0:00:02 > 0:00:04From grappling with our daily grind...
0:00:04 > 0:00:06Why have they suddenly decided
0:00:06 > 0:00:08to dump all this waste in other people's bins?
0:00:08 > 0:00:11..to unearthing the extraordinary.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Wow, it's Wigan's gold mask.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Battling those blighting the streets...
0:00:15 > 0:00:18It's not acceptable, really.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20..bringing the community together...
0:00:20 > 0:00:21How are you doing? Hi.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23..and being on hand in troubled times.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25I've got kids. We can't even open the bedroom windows
0:00:25 > 0:00:28because of the noise. It's affecting everything.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Sleep, you know... Just day-to-day living, really.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34In this series, we follow front-line staff working for Wigan Council
0:00:34 > 0:00:35in Greater Manchester.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37I speak to the waste.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38I sort of say to it, like, "Come on, talk to me.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40"How have you got here?"
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Like council officers across the country,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44they're keeping us free from harm...
0:00:44 > 0:00:47You're looking at really serious injury, or possibly death.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50..stepping in to try and solve our problems...
0:00:50 > 0:00:51I mean, it's constant.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53You will be told today that we will be serving notice.
0:00:53 > 0:00:54..and responding to residents...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Much appreciate what you doing, anyway.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57..when they...
0:00:57 > 0:00:59PHONE RINGS What was the enquiry today?
0:00:59 > 0:01:00..call the council.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Coming up in today's programme...
0:01:13 > 0:01:15One mess leads to another.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18That will let rats escape from the drainage system.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Council officers try to find new foster homes
0:01:22 > 0:01:24for Wigan's children in need...
0:01:24 > 0:01:28You can see that we've got very little space for teenagers.
0:01:28 > 0:01:34The council's chief exec faces tough talking from local residents...
0:01:34 > 0:01:37It is gridlocked right to the motorway.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41..and a scary new business looks to make Wigan its home.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Can we have a look around? Yeah.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45This way. You go first.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48I just keep expecting something to jump out at me.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Local authorities across the country
0:02:02 > 0:02:05have a responsibility for the economic, social
0:02:05 > 0:02:07and environmental wellbeing of their area.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Back yards are a constant problem for councils.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17They can become an eyesore, the source of smells,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19or even the home of disease-carrying vermin.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Local authorities have a variety of specialist teams
0:02:24 > 0:02:27to tackle back yard nuisance in all its forms,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29and the power to prosecute residents,
0:02:29 > 0:02:31whether they are council tenants or not.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33Barry Pilkington from Wigan Council. Oh, yeah.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36If you've got a dirty yard in Wigan,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39it's likely that public protection officer Barry Pilkington
0:02:39 > 0:02:41will come knocking.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44If there is a problem, then it is my job
0:02:44 > 0:02:47to bring the problem to a satisfactory resolution.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Now, that may be by education -
0:02:49 > 0:02:52and we hope to educate.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54If I can make you realise the error of your ways,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57that's always going to be the best outcome.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Today, Barry's gone out to visit one of the borough's dog owners.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15I'm here for a complaint of the occupier of this property.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19He's failing to pick up the dog fouling
0:03:19 > 0:03:20when required.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25It appears that they're not in.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Basically, I just want to have a chat with him first of all.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32See what's going on. You know, how serious is it?
0:03:32 > 0:03:34It may just be a bit of a conversation.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36Somebody might have been poorly, or whatever -
0:03:36 > 0:03:38get to the bottom of what's going on, really.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40It's just investigation at this point.
0:03:42 > 0:03:43With no reply from the owner,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Barry leaves his calling card and goes on the hunt.
0:03:47 > 0:03:53If anyone can sniff out the foul failings of a pet owner, he can.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Nothing will stand in his way.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05That's not too bad. Not too bad.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09It seems like a bit of a wasted journey -
0:04:09 > 0:04:12but, just as Barry lets one resident off the hook,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15another may well have just got caught.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Come for one thing, and we find another.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20If you look at this, there's bins here full of rubbish.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Soft furnishings, that's my main priority,
0:04:22 > 0:04:24and also that soil vent pipe.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26That will let rats escape from the drainage system.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30We need to get that looked into.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35This surprise discovery
0:04:35 > 0:04:36could be one of over
0:04:36 > 0:04:38three quarters of a million cases
0:04:38 > 0:04:40of illegally dumped rubbish
0:04:40 > 0:04:43that councils have to deal with every year...
0:04:43 > 0:04:46but officer Barry won't be dealing with this one.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Ultimately, it's about working smarter, not harder.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52If I'm on site here, I don't want to ignore anything,
0:04:52 > 0:04:53because whilst I'm here,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55I can bring it to the attention of other sections -
0:04:55 > 0:04:57like the rubbish, like the soil vent pipe.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04It's obviously a vacant property, this.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Looks as though somebody's, er...
0:05:07 > 0:05:11..moved out of the property and just left it in the state that it's in.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13So, now, unfortunately, it will be up to the council
0:05:13 > 0:05:15to contact the person who owns it
0:05:15 > 0:05:18to clean up the yard and to fix that soil vent pipe.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21As this is the case of waste accumulation,
0:05:21 > 0:05:25it needs to be passed on to the environmental enforcement team.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28I'm ringing from Wigan Council waste services.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30Mark Farrimond.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Barry believes that the shocking state of the yard
0:05:33 > 0:05:35is down to the neglect of the owner -
0:05:35 > 0:05:38but their fate is no longer in his hands.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41I'll be honest with you now, right, this has dragged on too long.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43The property is in a real bad state.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Coming up, Mark Farrimond takes over...
0:05:49 > 0:05:53It's not good. Yeah, there's a lot of stuff here, isn't there?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55..and the search for the culprit widens.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58I think some of it's perhaps been dumped in the property, as well.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Councils across the country have a responsibility
0:06:17 > 0:06:20to help those residents who are most in need.
0:06:20 > 0:06:21Hi! Hello.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22From the eldest...
0:06:22 > 0:06:25A bit of fresh air helps, it makes you feel a bit better.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27..to the very youngest.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28Ta, love.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Two children, 0-2...
0:06:31 > 0:06:33..and it's saying she's a priority,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36so, she's no children in placement, has she?
0:06:36 > 0:06:41Senior social worker Kath Clark and the fostering team at Wigan Council
0:06:41 > 0:06:43dedicate themselves to ensuring children
0:06:43 > 0:06:47who can't live with their own birth families have the kind of caring,
0:06:47 > 0:06:49stable and loving homes all children need...
0:06:51 > 0:06:53..and this already challenging task is getting tougher.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58The number of children that's come into care
0:06:58 > 0:06:59has risen steadily over the years.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Our first priority is to try and return children back to families,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04but if that's not possible
0:07:04 > 0:07:07and they can't be adopted for whatever reason,
0:07:07 > 0:07:12then the next best, really, is family life with a foster carer.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16There are more than 63,000 children
0:07:16 > 0:07:18living with foster families
0:07:18 > 0:07:20across the UK -
0:07:20 > 0:07:22but the nation urgently needs more.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24At least another 8,000 families
0:07:24 > 0:07:26are needed
0:07:26 > 0:07:27to look after all of the children
0:07:27 > 0:07:28currently in care.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32And then I do think it's worth getting in touch
0:07:32 > 0:07:34and looking at what's in place and where the gaps are.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39Trying to secure a foster home for every child in need is tough.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41But, for Kath and the team,
0:07:41 > 0:07:45there's one group that are proving almost impossible to place.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46Teenagers.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50People think that, "Oh, I'd never touch teenagers
0:07:50 > 0:07:52"because they're going to be off the wall,
0:07:52 > 0:07:54"they going to wreck my house,"
0:07:54 > 0:07:56but those are myths.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00The majority of teenagers do settle down well, they do well at school.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05They just appreciate coming into a stable family life
0:08:05 > 0:08:08and getting away from, perhaps, the difficulties they had at home.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12The majority of young people are not off the rails.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14We just hear about the ones that are.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Today, Kath and the rest of the team are holding their annual meeting
0:08:22 > 0:08:24for existing carers in the borough.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29The people here already foster or have fostered.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33It's a great chance to tackle the shortage of spaces
0:08:33 > 0:08:35for teenagers head on.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37With all the research that's been done,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40our existing foster carers are the best resource -
0:08:40 > 0:08:42immensely valuable to us -
0:08:42 > 0:08:44and if we can actually
0:08:44 > 0:08:46dispel some of the myths about teenagers,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48look at what support they need,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51and some of those say, "Yes, we will look at teenagers,"
0:08:51 > 0:08:54I think that's going to be a good recruitment.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Inside, the room is full of people
0:09:01 > 0:09:04who could potentially take on teenagers.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Kath needs to make the most of this opportunity.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12I'm really pleased with how many foster carers have turned up.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14There must be over 100 people in the room.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16So, that's superb. That's really good.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Kath's enlisted the help of someone
0:09:20 > 0:09:23who has successfully fostered teenagers.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24Carl.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27He's happy to address the challenges that they present,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30and pass on his experiences.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32..the confrontations.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35There are talks of, sort of, threats and shouting.
0:09:35 > 0:09:36This can happen.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38One young person we looked after
0:09:38 > 0:09:41refused to come home until they could have chips,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44hair straighteners and fizzy drinks.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50I find foster carers are all passionate people.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52We all have a lot to say.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54It's that enthusiasm, I feel,
0:09:54 > 0:09:56that makes a foster carer do what they do.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57There are challenges
0:09:57 > 0:10:00and you have to hit them with enthusiasm and head on.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10..Kath outlines the scale of the shortfall in the borough.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20So, it isn't saying you're not doing a fantastic job,
0:10:20 > 0:10:21because we know you are,
0:10:21 > 0:10:26but, looking at that, you can see that we've got very little space -
0:10:26 > 0:10:27nobody on there is for teenagers.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31Time for Kath to open the floor for some tough talking.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34What's your barriers to taking teenagers?
0:10:35 > 0:10:39One of the barriers for people taking on teenagers
0:10:39 > 0:10:42is they do display a lot of challenging behaviours -
0:10:42 > 0:10:44but, then, when they are challenging,
0:10:44 > 0:10:48it's, what is the support out there?
0:10:48 > 0:10:50They might have had a lot of placements,
0:10:50 > 0:10:52suffered a lot of trauma, things like that.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57We need everybody on board with us to support us in that way.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Some of today's carers have had difficult experiences
0:11:00 > 0:11:02with the fostering system -
0:11:02 > 0:11:05but the council does have training and support available,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08and when it comes to fostering teenagers,
0:11:08 > 0:11:10others have fond memories to recount.
0:11:10 > 0:11:16He was a 17-year-old boy, said he was a teenager from hell,
0:11:16 > 0:11:18and that was my first placement.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20The outcome was he came, he was a gentleman.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Please think about teenagers.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28I think they get lost in the system, I think they get forgotten.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Please, please think about teenagers,
0:11:30 > 0:11:32because I think it's been, like you said,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34one of the best things I've ever done in my life,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36and I'd do it again and again and again.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42Heart-warming recollections like these are music to Kath's ears.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44I think, for me, the people who speak the best
0:11:44 > 0:11:48are those that's got the teenagers, those that spoke up
0:11:48 > 0:11:51saying what it was like having them.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Kath's winning some hearts and minds.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Perhaps the teens aren't so troublesome after all...
0:11:57 > 0:11:58It's just accepting that
0:11:58 > 0:12:00they're just kids.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Just kids who want a start in life.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04The thing that my children say to me is,
0:12:04 > 0:12:05"We just want normality."
0:12:05 > 0:12:07They just want it to be normal.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13As the event draws to a close, all Kath can do is wait.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18Will some of those present consider taking on teens?
0:12:18 > 0:12:21I think it's been a really good day. It's been brilliant.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Got a really good turnout, lots of good suggestions,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27lots of people interested in teenagers.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Three months later and Kath has some good news.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Since the meeting that we had,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42we've actually had quite a bit of success.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45We've placed three teenagers with foster carers
0:12:45 > 0:12:46who were at the meeting
0:12:46 > 0:12:50and we've got another three sets of foster carers who've come forward
0:12:50 > 0:12:52and said that they would like to take a teenager as well.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55So, we're really, really pleased with that. It's been great.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01It is good news for Kath and her team,
0:13:01 > 0:13:03but their search continues across the borough.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07If anyone is interested, we're just putting their names in this book.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09Right.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12They have a long way to go to find enough foster carers
0:13:12 > 0:13:14who are willing and able to help.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28For a resident who needs help in their borough,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31often the first port of call is the council.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Welcome to Wigan contact centre. Sarah speaking.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38Wigan Council's call centre receives over a million calls a year.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Most of the time, they know how they can help -
0:13:41 > 0:13:44but some requests leave them lost for words.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45You think you have heard it all,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48and then you get days when you think, "No, I haven't!"
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Anything could come through.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Last week I had one guy ring up and he said,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54I want to take my mum to the tip. Do I need a permit for her?
0:13:54 > 0:13:56I thought, "Well, not really.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58"It depends what you want to do with her!"
0:13:59 > 0:14:00I'll tell you what's funny.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02When they ring and they're on the toilet
0:14:02 > 0:14:05or in the bath and you can hear them.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07That's... You know!
0:14:08 > 0:14:12And then they flush the toilet, or you can hear them in the bath.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13That's a bit, er, awkward.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17I had an older lady ringing.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21"I'm ringing to see what time he's coming out to see me."
0:14:21 > 0:14:23And I'm saying, "Who?"
0:14:23 > 0:14:25"Who are you expecting?"
0:14:25 > 0:14:26"The doctor!"
0:14:27 > 0:14:29A lady rung a bit ago.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33There was like a beanbag and the balls had gone all over her garden.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36She didn't know who'd done it, what had happened,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40and she wanted us to go and clear up all these tiny beanbag balls.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44And...she couldn't understand why we wouldn't go and do that.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47We did have one old lady once, she'd lost her false teeth.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50And I think her first port of call was to call the council.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53You think, like, as much as I understand your problem,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56there's nothing I can do about your false teeth for you!
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Following a routine house-call,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08officer Barry Pilkington stumbled across a back yard
0:15:08 > 0:15:10that had gone beyond an eyesore
0:15:10 > 0:15:13and could be putting the health of neighbours at risk.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Soft furnishings, that's my main priority -
0:15:16 > 0:15:17and, also, that soil vent pipe,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20that will let rats escape from the drainage system.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23We need to get that looked into.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26He's passed the baton
0:15:26 > 0:15:29to the council's environmental enforcement team,
0:15:29 > 0:15:33and now Mark Farrimond is hot on the case.
0:15:33 > 0:15:34A colleague of mine, Barry Pilkington,
0:15:34 > 0:15:36he's passed this job over to me.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38I'm just going to nip round the back,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41have a look in the back garden and the how bad it is with the waste.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43As the property was empty,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Barry thought that the occupiers threw their rubbish
0:15:46 > 0:15:47in the back yard before leaving...
0:15:51 > 0:15:53..but with no locked gate to the yard,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56it's been open access for anyone to dump their rubbish.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57So, who is really to blame?
0:15:59 > 0:16:01With fines of up to ?50,000
0:16:01 > 0:16:05and a criminal record for those found guilty of back yard dumping,
0:16:05 > 0:16:07he has to be sure of the facts.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Looking at it, it's not good.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Yeah, there's a lot of stuff here, isn't there?
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Erm, some of it, perhaps, has come out of the property.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21I think some of it has perhaps been dumped in the property, as well.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Mark checks every inch of the yard in his search for evidence...
0:16:32 > 0:16:35..and on second viewing it looks like the homeowner
0:16:35 > 0:16:37might not be entirely at fault after all.
0:16:38 > 0:16:44Erm... There's a lot of bricks and other debris over in that corner.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Which doesn't really marry up with what's here.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52We've got concrete posts that's been sawn with a grinder,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54and other...quite a bit of rubble.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04Which is mainly outside building work, really, rather than inside.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08It'll be a case of finding out who's the owner of the property
0:17:08 > 0:17:11and getting in touch with them, really.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15Maybe they don't... They're not aware of the state the place is in.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Probably go to council tax,
0:17:17 > 0:17:19see if they've got any details on the owner of the property.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22There's not much more else we can do at this present time.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26But it's in a state, there's no doubt about that, and it's...
0:17:26 > 0:17:32It's not pleasant for the actual residents living next door to it.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36This has turned from unsightly waste to a potential fly tipping case.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43Still to come...Mark is faced with a barrier to his investigation.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49I wouldn't like to think how many tonnage of waste was in there.
0:17:49 > 0:17:50Builders' rubble, concrete...
0:17:51 > 0:17:55A horror theme company could breathe new life into Wigan...
0:17:55 > 0:17:58This building has got a feeling to it.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02I wouldn't want to be walking through here at night on my own.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07..and the council's chief exec faces tough talking from local residents.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11It is gridlocked right to the motorway.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27With cuts in government funding to councils across the UK,
0:18:27 > 0:18:28local authorities are keener than ever
0:18:28 > 0:18:31to encourage new businesses into their area,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35bringing jobs and financial benefits to everyone.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Steve from Wigan Council.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42'Hello, Steve. How are you?'
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Steve Burns is a development project manager for Wigan Council.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48His job is to attract new businesses to the borough
0:18:48 > 0:18:50and help existing companies grow.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55It's really important that we bring in new businesses.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58It's about creating new jobs,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01it's about all those spin-off benefits,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04it's about upskilling local people,
0:19:04 > 0:19:09so, I think attracting business generates all of those things.
0:19:09 > 0:19:10Bye-bye.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22It also has financial benefits for the local authority.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28It means added income from business rates.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Higher employment means more council tax,
0:19:30 > 0:19:32and it has a snowball effect,
0:19:32 > 0:19:36stimulating more commerce, creating even more jobs.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Today, Steve and development project officer Karen Guest
0:19:42 > 0:19:44are meeting two entrepreneurs
0:19:44 > 0:19:48who want to bring an exciting and unusual business to Wigan.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52We're going to meet a company that have got in touch with us
0:19:52 > 0:19:54with a new concept.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58A theme on the horror attraction.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01So, you can imagine us, to get an enquiry through like that,
0:20:01 > 0:20:05it starts to make you think what kind of thing they'll be doing -
0:20:05 > 0:20:10but they came in, spoke to us, and really sold the concept to us.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13I think, from a Wigan perspective,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15bringing in visitors,
0:20:15 > 0:20:16it's going to create jobs.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18It's going to be fantastic.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23The issue we've got is that they really want to start moving quickly.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26So, part of what our role is to do is to facilitate that,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29make things work quicker.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31I think we are probably in competition
0:20:31 > 0:20:33with neighbouring authorities,
0:20:33 > 0:20:36so we really have got to start working pretty quickly
0:20:36 > 0:20:37to find them some space,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41and hopefully some of the properties we're going to show them today
0:20:41 > 0:20:42will suit what they need to do
0:20:42 > 0:20:47and hopefully we can get the ball rolling.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50As the company specialises in scare attractions,
0:20:50 > 0:20:52corporate events and theatre,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55they're looking for a unique and quirky location.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11So, this is the older property.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14It gives you that presence straightaway in Wigan.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17I think it's worth having a look.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21With a temporary venue already up and running in Manchester,
0:21:21 > 0:21:26they're considering Wigan as a permanent home
0:21:26 > 0:21:27It's an ugly building.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29It's absolutely horrible, Steve.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32The worst one that you've brought us to.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34It's in a right old state. We like ugly buildings.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36I thought you'd like the... It is, exactly!
0:21:36 > 0:21:39..potential. Potential. I did say potential! That's estate agent talk.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41I did say potential.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43But it can be used.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47This would be something that we could move quick...
0:21:47 > 0:21:48Yes. ..and fast on.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52It would... You know, we'd overlook how...
0:21:52 > 0:21:59Yeah. ..grotty and disgusting it is!
0:21:59 > 0:22:06The council have access to the records
0:22:06 > 0:22:18By contacting Steve,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22The council have sent them details of over 200 properties,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25and they've viewed around 50 in the local area.
0:22:25 > 0:22:31Today, they are visiting another four and with options running out,
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Fantastic, thank you.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38It's a Victorian canalside warehouse -
0:22:38 > 0:22:41but, more recently, it was home to a museum
0:22:41 > 0:22:44dedicated to the history of Wigan Pier.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Light-wise,...
0:22:46 > 0:22:47It's a really cool space.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49It is a cool space, isn't it?
0:22:51 > 0:22:53It appears to have struck a chord.
0:22:53 > 0:22:54You couldn't build it, could you?
0:22:54 > 0:22:56No, it would cost us a fortune.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58You don't get buildings like this any more, do you?
0:22:58 > 0:23:00No, you don't. So, what's the story?
0:23:00 > 0:23:05This was the former The Way We Were Museum. OK.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10Which closed around about 5-6 years ago. OK.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13It's like...the Globe Theatre.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15It is, isn't it?
0:23:27 > 0:23:30But could it be a suitable home for a theatre of the undead?
0:23:34 > 0:23:39Steve has a supernatural story up his sleeve, which may help swing it.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47There's a football, and also a potato.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Every time we came in, it would be in a different place.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Wow.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56This place at night is going to give that whole
0:23:56 > 0:24:00"Well, it must be haunted" feel. Yeah. And does half of our job...
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Does it for you. ..for us.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04We'd have to think about how we
0:24:04 > 0:24:07enhance what's... Yeah. ..what's here.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09And that's what brings challenges,
0:24:09 > 0:24:13as well as opportunities, doesn't it? Yes, absolutely.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15The building itself is in a conservation area.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19So, any changes to the building would need...
0:24:19 > 0:24:21but, again, these are things we...
0:24:21 > 0:24:24These are the conversations we can start to have. Yeah.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29This building has got a feeling to it.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33I wouldn't want to be walking through here at night
0:24:33 > 0:24:34on my own in the dark,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38which... That's exactly the sort of building we're looking for.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45The entrepreneurs have seen all of the properties on offer today,
0:24:45 > 0:24:49but if their business has any chance of operating in Wigan,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53they'll need to find a suitable location - and soon.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Thank you very much for your time. Thanks for your time.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57We're under some pressure to move quick.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59They're keen to come into Wigan.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01As I've said, we're really keen to see them -
0:25:01 > 0:25:03but I think we're getting to a point now
0:25:03 > 0:25:06where we are literally running out of time.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09I'm aware they've looked at a couple of properties
0:25:09 > 0:25:11in neighbouring authorities, so, like I said,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14we've really got to push some of these today
0:25:14 > 0:25:15and, hopefully, let's make it happen.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29Coming up, Steve has some grave news for the entrepreneurs.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Getting you into Wigan quickly,
0:25:32 > 0:25:36it just doesn't fit with your timescales at the moment.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41But a creepy encounter could save this deal from an untimely death.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43You'll have to hold my hand! THEY LAUGH
0:25:44 > 0:25:47I just keep expecting something to jump out at me.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Mark Farrimond has been dealing with a case of back yard dumping
0:25:59 > 0:26:02that had spiralled out of control.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03It's not good!
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Yeah, there's a lot of stuff here, isn't there?
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Household waste, suspected to be from the owner,
0:26:08 > 0:26:12may have been added to by illegal fly tipping -
0:26:12 > 0:26:15which was all perfect cover for rats with an easy escape route
0:26:15 > 0:26:17from an open soil pipe.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Since then, Mark's been doing some detective work -
0:26:22 > 0:26:25but it hasn't made the case any less complicated.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30I've done a land registry search.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31I've ended up finding out
0:26:31 > 0:26:35that it's somebody in Monaco that owns the property.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39They've advised me that they have done all the work that was needed.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43So we'll go out and check it and see if that's all right with us.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Mark can't take a phone call from 800 miles away
0:26:48 > 0:26:50as proof that the work's been done,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53so he heads out to revisit the offending property.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02On arrival, he's faced with one obvious change.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08We asked for a gate to be put on to prevent further fly tipping
0:27:08 > 0:27:12and they've boarded up the... where the gate was.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16They've put a substantial piece of wood on there
0:27:16 > 0:27:21to stop it being torn off, and anybody gaining access to the yard.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24I'm just looking through this small gap.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26The board may be a good deterrent for fly tippers,
0:27:26 > 0:27:30but is it simply masking the rubbish that was already there?
0:27:30 > 0:27:33There's only one way to find out,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36and Mark has just the technical equipment for the job.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45But what can he see from his lofty position?
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Yeah, all the work's been carried out
0:27:50 > 0:27:51and the soil stack's been repaired.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54It's been carried out to a good standard.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56I'll take some photographs for my own peace of mind...
0:27:58 > 0:28:00..so that I know the work's been done.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05They've done a very good job.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08I wouldn't like to think how many tonnage of waste was in there,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12because there was a lot of rubble, builder's rubble, concrete
0:28:12 > 0:28:14and an assortment of waste.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Yes, they've done a very good job and there's nothing else remaining.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21I did think we'd end up serving notice on the property
0:28:21 > 0:28:25because with them living in Monaco, I thought the letter may take...
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Well, it may never get there -
0:28:28 > 0:28:29but, obviously, it has done,
0:28:29 > 0:28:31so that's a good result for us.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Yeah, I did think it would drag on, but it hasn't,
0:28:33 > 0:28:36so we've had a resounding success with this job
0:28:36 > 0:28:40moreover than what we would if they lived in the borough.
0:28:40 > 0:28:41So, that's good.
0:28:41 > 0:28:42Well pleased.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Mark may never clean up every back yard in Wigan,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53but at least it's a small step in the right direction.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11Wigan Borough is home to over 300,000 residents,
0:29:11 > 0:29:14but as a large proportion of the council's funding
0:29:14 > 0:29:15comes from council tax,
0:29:15 > 0:29:19views on what Wiganers get for their money varies a lot.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21What it does... Nothing!
0:29:23 > 0:29:26It's supposed to look after the community,
0:29:26 > 0:29:28but I don't think it is.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30In my case, no,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32Wigan Council isn't good value for money
0:29:32 > 0:29:35because they've made so many cutbacks to the care services
0:29:35 > 0:29:39and to other services that relate to disabled people.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41They're very on the ball, the council.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44They fine a lot of people for throwing cigarettes on the floor -
0:29:44 > 0:29:46it's very controversial.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Not being smokers, we quite agree with it!
0:29:49 > 0:29:53The Wigan councillors say they won't fund any money
0:29:53 > 0:29:56for any homeless accommodation.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00Like, they had Railway Road, but won't take no more people in.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02There are certain roads that are particularly poor
0:30:02 > 0:30:04with all the potholes, et cetera.
0:30:04 > 0:30:09It would be wise to try and deal with certain complaints about those,
0:30:09 > 0:30:11instead of paying out on claims -
0:30:11 > 0:30:13which, I can only assume, that's what the council is doing.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27Councils are being hit by huge cuts.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Workers are stretched and services are under pressure.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Recent austerity measures
0:30:33 > 0:30:35mean every local authority in the UK
0:30:35 > 0:30:37has been hit with a 40% cut in funding
0:30:37 > 0:30:39from central government.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Having been forced to make savings of ?10 billion
0:30:43 > 0:30:47in the three years from 2011-12,
0:30:47 > 0:30:51local authorities now have to find the same savings again
0:30:51 > 0:30:52in the next two years.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54We haven't got a limitless pot of money,
0:30:54 > 0:30:58but what we need to do is try to find smarter solutions
0:30:58 > 0:31:00to their everyday problems by working with them.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05One solution Wigan Council have come up with is The Deal,
0:31:05 > 0:31:08led by Chief Executive Donna Hall.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13The Deal is a campaign aimed at forging better relationships
0:31:13 > 0:31:16between the council, local residents and businesses
0:31:16 > 0:31:21who work together to improve and find cost-effective solutions
0:31:25 > 0:31:29and today council workers are doing their bit by volunteering in Orrell.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32They're helping residents pick up rubbish,
0:31:32 > 0:31:34encouraging them to recycle...
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Just what every kid needs -
0:31:36 > 0:31:38the Wigan Council recycling goody bag.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42..and working with local charities and businesses
0:31:42 > 0:31:45to see how they can play a role in cutting costs
0:31:45 > 0:31:46and making a better borough.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54At Orrell Methodist Church,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57the best ways of saving money within the borough.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59The purpose of the session today
0:31:59 > 0:32:02is to get as many community organisations and individuals
0:32:02 > 0:32:04together to talk about improving Orrell,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06improving their local area,
0:32:06 > 0:32:08how they can get involved in The Deal -
0:32:08 > 0:32:12and that's about trying to cope with the financial challenges we have
0:32:12 > 0:32:14by working differently with our local residents.
0:32:19 > 0:32:25She may be one of the most powerful people in the borough,
0:32:25 > 0:32:28she knows she could be in the firing line.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31I'm sure we'll be getting some quite difficult, tough questions,
0:32:31 > 0:32:35but we're happy to deal with that, because that's part of our job.
0:32:35 > 0:32:36Brilliant to see...
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Donna takes the floor and gets straight to the point.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Just a little bit from me about the Wigan Deal.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46We've already taken 100 million out of Wigan Council's budget.
0:32:46 > 0:32:51What we need to do is radically redesign what we do as a council,
0:32:51 > 0:32:52and the only way we can do that,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55the only way we can get through austerity,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58is by working differently with you, with residents.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03There's one particular cost-saving opportunity Donna wants to discuss.
0:33:03 > 0:33:04Customer communication.
0:33:05 > 0:33:12Every time you come into Wigan's contact centre,
0:33:12 > 0:33:16So what we're trying to do is get people, more people, to go online,
0:33:16 > 0:33:17to reduce the cost of customer contact.
0:33:17 > 0:33:26If you see a pothole,
0:33:26 > 0:33:28and e-mail it in to our contact centre.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30That saves us an absolute fortune,
0:33:30 > 0:33:32and it improves the speed of your response.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34So it's things like that that we need to do differently.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40Having said her piece, it's the residents' turn to respond.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44And they're not holding back.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46I appreciate the need to put more stuff online
0:33:46 > 0:33:50and for the whole digital communications there now is,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53but there's a danger that it's becoming incredibly impersonal.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56It doesn't feel like you're contacting anybody,
0:33:56 > 0:33:58and it would be nice if we could restore,
0:33:58 > 0:34:00which is what this kind of event is doing,
0:34:00 > 0:34:02that actual sense of relationship, that, actually,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04when you go on to the council website,
0:34:04 > 0:34:06you don't know the name of anybody -
0:34:06 > 0:34:09and this is about being in relation
0:34:09 > 0:34:12between residents and council officers and officials and so on.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15We really do think that we are the forgotten people -
0:34:15 > 0:34:18but we really do need more of these
0:34:18 > 0:34:22so that residents' concerns can get back to the council
0:34:22 > 0:34:24and the appropriate people,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26not just by e-mail, or anything like that.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28The Deal is all about a relationship
0:34:28 > 0:34:30between the public sector and residents,
0:34:30 > 0:34:32so if we don't forge that relationship
0:34:32 > 0:34:35at the point of contact, it's pointless.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38Just wonder if I could ask Tina Docherty,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41who runs our customer services team.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Actually, at the moment, we're looking at what we call a webchat,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47which is supporting customers online,
0:34:47 > 0:34:49so you can actually chat to a live person,
0:34:49 > 0:34:53and I'm looking at putting sort of pictures of the advisers on screen,
0:34:53 > 0:34:57so I think that makes it less impersonal.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03But the council's modern initiatives leave some residents unmoved.
0:35:03 > 0:35:04It's all right, this online thing.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Not everybody likes it.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08And not everybody can use it.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11And with some people, that's at our age, and I'm one,
0:35:11 > 0:35:13that has no intentions of going on the line. Yes, I know...
0:35:13 > 0:35:16I didn't do it in my working life and I'm not doing it now. OK.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19I would like to be able to get hold of someone. You can still ring...
0:35:19 > 0:35:20I can't, if they've not got a number.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24Right, OK, well, we'll give you all the numbers at the end if that's OK.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27OK. We take on board your comment.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30We're not going to get everybody online. It's not realistic.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33It's a tough crowd,
0:35:33 > 0:35:35and after addressing the more conventional concerns
0:35:35 > 0:35:36of health care...
0:35:36 > 0:35:39We were promised a state-of-the-art health centre.
0:35:39 > 0:35:40It never happened.
0:35:40 > 0:35:41..and roads...
0:35:41 > 0:35:45It is gridlocked right to the motorway.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48..Donna draws the session to a close.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50You're clearly on our radar now.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53We will come back here in another 12 months' time to update you
0:35:53 > 0:35:55on everything that we've done - and, in the meantime,
0:35:55 > 0:35:59we can keep you posted by e-mail... or, if you like, by post.
0:35:59 > 0:36:00So, thank you.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06As the residents prepare to leave,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Donna knows her job is far from over.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11That's what I came into public service to do,
0:36:11 > 0:36:15is to try to help people try to resolve situations and problems.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18I'm passionate about it, just as they are.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20We just need to go away and do stuff about it now.
0:36:20 > 0:36:21Action!
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Previously, in an attempt to boost the coffers
0:36:33 > 0:36:35of the town and the council,
0:36:35 > 0:36:38Steve has been trying to find a perfect location
0:36:38 > 0:36:40for a spooky business...
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Really cool space. It is a cool space, isn't it?
0:36:43 > 0:36:46..and he's under pressure to make Wigan the ideal home
0:36:46 > 0:36:49for the ghostly attraction House Of The Dead.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52We're getting to a point now where we're literally running out of time.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Since the last meeting with the entrepreneurs,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02Steve's been working hard to try and seal the deal
0:37:02 > 0:37:05with the horror-themed company.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08I was shocked when I got the enquiry through.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Zombies in Wigan.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14We soon realised, you know, it's creating 70 jobs,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17it's a fantastic visitor attraction,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20it's happened in other areas,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23so it's certainly something we want to be part of.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28The old museum building stands out as their favourite location.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31But Steve has bad news to pass on to business partner Sally.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37This phone call could send the deal for Wigan to an early grave.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41'Hello, Sally speaking.'
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Hello, Sally, it's Steve from Wigan Council.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46'Hello, Steve, how are you?' I'm good, thank you.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48Yourself?
0:37:48 > 0:37:50I just thought I'd give you a quick call
0:37:50 > 0:37:52following the visits the other day.
0:37:52 > 0:37:53'OK, yeah, brilliant.'
0:37:53 > 0:37:57We think we would probably start with some of the not so good,
0:37:57 > 0:38:01erm, the old museum building. 'Yeah.'
0:38:01 > 0:38:05Getting you into Wigan quickly and doing what you need to do,
0:38:05 > 0:38:08it just doesn't fit with your timescales at the moment.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10'OK.'
0:38:10 > 0:38:14The old museum is part of the Wigan Pier regeneration.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16This means it's open to a formal process
0:38:16 > 0:38:18where all interested businesses
0:38:18 > 0:38:22submit and pitch their proposals to the council.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25This scuppers Sally and Richard's plan to move in quick.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28I... '..we're in a difficult scenario...'
0:38:28 > 0:38:32It's got to work, it's got to work for you as a business, hasn't it?
0:38:32 > 0:38:35'OK.' We'll speak soon.
0:38:35 > 0:38:36'OK, nice talking to you.' You, too.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40Take care, Sally. 'Thank you.' Cheers, cheers. Bye-bye.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Despite the setback, Steve is determined to land this deal.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52To better understand their needs, he's taken the brave step
0:38:52 > 0:38:56of visiting the temporary spooky set-up in Manchester.
0:38:57 > 0:38:58We've seen plans.
0:38:58 > 0:38:59We've seen business plans,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02but I think it's really good to see something on the ground,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05just how it works, and it just gives us a flavour
0:39:05 > 0:39:07of what kind of things they're doing.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Hello! Hi! Steve. How are you doing?
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Mm, good. Good to see you. Hiya, Steve. How are you?
0:39:28 > 0:39:30Good to see you. Welcome. How's things?
0:39:30 > 0:39:32You OK? Really good, yeah, yeah.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35I'm interested. I want to have a little nosy.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Can I have a look around? Yeah, that'll be fab.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39This way. It's dark.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42You'll have to hold my hand! THEY LAUGH
0:39:44 > 0:39:48This is the waiting area for the trap rooms.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51OK. All the willing victims come in here first. Right, OK.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55Then we take them to the various rooms around the place.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58Then this also doubles up as a hospital waiting area
0:39:58 > 0:40:00for the haunted house. Right.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Well... Let's go and have a look at the quarantine.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05I'll let you go first! Yeah, yeah!
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Thank you.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09I just keep expecting something to jump out at me.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13In this horror experience,
0:40:13 > 0:40:18visitors must escape rooms by completing puzzles.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21See what's in there, find the keys, then we have, like...
0:40:22 > 0:40:25..these sorts of things that have got numbers on.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26Panic stations!
0:40:28 > 0:40:31The plan is to scale things up in their new home,
0:40:31 > 0:40:33making a bigger and better experience.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38This is absolutely brilliant.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43It's been - it's great to see it, and I think it helps, as well,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47to look at the kind of buildings, the buildings we've looked at,
0:40:47 > 0:40:49the ones that maybe weren't suitable
0:40:49 > 0:40:53but it gives a flavour now of what is suitable. Yeah.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55We will get you to Wigan.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57I'm not too scared. Yet! Yet!
0:40:57 > 0:41:00You aren't out yet, Steve! That's it, yes! Brilliant.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02To be continued. Yes, to be continued!
0:41:03 > 0:41:05Nothing going to jump out here.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Fantastic. Yeah, thank you very much for your time.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Thanks, Steve. Thank you.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Steve survived the ordeal...
0:41:15 > 0:41:17..and he's more confident than ever
0:41:17 > 0:41:20that he'll bring Sally and Richard's business to Wigan.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23I think what we have done is, we've worked with them,
0:41:23 > 0:41:25we've sold what Wigan has to offer
0:41:25 > 0:41:29and hopefully we will make House Of The Dead,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32their home in the Wigan borough.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33They've been brilliant.
0:41:33 > 0:41:34Really supportive.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39They've really gone out of their way to try and help us come to Wigan.
0:41:39 > 0:41:47And ultimately it's the people who are representing Wigan Council
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Sally and Richard are still on board with Wigan
0:41:51 > 0:41:55and are working closely with Steve to find their ideal home.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11It's been a busy shift for Wigan Council officers.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16They've secured a back yard against further fly tipping...
0:42:16 > 0:42:18Well pleased.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20..found much-needed foster carers...
0:42:20 > 0:42:21They've been brilliant.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25..listened to local residents...
0:42:25 > 0:42:27You're clearly on our radar now.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31..and helped a scary business search for a suitably spooky base...
0:42:31 > 0:42:34This place at night does half of our job...
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Does it for you. ..for us.
0:42:37 > 0:42:42..showing that they are on hand to help when we Call The Council.
0:42:42 > 0:42:49I live in Wigan. I'm passionate about Wigan.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51That's why I love doing what I do.