0:00:02 > 0:00:03From grappling with our daily grind...
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Why have they suddenly decided to dump all this waste
0:00:06 > 0:00:08in other people's bins?
0:00:08 > 0:00:10..to unearthing the extraordinary...
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Wow, it's Wigan's gold mask.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14..battling those blighting the streets...
0:00:14 > 0:00:16It's not acceptable, really.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19..bringing the community together...
0:00:19 > 0:00:20- Hi.- How are you doing?
0:00:20 > 0:00:22..and being on hand in troubled times...
0:00:22 > 0:00:25I've got kids. We can't even open t'bedroom windows cos of the noise.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27It's affecting everything - sleep, you know.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Just 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 > 0:00:34in Greater Manchester.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36I speak to the waste.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38I sort of say to it, "Come on, talk to me.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- "How have you got here?"- Like 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 possible death.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48..stepping in to try and solve our problems...
0:00:48 > 0:00:49I mean, it's constant.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52You will be told today that we will be serving notice.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53..and responding to residents...
0:00:53 > 0:00:55I much appreciate what you're doing.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- ..when they... - What's the enquiry today?
0:00:58 > 0:01:00..call the council.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Coming up, council officers bring offenders and crime victims
0:01:12 > 0:01:14face to face...
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- Welcome.- It's just sort of mindless.
0:01:16 > 0:01:17It got out of control.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22..work around the clock to keep the borough's buildings secure...
0:01:22 > 0:01:24Do it once, do it right.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28..and take on the challenges of a new council career.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31It just felt like there was just no hope.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34That was when I found the training programme.
0:01:34 > 0:01:35Very good.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49There are 433 local authorities across the UK,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52one of which is Wigan Council.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- Thanks for calling the council. - Council staff work across
0:01:54 > 0:01:58the 77-square-mile Metropolitan Borough,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01looking out for its 300,000-plus residents.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04If you've got any problems, just give us a call back, OK?
0:02:04 > 0:02:07One of their biggest priorities is doing everything they can
0:02:07 > 0:02:09to keep residents safe and secure.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14'You are being recorded by Wigan Council's CCTV.'
0:02:14 > 0:02:18But, sadly, some people's behaviour blights the community.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23The police are on the front line, tackling the trouble head on.
0:02:23 > 0:02:24But behind the scenes,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27local authorities are working in partnership with them.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30I went out to see Mr Johnson.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33He is the victim of the offence that occurred in July.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35That we do all different panels...
0:02:35 > 0:02:38One way Wigan Council are doing this is through an innovative scheme
0:02:38 > 0:02:42called Restorative Justice, headed up by Graham Doubleday
0:02:42 > 0:02:44in the Restorative Solutions team.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Restorative justice gives young people
0:02:48 > 0:02:49a chance to meet the person who
0:02:49 > 0:02:51they've committed an offence against
0:02:51 > 0:02:53and try and repair the harm that's been caused.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56This could include meeting them face to face,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00writing them a letter of apology or undertaking some work to benefit
0:03:00 > 0:03:01the Wigan community.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06The team work with children under 18,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08who can be referred to them
0:03:08 > 0:03:11by schools and council antisocial behaviour officers.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13But the majority come from the police.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17It can be young people who'd been in trouble with the police
0:03:17 > 0:03:19for the very first time,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22or it could be young people who are in a pattern of offending behaviour
0:03:22 > 0:03:23that could be going for a number of years.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Government research suggests that it's win-win,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32with 85% of victims reported as satisfied
0:03:32 > 0:03:35by the Restorative Justice programme
0:03:35 > 0:03:37and a 14% fall in the frequency
0:03:37 > 0:03:39of incidents re-occurring.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42I think...he came out as suitable.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Today, officers Janet Seddon and Linda Wedge are preparing to visit
0:03:46 > 0:03:51local resident Colin Johnson, whose car, along with others in his street,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54was vandalised by two youths.
0:03:54 > 0:03:55When I first came out of the house,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59there were neighbours looking at their car.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01I was looking at our car.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03There was graffiti on the wall opposite
0:04:03 > 0:04:06and there was graffiti on every single car,
0:04:06 > 0:04:07going all the way up the street.
0:04:09 > 0:04:15We were horrified at what happened, because when we discovered it,
0:04:15 > 0:04:16it was still going on.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21I feel as if the lads have zero respect for any of the community.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27I'd like to know what they thought they got out of this.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Because it was just simply mindless.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34The police caught the young lads, but rather than pressing charges,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38referred them to the council's Restorative Solutions team
0:04:38 > 0:04:42in the hope that they could better reduce the chance of these incidents re-occurring.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46A lot of these young people can be feeling quite low in self-esteem,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49but we, kind of, help them and guide them and coax them.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53And just show them what is right and wrong.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57In this case, Janet and Linda are hoping that having a meeting
0:04:57 > 0:05:01or conference between one of the boys responsible for the graffiti
0:05:01 > 0:05:04and his victim will benefit both parties.
0:05:05 > 0:05:11The conference process is about getting the harmed person
0:05:11 > 0:05:13with the harmer,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17so that the harmed person can express their views,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21explain how the behaviour has affected them,
0:05:21 > 0:05:23and the young person taking responsibility
0:05:23 > 0:05:28and acknowledging that what they've done has harmed someone else.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Janet and Linda are aiming to bring Colin and one of
0:05:32 > 0:05:36the lads who vandalised his property together, but before they can,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Janet wants to address an earlier concern.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44When I first saw Mr Johnson, he was quite angry about this case.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48So, the hope tonight is to ensure that he's calmed down so that
0:05:48 > 0:05:53he's able to attend the conference tomorrow without any problems
0:05:53 > 0:05:58and to make sure that he's safe and feels safe at the conference tomorrow.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02The meeting today will determine whether the conference will go ahead.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06When we do our assessment with the young person and the victims,
0:06:06 > 0:06:10we do assess whether we think they are suitable for a conference.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13If we feel they are not, then we don't go ahead with the conference.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16It's got to be a safe environment for everyone.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Thanks for seeing us.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27So, Mr Johnson, how have things been?
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- Yeah, I've been OK, thanks.- Yeah?
0:06:29 > 0:06:32It's been a while since I've seen you, a couple of weeks, hasn't it?
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Yeah, yeah.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37I know at that time you were feeling quite angry about the incident.
0:06:37 > 0:06:38"Annoyed" were your words.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- Yes, yes.- Tell me how you're feeling about it now.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43Basically, we wanted to...
0:06:45 > 0:06:49..find out why it happened, but also,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52to give options to the people that actually did this
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- to do something different in the future.- OK.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57You are aware that the process is voluntary?
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- Yes.- And that you're prepared to go in it on a voluntary basis?
0:07:01 > 0:07:02Yes. I'm quite happy to.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06It will be an unbiased event.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10From that, I've been reassured that people have taken it seriously.
0:07:10 > 0:07:11- Excellent.- And...
0:07:13 > 0:07:15..we think
0:07:15 > 0:07:17this is due justice, basically.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Any other concerns? Anything at all?
0:07:19 > 0:07:21No, no concerns whatsoever.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23All right, well, thank you again for seeing us.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- Thanks very much. - We'll see you tomorrow.
0:07:25 > 0:07:26- OK, thank you.- OK.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Satisfied with the situation,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Janet can now concentrate on tomorrow's conference.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34He was quite open to seeing us.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39His anger had obviously gone a lot lower than it was previously.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41He is keen to take part.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44And, hopefully, I feel that he'll gets quite a lot out
0:07:44 > 0:07:47of the Restorative Justice conference tomorrow.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- A very positive experience for them both.- Absolutely.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Coming up,
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Janet prepares for the all-important meeting.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Names on the seats.
0:08:01 > 0:08:02- Yes.- Sorted.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05But will justice be restored?
0:08:06 > 0:08:08Is he going to manage this?
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Because this is a massive process for him.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27There are over 22,000 residential council properties
0:08:27 > 0:08:30in the borough of Wigan. It's the council's responsibility
0:08:30 > 0:08:34to ensure that the properties they look after are safe and secure
0:08:34 > 0:08:36for their residents.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It's a never-ending maintenance mission.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Right, we'll start in the kitchen.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47Fixing things has always been council joiner Scott Howarth's forte.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51I wanted to be a joiner from when I was about 13.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53At school, I decided that's what I wanted to do.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55So, I followed it up.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57And then it's just gone from there.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00I've had a few different... Worked for a few different companies.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02I enjoy working here. The variety is good.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Scott's official title is Multi-Skilled Operative.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11He works in Building Services.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13On to a gate latch...
0:09:13 > 0:09:16He's a one-man maintenance machine,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18with ten years' experience under his tool belt.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25This week, as well as his normal shift...
0:09:25 > 0:09:26See you later, pal.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30..Scott has opted to be on 24-hour call-out.
0:09:30 > 0:09:31I'll be on call all night.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34I'm doing Tuesday till next Monday.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38So, all weekend, 24 hours, I'm available.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41It's a voluntary option for maintenance staff like Scott,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43at least from the council's point of view.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45My wife doesn't mind me doing it.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47I think she likes the money more than me.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50So, I'll be sent to work if the phone rings.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55It's almost five o'clock
0:09:55 > 0:09:58and Scott's been called to a case that the day team
0:09:58 > 0:10:01haven't managed to complete before clocking-off time.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03This job has come in.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06It's a faulty back gate slamming.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10It was meant to be done in the day, but the lads got stuck on a job.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13So they've asked me to go and have a look, see if I can sort it.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19All right, love? I'm from the council. Sorry we're late.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22For Scott, fixing a broken back gate is a standard job.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Well, that's not locking, for starters.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- Oh.- So, I'll get it adjusted. I'll make it fab.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- Right.- Is that all right? - Yeah, that's excellent.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32But to Gillian Gaskell and her autistic son, Danny Lee,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34it's much more significant.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37He's not allowed out, because he's not got no road sense.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40He can't go to the shop, he can't go anywhere on his own.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42So, he's only really got the back garden.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46There's a busy road nearby, and if the gate isn't secure,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Danny Lee could wander out and put himself in danger.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52It's a very real risk for concerned mum Gillian.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- He has been out.- I know.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57I go out every time and play with my scooters and play on my tractors.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59I know, but you've not to, really, have you, Danny?
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- There's cars coming in, isn't there? - I need to be careful this time.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04You do, yeah.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06We're on our way here. It's just a problem with the back gate
0:11:06 > 0:11:09and you think, "It's not an emergency, is it?"
0:11:09 > 0:11:13But, obviously, when you see the circumstances, it is an emergency.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15That little lad can't go out.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19A five-minute job now could save his life, at the end of the day.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22With a youngster's safety at stake,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Scott cracks on with the job in hand.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27The hinge has dropped a little bit,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30so I'm just going to prepare this side first and then realign
0:11:30 > 0:11:32that side in a minute.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40It's a minor adjustment,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43but it makes a big difference to Danny Lee and his mum.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48That's it. That's better, isn't it?
0:11:48 > 0:11:50I've adjusted everything on it so it's all nice and easy.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Excellent. Thank you very much.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54All right. If you've got any problems,
0:11:54 > 0:11:56you know where we are, ring up, we'll come out.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- Yeah, will do. - Right, see you later. See you, mate.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- See you.- See you later.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02Job done.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08Danny Lee can play safely and his mum has peace of mind.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09All secure now, nice.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11I can just let him play now.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Yeah, he's got more freedom to play now.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- It's so much better. - I'm happy and very excited.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19Two happy customers.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Four missed calls.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25But there are more waiting in need of help.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Coming up, Scott's nonstop,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32as his calls continue into the night with an emergency break-in.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36They'll take anything. If it's not nailed down, they'll have it.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50With a workforce of over two million people,
0:12:50 > 0:12:54local councils are amongst the biggest employers in the country.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Whether it's a desk job or a dirty job,
0:12:57 > 0:12:59if you can get your foot in the council's door,
0:12:59 > 0:13:02you might just land your dream role.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05I've really wanted to be a refuse collector since I was about
0:13:05 > 0:13:07nine or ten years old.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13Last year, Wigan Council made Adrian Speakman's dream a reality.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20When I found out that I got the opportunity
0:13:20 > 0:13:22to go on one of the rounds,
0:13:22 > 0:13:24I was really excited to
0:13:24 > 0:13:29have a try at my dream job, what I've always wanted to do.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Adrian, who had struggled to find work,
0:13:32 > 0:13:35won a 12-month paid placement with the council,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37thanks to their Confident Futures scheme.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43This is your future, and Wigan Council want to support you as much as possible.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46The scheme is designed to help young people who have faced
0:13:46 > 0:13:50challenging starts in life get hands-on work experience.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53What we want is to set them up for a future,
0:13:53 > 0:13:55help them to progress in their lives,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58you know, where they're earning a salary,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01and be able to support themselves in accommodation
0:14:01 > 0:14:03and, you know, their future lives ahead.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06So, it is very important.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11Around half a million young people in the UK aged between 16 and 24
0:14:11 > 0:14:13are not in education, employment
0:14:13 > 0:14:14or training.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18And it's reported that long-term youth unemployment could be costing
0:14:18 > 0:14:21taxpayers more than £20 million a week.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24This one? OK, got it.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30So, Adrian made sure he made the most of the opportunity.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35There you go. Not a problem, it's my pleasure.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Can you manage, yeah?- Yes, yes. - Brilliant. All right, no worries.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42Very helpful. He went out of his way to be pleasant.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47His big heart and determination wasn't lost on the council bosses.
0:14:47 > 0:14:48I've got through, Mum.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50'Fantastic!'
0:14:50 > 0:14:52I got through.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54And guess where I've been put?
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- 'Waste.'- Waste. Yeah, waste.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- Yes, I got through!- Whoo!
0:15:00 > 0:15:06Nine months into his paid placement, Adrian's training is going well.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10And now he's out on the bin wagon with the very men who inspired him,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Brian Rigby and Ian McMillan.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17I've known him since he was that high.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Yeah, they've known me since I was small, yes.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22We used to empty the bins every week in Shevington.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24He used to come out as a little lad, didn't he?
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Yeah. We tried to encourage him, didn't we,
0:15:26 > 0:15:28to try and get on to the agency and that?
0:15:28 > 0:15:30You was phoning all different agencies, weren't you?
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- Yeah.- And they wouldn't give him a chance, would they?
0:15:33 > 0:15:35It was like they were just...
0:15:38 > 0:15:41It just felt like there was just no hope.
0:15:43 > 0:15:44And that is when...
0:15:44 > 0:15:49That was when I found this training programme.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- He's blossomed from there.- Never looked back, have you, lad?
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Never looked back.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58It may have been a battle to get his dream job on the bins, but now
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Adrian is going from strength to strength.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Welcome to the lovely view of Aspel.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09What I love about this job is the people who I work with.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11I enjoy face-to-face conversation
0:16:11 > 0:16:15with members of the residents on some of the rounds.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Hiya, are you all right?
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Thanks for waiting.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22I'm thankful to Wigan Council
0:16:22 > 0:16:27for giving me such just a great opportunity on the dream job
0:16:27 > 0:16:33of what I wanted to do for such a long time, since I was small.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36So, I really enjoy it.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38The work is very good. It's excellent.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44He's hard-working, conscientious,
0:16:44 > 0:16:48He's got a good rapport with all the customers and that.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- It's great having him on. - Welcome to Coronation Street!
0:16:55 > 0:16:56Oh, he's like a breath of fresh air.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58You know, he's like, he's keen.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04He's a grafter, Adrian. He gets stuck in.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09As well as building Adrian's self-reliance and getting him
0:17:09 > 0:17:10used to the world of work,
0:17:10 > 0:17:14the council's programme pays him a training salary.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17When my first wage came in,
0:17:17 > 0:17:19I was like,
0:17:19 > 0:17:21"Yes! My very first wage."
0:17:21 > 0:17:23And I had a smile on my face.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28For Adrian, working on the wagon with the men who inspired him
0:17:28 > 0:17:30has been a dream come true.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34But the scheme also includes one day a week in the classroom.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39He needs to pass exams in maths, English and IT
0:17:39 > 0:17:42before the council can offer him a permanent position.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46And Adrian finds academic study a challenge.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50It's the training that will help me succeed.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52If I've done everything,
0:17:52 > 0:17:58- that means it'll be a full-time... - Position.- ..position on here, yeah.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10Coming up, Adrian turns teacher to spread the word about recycling.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16I'm really enjoying the different atmosphere of work.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18It's really, really good.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32Council officers Janet Seddon and Linda Wedge are out in the community
0:18:32 > 0:18:36trying to help a resident who fell victim to a graffiti incident.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39I know at that time, you were feeling quite angry about the incident.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- "Annoyed" was your words. - Yes.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45Colin Johnson and his neighbours had their cars and street
0:18:45 > 0:18:46sprayed with graffiti.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48The responsible party were youths.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50So, rather than being charged,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54police referred them to Janet's Restorative Solutions team.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Under the council's Restorative Justice scheme,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06Janet is planning to bring Colin and one of the young people together
0:19:06 > 0:19:10at a council conference in the hope of a mutual resolution.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14The conferences can be highly emotional,
0:19:14 > 0:19:19and although the council have done many of these, it's Janet's first.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Feeling a little bit worried now.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23Not worried, apprehensive.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26No, I am feeling a little bit worried, I'll be honest.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29I'm wanting this to be right.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31I want the victims to get something out of this.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34And I want the young person to feel...
0:19:34 > 0:19:37I don't want him to become a victim.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38I just want them to all gain something.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44It's quite... It's just the waiting now.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48After a short wait, Colin arrives
0:19:48 > 0:19:50with one of the other vandalism victims
0:19:50 > 0:19:52who didn't want to be identified.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Hi, Mr Johnson. Nice to see you again.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58But that's only half of the equation.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Attendance today is voluntary.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Will the boy turn up?
0:20:04 > 0:20:08I'm now thinking about the young person and how he's feeling.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Is he going to manage this?
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Everything and anything is going through my mind at this moment.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22If the young person doesn't turn up,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26it's a huge backward step in building towards a resolution.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30The conference will be cancelled and everyone stands to lose.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33But, a few minutes late, he arrives.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38He has agreed to take part in filming, but not to be identified.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Janet has just gone outside with the young person and his mum and nan.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46She's just explaining what's going to happen
0:20:46 > 0:20:50so that he feels comfortable before he comes into the room.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56Welcome.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57Thank you all for attending.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01I know that this may be difficult for all of you,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04but your presence will help repair the harm that has been done.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08So, would you talk us through what happened?
0:21:10 > 0:21:11Yeah. One night,
0:21:11 > 0:21:18we found some spray paint cans and I suggested spray-painting.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21The first thing I spray-painted was someone's car.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24This conference follows a strict script,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27with the boy who did the graffiti talking first.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30And then, when I realised we had been caught,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32I thought to myself, "Stupid,"
0:21:32 > 0:21:35like a stupid idea. I shouldn't have done it.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37By recounting the details of the incident,
0:21:37 > 0:21:41he shows the victims he's taking responsibility for his actions.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47Thank you. OK, Mr Johnson.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49OK.
0:21:49 > 0:21:50I thought at the time
0:21:50 > 0:21:55it was one or two cars and it was just sort of mindless.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59And I felt as if it got out of control.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03We had nearly four or five police cars in Tyldesley that evening.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09Thank you. What were your thoughts and feelings about what happened?
0:22:09 > 0:22:11It just made me angry and mad.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14By talking about how the incident affected them and their family,
0:22:14 > 0:22:18the hope is that the realisation shocks and shames the young person
0:22:18 > 0:22:20into feeling remorse.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23It doesn't feel safe to them any more.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25So, we may end up selling the house.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30Thank you for that. Is there anything you want to say at this time?
0:22:30 > 0:22:35Yeah. Erm, I want to apologise to both of you.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38And, obviously, if there were other victims here,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40I'd apologise to them as well.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44And sorry for the upset it's caused between your families
0:22:44 > 0:22:48and all the worry and the bother that it's caused to both of you.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53I'm really, really proud that you've actually come here and sat with us today.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57Thanks. And that really takes a man to sit and do that.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00So, it shows that, one, you are sorry for what you've done, and two,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03you've realised the impact that it's had.
0:23:03 > 0:23:04Is there anything else?
0:23:06 > 0:23:08OK, so thank you.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12And well done to all of you for the way you have worked together
0:23:12 > 0:23:16in dealing with a difficult matter and the issues that were raised.
0:23:16 > 0:23:17Thank you.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19I'll shake your hand.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- I'm sorry.- Well done for actually coming.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23That's all right. Sorry for what I did.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25No problem. Well done, lad.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30An apology accepted means a productive experience for all concerned.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32I think it's very, very positive.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36And we've tried to make the situation better.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39He's a bright lad. I feel as if he'll make something of himself,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41if he is given the opportunity.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44I think it went great.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46I think the victims got what they needed.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48They asked the questions that they wanted to ask,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51they got the answers that they wanted.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56The young person, as well, he managed to say that he was sorry.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I think now he'll able to move on.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02And that's what the restorative conference is all about,
0:24:02 > 0:24:03it's about repairing the harm.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09It's one win, and Janet and Linda will continue their team's effort to
0:24:09 > 0:24:13reduce crime in the borough, making it a safer and better place to live.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28From building bridges, back to domestic DIY.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34One-man maintenance machine Scott Howarth is out on call.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36All right, love? Sorry we're late.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40After his first stop to secure a back gate...
0:24:40 > 0:24:43If you've got any problems, you know where we are -
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- ring up and we'll come out. - Yeah, will do.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47..he's swung straight back into action.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- Done. - Oh, that's really fast work.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56- See you later, mate.- See you.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59All right?
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- Problem with your front door?- Yeah.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- It's all sorted anyway. - Right, see you.- See you again, mate.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11HQ is ringing him with job after job.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Have you tried ringing me once or twice?
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- 'Yeah.'- I had a couple of missed calls.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I was in a property.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- 'You're a busy boy!'- You're not kidding.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22But one call has left him cold.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- PHONE RINGS - Hello?
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Hello?
0:25:35 > 0:25:36PPI!
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Scott's got no time for nuisance calls.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Problem with two windows?
0:25:47 > 0:25:50As well as a full list of tenants to attend to,
0:25:50 > 0:25:52he's also got an empty stomach.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55I'm starving. And seeing how all I've had today
0:25:55 > 0:25:59is a steak pie and a barm cake and an iced finger...
0:25:59 > 0:26:02so, I'm due for my tea.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08When Scott is on call, he has to take his breaks when he can.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09So he returns to the ranch.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13But there's no rest for the wicked.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18If a call comes in, Scott has to respond, regardless of the time.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22It's just gone 9.30.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24This job has just come in.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28We don't get many of these. It's a building control job.
0:26:28 > 0:26:34It's... I think it's an old pub, which has been left derelict.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37It's not just residential properties owned by the council
0:26:37 > 0:26:40that Scott has a responsibility to secure.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43He must make safe any building that could be putting
0:26:43 > 0:26:45the public at risk.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49These jobs, they come in every now and again.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52You get, like, drunk drivers into buildings.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54And you've got to go.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56They can be big jobs. I've had...
0:26:56 > 0:26:58I've had a lorry put into a sunbed shop...
0:27:01 > 0:27:04..after some...
0:27:04 > 0:27:06some dispute.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Tonight, Scott doesn't know exactly what he'll be facing.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12All he's been told is that a derelict building
0:27:12 > 0:27:16has been broken into and needs securing.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19The building inspector's on site and just rang and asked me,
0:27:19 > 0:27:20could I come out?
0:27:24 > 0:27:25All right, pal? We meet again.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- Oh, are you all right? - Yeah, not too bad.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Because the building is in a public place,
0:27:32 > 0:27:34police have called in Scott's council colleague,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37district building surveyor Keith,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40to assess the damage and any risk posed to residents.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45There's this one here that is, shall we say, open to access?
0:27:45 > 0:27:49We need to get rid of the broken glass...
0:27:49 > 0:27:52There's one at the front as well.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55The building is empty and already boarded up at both levels.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58But someone has ripped off the boards and smashed the windows
0:27:58 > 0:28:01to get inside, leaving the building unsecured
0:28:01 > 0:28:05and sharp, broken glass strewn across the street.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08The urgency with this job, it's just because of health and safety.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12If anybody comes past and a bit of broken glass falls out,
0:28:12 > 0:28:14obviously, people could get in now it's open.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16They could cause a fire,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19which would be a knock-on effect on the properties joined to it.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27Scott must make the area safe and board over the broken windows,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30to stop people getting in again.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42Unoccupied buildings like this are magnets for opportunist thieves.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45They normally go in looking for scrap.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47They'll take anything.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49If it's not nailed down, they'll have it.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52So Scott's not taking any chances.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57I was going to just over-board where they've boarded in the past, but,
0:28:57 > 0:29:01obviously, you can get your fingers behind it and just pull it off.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03To make sure history isn't repeated,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06he secures his boards inside the window frame.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Scott's maintenance motto is simple...
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Do it once, do it right.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16It's an extra, what, five minutes?
0:29:16 > 0:29:18So I might as well just do it now and then I don't have to come back
0:29:18 > 0:29:21another hour, another night.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27And, of course, the building inspector's here watching me!
0:29:32 > 0:29:36Scott seals the final window under Keith's watchful eye.
0:29:36 > 0:29:37And he likes what he sees.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43I think everything is sorted now, everybody is safe.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47And it's onwards and upwards to the next one, I suppose.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50That might be true for Keith, but Scott is heading home.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55That's it for now. Heading towards home.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Shower and bed.
0:30:09 > 0:30:14Night or day, councils are responsible for keeping the peace in their borough.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16Whether it's dogs barking,
0:30:16 > 0:30:20cockerels crowing or neighbours playing loud music,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22if a noise problem persists,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25it's up to the council to step in and sort it out.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28Noise complaints are amongst the most challenging
0:30:28 > 0:30:32for public protection officers like Arron Hanson.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34It's never going to be easy to
0:30:34 > 0:30:38achieve what the residents want all the time.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40And it's difficult and frustrating,
0:30:40 > 0:30:43but you're trained to help and get the best service you can.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Good afternoon. Arron speaking. How can I help?
0:30:46 > 0:30:50Today, Arron and his colleague Steve have been called to
0:30:50 > 0:30:53a normally quiet corner of Wigan.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Five days ago, a travelling fair arrived.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59You can hear how loud it is.
0:30:59 > 0:31:00WHIRRING
0:31:00 > 0:31:05And the complaints are that it's running during the day,
0:31:05 > 0:31:07but all night as well.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12So, that's when the problem is really affecting people.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16The residents are complaining they're getting quite distressed
0:31:16 > 0:31:21that there's music and shouting and the generator going on.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26So, erm, we'll see what we can do.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34Arron is responding to five calls to the council...
0:31:34 > 0:31:37I'm Arron and this is Steve from the environmental health.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39We're coming about the funfair.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42..one of which was from Alan Jones.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44What problems are you having?
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Noise. We've got a generator there what is blowing a big 100-foot...
0:31:47 > 0:31:50well, 50-foot inflatable slide up.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53That's on during the week until nine or ten o'clock at night.
0:31:53 > 0:31:54All you can hear is that generator.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56It's on all day Saturday, all day Sunday.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58We've got music blaring out.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00It's just disgusting.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04It's too close. We've got old folks' homes here, we've got young families.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06It's just... We shouldn't have it, really.
0:32:06 > 0:32:12It's the second time this year that this funfair has been set up on this land.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15It runs every day for three weeks.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19And Arron received complaints the last time it was here, too.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22They seem to have a lot more rides than they did before.
0:32:22 > 0:32:23It was only small last year.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26They seem to have brought everything this time.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- OK.- If it moved that way... we can't shift them.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32But if it moves that way a bit, at least it won't be so close.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36So, how's it been affecting you and your family?
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Well, Saturday night, we went out because it was that bad.
0:32:39 > 0:32:40And it shouldn't happen at all.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43I've got kids. We can't even open t'bedroom windows
0:32:43 > 0:32:44because of the noise.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46You know, if I'm working early in the morning...
0:32:46 > 0:32:48My missus works early.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50She goes to bed early. She has to get up early.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53She starts at six. She can't, cos of that.
0:32:53 > 0:32:54So it's affecting everything -
0:32:54 > 0:32:56sleep, just day-to-day living, really.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Are we OK to have a listen and come inside?
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Yeah, of course you can, yeah.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Councils nationwide receive around
0:33:05 > 0:33:08150,000 noise complaints every year.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12And around 3,000 are about leisure premises, such as funfairs.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17Fairs must abide by council bylaws on opening hours,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20but there is no power to regulate their distance
0:33:20 > 0:33:22from residential housing.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25In this case, noise nuisance and neighbours
0:33:25 > 0:33:27stand just ten metres apart.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31It's clear to Arron
0:33:31 > 0:33:33that no amount of double glazing
0:33:33 > 0:33:35is going to block out this noisy problem.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37It was really prominent.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41Even turning the telly up, you can still hear it above the telly.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45To me, that's a problem for them, isn't it?
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Because it's just
0:33:47 > 0:33:49ridiculously high in the house.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53In the worst cases of noise nuisance,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56councils have the power to serve an abatement notice,
0:33:56 > 0:33:59meaning that if amusement premises, like the fair,
0:33:59 > 0:34:04refuse to respond to their requests, they can seize their equipment.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08But Wigan prefer to explore other options before it gets that serious.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10You know, Steve...
0:34:10 > 0:34:12It's time to get tough.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15With no time like the present,
0:34:15 > 0:34:19Arron and Steve decide to pay the owner of the fairground a visit.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24We've had several complaints about the noise, mainly about the generator.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Because of where it's situated, it backs on...right onto them houses.
0:34:27 > 0:34:28Can you move it?
0:34:28 > 0:34:31The first job is to get the noisy generator moved.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33We've established there is a problem.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35We're not talking about other times.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Tonight, there's a problem with that generator.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39And their demands haven't gone down well with the owner.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43As long as you're not causing a nuisance, we don't have an issue.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45Arron's diplomatic skills are tested to the limit,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48as negotiation stretches into the evening.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52We just want to control the noise, that's all we want to do.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57The noise-busting duo have done all they can for one night.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00- What do you think?- We can't expect them to do it right now,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02- but give them the chance to do it. - No, I know.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04And then we'll see where it goes.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08He said he's not going to open tomorrow or Wednesday either,
0:35:08 > 0:35:10so the residents have a bit of a reprieve.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13That should give him the chance to move the generator for us.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16And we pointed out that the music was also a problem and that he needs
0:35:16 > 0:35:19to do checks and ensure that he keeps the volume down.
0:35:19 > 0:35:20So it's just seeing how it goes.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25As long as he's making an effort and it's having an effect.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Cos, he said himself,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31wherever they go, they're going to be heard.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35And I did make the residents aware that, you know,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37there is going to be a bit of noise.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39But it's just finding that balance
0:35:39 > 0:35:42of them being able to enjoy their home
0:35:42 > 0:35:44and them trying to put on a business.
0:35:55 > 0:36:00Adrian Speakman's dream of becoming a bin man has become a reality.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04I really enjoy it. The work is very good.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- It's excellent.- He won a paid placement with Wigan Council
0:36:08 > 0:36:11through their Confident Futures programme.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12I've got through, Mum.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15But it only lasts 12 months.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19Adrian, who has mild learning difficulties,
0:36:19 > 0:36:23is set on securing his beloved bin round as a permanent job,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26and wants to show the council his commitment to the programme
0:36:26 > 0:36:30by taking on extracurricular activities.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Today, he's accompanying Ellen from the waste management team
0:36:33 > 0:36:34on a local school visit
0:36:34 > 0:36:37to teach children about the importance of recycling.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40I'm feeling very excited.
0:36:40 > 0:36:41It's a nice Friday morning, isn't it?
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Not a bad way to spend the day.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Although not mandatory within his paid placement,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49doing visits like these are helping Adrian build confidence and develop
0:36:49 > 0:36:52important communication skills,
0:36:52 > 0:36:54which will benefit him on his quest
0:36:54 > 0:36:56to become a full-time council employee.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Where would you like this?
0:36:58 > 0:36:59To keep the children interested,
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Ellen and Adrian have prepared a presentation
0:37:02 > 0:37:07and some interactive games they hope will get the kids raving about recycling.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09It's great having somebody tall.
0:37:09 > 0:37:116'2".
0:37:11 > 0:37:14I'm usually struggling with these, but this is...
0:37:14 > 0:37:16- All right?- Yeah. Perfect.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- Yeah, all right. - Thank you, Adrian.- OK.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Adrian will have to stand up and address the children,
0:37:22 > 0:37:25which he hasn't much experience of,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27but he is determined to show Ellen what he can do.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- You can introduce yourself. - Yeah.- OK? And jump in,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33if you feel like you want to say something to them.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35One thing I don't want to do is just to take over the whole lot.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38If you want to take over, that's fine. That's absolutely fine.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40You jump in as you need to, Adrian.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43- Morning, everyone. - Good morning.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47As the children take their seats, Adrian takes the stage.
0:37:48 > 0:37:49Morning, Year 6.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52- Are you all right? - ALL:- Yes.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Very good. My name is Adrian.
0:37:54 > 0:38:00I am one of the loaders, who empties one of your recycling...
0:38:01 > 0:38:04..dustbins every fortnight.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07You might have actually seen Adrian at some point,
0:38:07 > 0:38:08when you put your bins out.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13Having got the children's attention, Adrian's confidence is climbing.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17I want to hear if Year 6 is very good at recycling.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- ALL:- Yes!
0:38:19 > 0:38:21As well as telling them about recycling,
0:38:21 > 0:38:25Adrian wants to show them how it's done and test their knowledge.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27All right. Can everyone see them, yeah?
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Can we move this out of the way?
0:38:29 > 0:38:34Adrian has four colour cards, each represent a recycling bin.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37And he wants to see if the children put the correct rubbish
0:38:37 > 0:38:40with the correctly coloured cards.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Right, guys.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Are we all sorted on here?
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- Yeah.- Yeah, very good.
0:38:49 > 0:38:50Which one does that go in?
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Green.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55Do you think you've got it right?
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Yeah? Very good.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01The children are learning a lot, and so is Adrian.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07I'm really enjoying the different atmosphere of work.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09It's really, really good.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12I would really enjoy to come into schools again
0:39:12 > 0:39:14and teach them recycling.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Are you happy with that?
0:39:17 > 0:39:18Yeah? Well done to you all.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20After some more recycling games,
0:39:20 > 0:39:23it's time for Adrian to see if his knowledge of rubbish
0:39:23 > 0:39:24has rubbed off on the kids.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Hmm, I'll start with this table first.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Empty bottle. Brilliant.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- And then the chocolate box.- Plastic.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Can you spot something that should have been there, Adrian?
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Yeah, OK, guys, I know it is plastic,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42but it's different kinds of plastic.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44- Where should it go? - Where should it go?
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- The blue one?- No.- The blue one?
0:39:47 > 0:39:49The black one?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51The black, yeah.
0:39:51 > 0:39:56Do you think, Year 6, that to help me with my job,
0:39:56 > 0:40:00do you think that you can do more recycling for me?
0:40:00 > 0:40:01- Yes.- Yeah?
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Very good.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07Adrian hopes his dedication to helping with such council schemes
0:40:07 > 0:40:10will assist in his permanent application for a job
0:40:10 > 0:40:11once his placement ends.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15And he has certainly impressed Ellen.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18For working at Wigan Council, this is the kind of people we need.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20You know, we need that...being on the front line.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23We need energy, we need that positive message coming through.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25And he just, you know...
0:40:25 > 0:40:28You can see, he sells it, which is really, really great.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29Did you enjoy it?
0:40:29 > 0:40:31Yeah.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Satisfied his recycling message has been received,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Adrian leaves happy.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40It's been perfect. I really enjoyed it.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42The kids really enjoyed it.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45But, personally, myself, I really enjoyed it.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48The atmosphere with all the school kids was brilliant.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01Public protection officer Arron and colleague Steve
0:41:01 > 0:41:05are dealing with a noise complaint after the funfair came to town.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08The fair is running every day for three weeks,
0:41:08 > 0:41:11and local resident Alan is far from amused.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13It shouldn't happen at all.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16I've got kids and we can't even open t'bedroom windows because of the noise.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20Seizing offending machinery would be a last resort for the council,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22so Arron looks for a diplomatic solution,
0:41:22 > 0:41:25balancing the wishes of business and residents.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30They ask the owner to move a loud generator and lower the noise levels.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34We've had several complaints about the noise, mainly about the generator.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Cos of where it's situated, it backs on...right onto them houses.
0:41:38 > 0:41:39Can you move it?
0:41:41 > 0:41:45Seven days later, and the fair is back in full swing.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48The generator has been moved to the other side of the field,
0:41:48 > 0:41:50as Arron requested.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53But has this solved the problem for Alan and his neighbours?
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Well, I'm a bit annoyed, really, because Wigan Council
0:41:58 > 0:42:00have come along, they've done their bit,
0:42:00 > 0:42:02but there's not a lot they've actually done,
0:42:02 > 0:42:04apart from move a generator.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07It's probably around the same as it was when I first complained,
0:42:07 > 0:42:12if not worse, because of the constant music and blaring lights.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15This is only a Monday night, and listen to the noise.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18WHIRRING SHOUTING
0:42:18 > 0:42:20You try living near all this.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22You try listening to this all day and seeing that all day.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25You're trying to watch telly and all you can hear is noise.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29You go to bed, you try to open your window - noise, lights flashing,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32kids coming and going, everything what's going on.
0:42:32 > 0:42:37Whoever is on the microphone, it's like listening to a rave most weekends.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39So, yeah, one more week, two more weeks... I don't want it.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Not even one more night.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49Alan may not be satisfied, but Arron feels he's done all he can.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Although the residents might be dissatisfied,
0:42:55 > 0:43:01I know that we've done as much as we can and that,
0:43:01 > 0:43:04at the end of the day, we've got to find a balance
0:43:04 > 0:43:07where businesses can work and residents can live.