah.- It's fine.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- Can we start going through? - Yeah, of course you can.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13The first signs are good.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17I can see there that you have got the licence displayed.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21And what about your records of your clients?
0:32:21 > 0:32:24All the records are kept on computer. Then any booking forms are done daily.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26And have you printed this off from your system?
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Yeah. So I'll have when the vaccinations are due from the vets,
0:32:29 > 0:32:33and all the records from the home and how long they're staying.
0:32:33 > 0:32:38- OK. And this is one of the vaccination cards that you will actually take in?- Yeah.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44It's vital that all dogs entering boarding kennels have up-to-date
0:32:44 > 0:32:45vaccinations.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49If they haven't, diseases like canine parvovirus
0:32:49 > 0:32:52and distemper can spread from dog to dog easily.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55And with potentially devastating results.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58This particular dog, leptospirosis, parvovirus and distemper -
0:32:58 > 0:33:01it's been vaccinated against those diseases.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05- Excellent.- The kennels seem to have strict standards when it comes to an
0:33:05 > 0:33:07animal's medical history.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09They only accept vaccinated animals.
0:33:09 > 0:33:14You know, you know that your dog is not going to be put at risk by coming into
0:33:14 > 0:33:18contact on the same premises with an unvaccinated animal.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20The paperwork may be in order,
0:33:20 > 0:33:23but will Sue be happy when she inspects the kennels?
0:33:24 > 0:33:29I'll be looking for things like mixing dogs that are not from the same home.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32You can understand there's quite a high disease risk there.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36I'll be looking that the kennels are
0:33:36 > 0:33:38cleansed and disinfected properly.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41I need to see nice, happy, healthy dogs.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- How many kennels do you have? - We've got 24 kennels.
0:33:45 > 0:33:4724 kennels.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50And each kennel, some can hold one dog, some hold two,
0:33:50 > 0:33:54and some can hold three. I never mix any dogs from separate families.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59OK, excellent. That's good, that's what we recommend as well.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00I think the average family now has
0:34:00 > 0:34:04- two dogs, don't they?- I've got five! - Oh, right.
0:34:04 > 0:34:05That's a big family, yeah.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11With five dogs of his own to look after, as well as all his other guests,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Mr Higginbotham has a big job on his hands.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Will his hygiene levels live up to Sue's expectations?
0:34:18 > 0:34:21They've all got water available,
0:34:21 > 0:34:26the tiling area to the wall and above is capable of being cleansed and
0:34:26 > 0:34:29disinfected. The floor is good as well,
0:34:29 > 0:34:34you can see it's got a nice fall away into this gutter here.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Which actually runs down into a grid.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41So there's no urine or anything
0:34:41 > 0:34:44passing through into another dog's
0:34:44 > 0:34:47kennel. So that's excellent, that's really good.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51They're practically ensuite.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53I'm really pleased with these kennels.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57The kennels are ticking all the right boxes,
0:34:57 > 0:35:01and so far are not only satisfying the terms of the license,
0:35:01 > 0:35:05but are also going the extra mile with an outdoor area.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08I'm just looking at the dog that's out at the moment.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13He's got a lovely shiny coat, he looks happy, his tail is wagging.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16But I must say, this is above what is required,
0:35:16 > 0:35:20so it's quite clear that the owner of this premise
0:35:20 > 0:35:23takes looking after the dogs really seriously.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29But Sue still has one more question to ask.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33I've been noticing your fire extinguishers around the place.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36It's good. Do you have a fire plan?
0:35:37 > 0:35:41Not on paper, but we know if there is a problem or there is a fire
0:35:41 > 0:35:46- to evacuate them all and take them all over in the far...- OK.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50The licence requires that a written fire plan be in place.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53In case of an emergency, the evacuation procedure
0:35:53 > 0:35:57and meeting points need to be crystal clear to ensure
0:35:57 > 0:36:01the staff know the routine to get the animals out quickly and safely.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- You're capable of having 40 dogs here as well, aren't you?- Yeah.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06So you really need a written plan in place
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- that everybody is familiar with. - Yeah.- Maybe one in each block,
0:36:10 > 0:36:15so it says in case of fire where you are all to go,
0:36:15 > 0:36:19- just in case the dogs need to be... - Yeah. I'll get one sorted out..- OK.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24It's a concern. But based on the attention to detail she's seen
0:36:24 > 0:36:28everywhere else, Sue shows her bark is worse than her bite.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31You know, unannounced visit, you didn't know I was coming,
0:36:31 > 0:36:33but you've been able to show me everything.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36You had your records handy, and I'm very pleased.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40- Good.- It's a good kennel.- Glad to hear, thanks.- Thank you very much.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Sue returned less than a week later
0:36:43 > 0:36:47and the fire evacuation procedure had been clearly displayed.
0:36:48 > 0:36:49There we go.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52I understand the reason the spot checks are done,
0:36:52 > 0:36:54cos you've got to make sure
0:36:54 > 0:36:57the dogs' and animals' welfare is coming first.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01It is right that this kennels is licensed. I would personally say,
0:37:01 > 0:37:06don't leave your animal anywhere that is not a licensed premise.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Environmental health inspector Varsha Patel
0:37:21 > 0:37:25and public protection manager Helen Whitaker have been tasked
0:37:25 > 0:37:29with checking safety standards at a local motocross track.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Following their first inspection, Varsha had serious concerns
0:37:32 > 0:37:37about an exposed brick wall that posed a big risk to the riders.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42Our worry was that riders would collide into the stone wall.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Manager Paul had partial barriers in place.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Obviously it's an ongoing project.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51- This is going to be done in the next week or two.- But it wasn't enough.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53The tyres need to be there as soon as possible, don't they?
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Cos this is the other bend.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01It's been two weeks since the initial inspection.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05And they're back to see if Paul has made headway with the wall.
0:38:05 > 0:38:11- Hi, Paul, hi, Matt.- Hi. Are you well?- Nice to see you.- Hello.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16The wall runs along one entire side of the track.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19It's a big job, but has Paul provided the right
0:38:19 > 0:38:22protection in this short amount of time?
0:38:24 > 0:38:28As you can see we've removed the white fencing, the plastic stuff.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31- You put the green netting on there now to replace that.- Yeah.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34We've extended the chestnut paling,
0:38:34 > 0:38:36and if you look behind you can see
0:38:36 > 0:38:38we covered the wall you were concerned about with tyres
0:38:38 > 0:38:41and we dressed it to make it look a bit more presentable
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- with the green netting.- So that goes along the embankment then.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47You can see about three quarters down there's a gap of about
0:38:47 > 0:38:4925 yards that we need to fill.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51- The tyres have been dropped off at that line.- OK.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Paul has made excellent progress, but the wall needs to be
0:38:56 > 0:39:02completely covered before Varsha and Helen can sign it off as 100% safe.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04It is a dangerous sport.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07The worst case scenario would be somebody coming around here at speed
0:39:07 > 0:39:10and going straight into a stone embankment.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13You're looking at really serious injury or possibly death.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17That would be the worst case scenario, which is absolutely
0:39:17 > 0:39:20neither what he wants not what we want, nor anybody coming here.
0:39:20 > 0:39:21Nobody wants that.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25So it's really important that you have this sort of thing in place.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28It's time for Varsha and Helen to deliver their final verdict.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32It's a lot better than it was, isn't it?
0:39:32 > 0:39:35There are some improvements that you still need to make.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38So if you can inform us when you've done those, maybe send us
0:39:38 > 0:39:42- some photos and then take it from there.- Yeah, OK.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46- Fine.- We'll call it a day. Thank you very much.- Nice to see you again.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52With motor sport, you can't eliminate all the risks.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54There are risks to riders.
0:39:54 > 0:39:59But we can make sure as regulators that we can make the track and
0:39:59 > 0:40:03the procedures and the management of the track as safe as possible.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Over four weeks ago, council officers Alex Kay and Colin Evans
0:40:18 > 0:40:22responded to a call from local resident Barbara Paige
0:40:22 > 0:40:25about a rubbish-filled yard that had attracted rats.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29Instead of having it removed like they should do
0:40:29 > 0:40:33or taking it to the tip themselves, they're just using this as a tip.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Colin managed to sniff out the rats' route,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38but it hasn't all been plain sailing.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Alex has also had issues in locating the house owner
0:40:44 > 0:40:46to get the rubbish cleared.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Hopefully they'll get in touch with me, but if not,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51in 28 days we'll have a resolution anyway.
0:40:53 > 0:40:5628 days later, with no response,
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Alex had no choice but to take action.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04He's tasked a council team with completely clearing the yard,
0:41:04 > 0:41:06and he's back to check their work.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15Marvellous. Completely clear, all the waste's gone.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18Yeah, I'm happy with that. It's a good job.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21When councils are forced to take action in situations like this,
0:41:21 > 0:41:25they make sure owners foot the bill sooner or later.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28If we get no response from the person that owns the property
0:41:28 > 0:41:30and we don't get any payment,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Wigan Council will put a charge on the property via the Land Registry,
0:41:33 > 0:41:35which means that once the property is sold,
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Wigan Council will get its money back first before
0:41:38 > 0:41:41the remainder of the balance will go to the person who owns the property.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Getting a bill is never nice,
0:41:45 > 0:41:50but one resident who's happy with the outcome is house-proud Barbara.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53I'm pleased they've done it, very pleased.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56You felt itchy and creepy if you went near it, it were that bad.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01And you think, God, how've I ended up living near that?
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Alex's work is done.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12But Colin's half of the job still has a gaping hole in it.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16So what's happened here?
0:42:16 > 0:42:18They've done a repair on this water pipe,
0:42:18 > 0:42:22but obviously they've not sent a team back yet.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24But once that's filled in, we're done, aren't we?
0:42:24 > 0:42:29Get that filled now, Tarmacked up, job's a good'un. Sorted.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32I'll be chasing them up, giving them a bit of earache.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Yeah, no probs. Cheers, pal.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37Colin heads back to the council
0:42:37 > 0:42:41to give the utilities company a polite hurry-up.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45Three weeks later, and the hole still hadn't been filled in.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59It's been a busy shift for Wigan's council officers.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03They've got revved up over a risky motocross track...
0:43:03 > 0:43:06The tyres need to be there as soon as possible, don't they?
0:43:06 > 0:43:10Checked livestock licences and made sure pets are properly cared for...
0:43:10 > 0:43:14- I wish you luck today.- Thank you very much.- See how the job goes.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17And made a vermin problem vanish.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20Have a look. Nice and clear.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22- No sign of any rats.- Wonderful.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25All this when residents called the council.