0:00:02 > 0:00:04From rubbish and recycling...
0:00:05 > 0:00:07..to potholes and pavements...
0:00:07 > 0:00:09A street down. Another street to do.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12..educating our children...
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Fantastic.
0:00:14 > 0:00:15..and caring for the elderly.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18'It does make a difference,'
0:00:18 > 0:00:21when you see what can be achieved.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25We rely on our local councils to provide a huge range of services.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27You may kiss the bride.
0:00:27 > 0:00:28APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:00:30 > 0:00:32In this series, we follow front-line staff
0:00:32 > 0:00:36working for Wigan Council in Greater Manchester.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37GAVEL BANGS
0:00:37 > 0:00:38Ooh, sorry!
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Like council offices across the country,
0:00:40 > 0:00:42they are protecting us from hidden dangers...
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Oh, dear!
0:00:44 > 0:00:47..stepping in when there's an emergency...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49You never know what you're turning up to.
0:00:49 > 0:00:50Thank you very much.
0:00:50 > 0:00:51..and responding to residents.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Thanks for everything. Good job.
0:00:53 > 0:00:54..when they...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56PHONE RINGS ..call the council.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Coming up...
0:01:08 > 0:01:11the council steps in when an aquarium owner
0:01:11 > 0:01:15complains about bad vibrations from a noisy neighbour.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Well, the bass you can actually feel going through the floor.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- That's the problem with the fish for us, yeah, obviously.- OK.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25An officer scales new heights
0:01:25 > 0:01:27when rats run riot in a row of houses.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31It keeps me fit, this job. That's for sure.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34I know they're God's creatures and they need to live,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37but I'd rather them live somewhere else.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Yeah, that's a fresh dropping down there.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43And a young student is given the chance to change his life.
0:01:43 > 0:01:4577 and...
0:01:45 > 0:01:46a quarter.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49'If I was to get, like, a really good job doing this...'
0:01:51 > 0:01:53..yeah, it'll just amaze me.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07There are 433 local authorities in the UK
0:02:07 > 0:02:10and each is responsible for maintaining
0:02:10 > 0:02:12its valuable public buildings
0:02:12 > 0:02:14and managing its important housing stock,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16safeguarding them for our benefit.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23In the borough of Wigan, there are over 22,000 council properties,
0:02:23 > 0:02:28taking a workforce of hundreds to maintain them.
0:02:28 > 0:02:29Can I have a tin of WD-40, please?
0:02:29 > 0:02:33One of them is multiskilled joiner Scott Howarth.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36'I've worked for the council probably coming on ten year now.'
0:02:36 > 0:02:39You get everything from everyday life.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41'Just broken windows...'
0:02:41 > 0:02:42Go on.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45'..to stair treads...
0:02:45 > 0:02:47'faulty front doors...'
0:02:47 > 0:02:48See you later, bye!
0:02:48 > 0:02:50'..people locked out...'
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Problem with your door?
0:02:52 > 0:02:53'..and just general maintenance.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56'No matter what time of day,'
0:02:56 > 0:02:58what time of year, we will go out.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03But skilled craftsmen like Scott are in short supply.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Britain is facing its biggest skill shortage for a generation.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Industry analysts say that in 2013,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19just over 7,000 apprentices completed their training
0:03:19 > 0:03:24in an industry that needs at least 35,000 new entrants every year
0:03:24 > 0:03:25just to stand still.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Wigan Council is doing its bit to address the gap.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Working with local schools,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40the council supports a hands-on training scheme...
0:03:40 > 0:03:42That's absolutely smashing, that. Well done.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46..that's helping young people, like 15-year-old Joseph,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49get a leg up in the construction industry.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51I don't know who I'm going to be working with yet.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53They need to get back to me.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56But, hopefully, it should be a good opportunity for me.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Joseph has excelled in the workshop
0:04:00 > 0:04:02and secured a place on a work experience scheme
0:04:02 > 0:04:05that will take him out on the road,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08where he will get genuine, hands-on experience.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11It's an opportunity that could change his life.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17Quite excited, a bit nervous,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19because, obviously, it's my first day.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24And it's a very big place and I'm just very determined to work.
0:04:24 > 0:04:25So...yeah.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27Well, I think...
0:04:27 > 0:04:30If they see that I'm doing well and that I enjoy it,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33maybe when I come to leave school, they might approach me,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36as in you can work afterwards, you know?
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Be in an actual apprenticeship to earn proper money
0:04:38 > 0:04:40in this business.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44There are ten lads on the same scheme.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46But, with no guarantee of securing a job,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Joseph is determined to impress his mentor.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52And he is up for working through his summer holiday
0:04:52 > 0:04:53to get him ahead of the pack.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55All right, pal, you Joseph?
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- Yeah.- All right, mate. I'm Scott.- All right?
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Council joiner Scott has been charged
0:04:59 > 0:05:02with showing Joseph the ropes.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Quite big in here, isn't it?
0:05:09 > 0:05:12If the size of the council depot doesn't frighten Joseph,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15the size of his council-issue trousers might.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16All right, mate?
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- Can we have some clothes for him, please?- Yeah.
0:05:21 > 0:05:2338? 28, that. Yeah!
0:05:23 > 0:05:25SCOTT LAUGHS
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Putting them on, he'll be like this.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- Looks like you just fell out o' catalogue, like me. - LAUGHTER
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Right, see you later.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Joseph, Scott and colleague Chris
0:05:39 > 0:05:41head off for the first job of the day...
0:05:41 > 0:05:43ENGINE STARTS
0:05:43 > 0:05:45..together with some cuddly colleagues.
0:05:45 > 0:05:46You've got some nice teddies.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- Pardon?- You've got some nice teddies.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- All right?- All right, pal? My name's Scott from council.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- All right?- I came about a problem with some doors.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- Yeah. Do you want come in? - Yeah, no worries. Cheers.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04As soon as they arrive, Joseph is put to work,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07measuring up for new doors.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09All right, we'll just get some measurements.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Right, so...
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Living, 29 and seven-eighths.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17But if he thought he was leaving the classroom behind,
0:06:17 > 0:06:19he has another thing coming.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- I measure in inches. You'd be used to millimetres.- Yeah.- 29...
0:06:22 > 0:06:26The job is practical, with a bit of maths thrown in,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29something that Joseph has been struggling with at school.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32I did actually want to be an architect,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34but, because of my behaviour in school,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36it's affected my maths.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Obviously, you need maths, and a very high standard of it.
0:06:40 > 0:06:4326 and seven-eighths.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44- 26?- Yep.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47No, you did it right. So three-quarters, yeah?
0:06:47 > 0:06:48So, three over four.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Lesson learned, it's on to the day's second job.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Joseph has used his brain,
0:06:57 > 0:06:58now it's time for brawn.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Putting up a new sign requires a lot of oomph.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Do you want to do it or do you want to hold the joint?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09I'll... Actually, I'll hold the post.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- Right. Hold it lower down. You ready?- Yeah.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13POST CLANGS
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Don't drop it on me fingers.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16POST CLANGS
0:07:18 > 0:07:20POST CLANGS
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Do you want me to put this back in van?
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Joseph is using his initiative,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28a tactic guaranteed to outshine his competition.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31'You've got to be keen, you've got to want to do it.'
0:07:31 > 0:07:35If they are interested in what they want to do, you know what I mean?
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I've known lads who have just ticked any box and they've just gone,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40basically, cos they've been sent.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41'If you're not interested in it,
0:07:41 > 0:07:43'it's not going anywhere for anybody.'
0:07:43 > 0:07:45The more you press the trigger,
0:07:45 > 0:07:46the faster it'll go, so just take your time.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49You hold it at the end. Are you at the end?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- I'm at the end right now. - Right, pull it tight.
0:07:52 > 0:07:53DRILLING
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Onwards and upwards, boys.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00THEY TALK AND LAUGH
0:08:03 > 0:08:07With signs sorted, it's on to the last of the day.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09MACHINE WHIRS
0:08:09 > 0:08:12And it's back to school for Joseph...
0:08:12 > 0:08:14MACHINE WHIRS
0:08:14 > 0:08:16..to dismantle and revamp some run-down benches.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Joseph is getting stuck in,
0:08:21 > 0:08:24showing Scott he's got what it takes to make it as a joiner.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25SCREWS CLINK
0:08:25 > 0:08:26We all muck in.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29You know, we put screws in on that last job, you know what I mean?
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Which he did all right. He didn't snap any bits.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Joseph's first day on the job is over.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43He's gained some valuable experience
0:08:43 > 0:08:47and, so far, he's managed to make a good impression.
0:08:47 > 0:08:48Cheers.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49- See you later.- See you later.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51'He's been a nice lad.'
0:08:51 > 0:08:55He talks, which is always better than being miserable, sat in van.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58He's keen, seems to have enjoyed it, said he wants to come again.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Wants to work with us again, so we've done something right.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Great. And we're going home.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10Still to come...
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Joseph reveals he isn't keen on going up in the world.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- No, not up there. - JOSEPH LAUGHS
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Not a chance.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20But, with the prospect of working through the summer
0:09:20 > 0:09:24to up his chances of landing a dream job...
0:09:24 > 0:09:25DRILLING
0:09:25 > 0:09:26..there's a lot...
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Right, go on then, mate. You get it out your way.
0:09:29 > 0:09:30SNAPPING ..at stake.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Whoa! - LAUGHTER
0:09:44 > 0:09:46From joiners and janitors,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49to highway inspectors and rubbish collectors,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52our local councils have the enormous task of looking after
0:09:52 > 0:09:55over 64 million of us in the UK.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Public protection officers, like Colin Evans, are called upon
0:10:03 > 0:10:07to deal with some of the more unpleasant jobs in Wigan.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11When I came into this job I had no illusions of what was involved.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13None whatsoever.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17I think we've found pigeons, all kind of rodents,
0:10:17 > 0:10:21blocked drains, smoking chimneys, burning bonfires.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24All I say is, "Bring it on. The dirtier the better."
0:10:24 > 0:10:26If I get the solution, I'm not bothered.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30Today, after a call to the council,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Colin's turning detective to help a tenant who's
0:10:33 > 0:10:37renting from a private landlord and is ratty about her rodent visitors.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44I'm a clean person and I'm thinking, they have been
0:10:44 > 0:10:48all over my units and things like that and it's frightening.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Then I don't want to cook, I don't want to do anything.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Hello there, love. Environmental Health, from the council.- Yeah.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- Were you having problems with rodents?- Yeah.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05I'll have a look and see what's going on, if that's OK.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06- Yeah, that's lovely.- Lovely.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- Can I have a look?- Come in, yeah.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Is it actually ongoing now, or has it been and gone?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- No, it's still going on. - It's still going on.- Yeah.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Are they in the house, as well, or are they just in the yard?
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Well, they're in the house and the yard.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20- They're inside, as well?- Yeah.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Can I have a look in your kitchen
0:11:22 > 0:11:26and see if I can see if there's any droppings of anything.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29If you look inside there.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Carol Pennington has been battling against unwanted visitors
0:11:33 > 0:11:34for the past two years.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37We found a massive one under the bath.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39So...
0:11:40 > 0:11:42There's a funny smell in here.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- It must have just died.- Yeah.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49We took the flap off and it was about that long.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51No exaggeration.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Rats and mice are determined diggers.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58And any holes that already exist should be sealed.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01There are quite a few holes about.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02- Cos they're mice...- Yeah.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04..they can squeeze through very small...
0:12:04 > 0:12:07If a pencil can get through a gap, a mouse will get through it.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11I know they're God's creatures and they need to live
0:12:11 > 0:12:13but I'd rather they live somewhere else.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15CHUCKLES
0:12:15 > 0:12:16To be fair.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Rodents don't just spread disease,
0:12:20 > 0:12:24they cause serious structural damage in thousands of households
0:12:24 > 0:12:27across the UK which can even be life-threatening.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32It's estimated that by chewing wires,
0:12:32 > 0:12:37they're responsible for 25% of electrical fires in buildings.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40With evidence of rodents rife,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44Colin is on a mission to check every possible entry point.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47It keeps me fit, this job, that's for sure.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51He's fearlessly forging ahead, like an intrepid explorer,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53in a bid to help Carol and her neighbours.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59We've had a few rats, we've had a few rats.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02One comes and has a mooch around,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05sees what he can get and then he's off.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09I'd say he was about that long.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12I don't like to call it an infestation,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15but that's what it is.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- I've got a problem with mice in the block.- Yeah.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- Do you think I could I check if you've got any problems?- We have.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25There's a fresh dropping down there.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27I've got an entry point down the side of the wall here,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30which is big enough for rats, too, that one.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I'm going to get onto the landlord.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Yeah, you've got quite a lot of droppings under there.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41The environment is ideal for them.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44As long as there's food, they will thrive.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50The infestation is widespread.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54The tenants and landlords in all five houses have been
0:13:54 > 0:13:58tackling the problem individually, without success.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01It's now clear to Colin that he needs to coordinate the attack.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Now I'm going to find out who the property owners are.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Once I get that information back, I'll be writing to all of them,
0:14:11 > 0:14:14advising them of the issues I've got
0:14:14 > 0:14:16and what repairs need doing.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19I'll give them a time span of three weeks
0:14:19 > 0:14:21and I'll come back and check.
0:14:21 > 0:14:22Obviously, if it's not being done,
0:14:22 > 0:14:24then I'll be taking further action against them.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26I will win.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32In cases like this, if rodent damage requires repairs,
0:14:32 > 0:14:35it's the landlord's responsibility to carry them out.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39If they fail to do so,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42the landlord will be served a legal notice.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45If ignored, the council could complete the work
0:14:45 > 0:14:48and pass all costs, including the officer's time,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50to the landlord.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53Coming up...
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Colin braves the rain to return.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58But will the landlord still be operating
0:14:58 > 0:15:00an open-door policy to rodents?
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Can I have a quick look what they've done?- Yeah.
0:15:12 > 0:15:18The UK's local councils are some of the country's biggest employers.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Over two million council officers have been tasked with
0:15:21 > 0:15:23keeping our neighbourhoods running smoothly.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25PHONE RINGS
0:15:25 > 0:15:29Good afternoon, Wigan Council, Arron speaking, how can I help?
0:15:29 > 0:15:33Public Protection Officer Arron Hanson deals with
0:15:33 > 0:15:36everything from food safety to air pollution.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40What makes a good public protection officer is someone
0:15:40 > 0:15:42who can be assertive when they need to be,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45but also take a step back sometimes
0:15:45 > 0:15:49and be able to negotiate and be a mediator.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55Last year, Wigan Council received over 500 noise complaints
0:15:55 > 0:15:58and, today, Arron's investigating a complaint
0:15:58 > 0:16:01from the owner of an aquarium shop.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04When we get reports of noise,
0:16:04 > 0:16:09we've got a duty to investigate statutory nuisances,
0:16:09 > 0:16:11which include noise.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14So today I'm going to visit and get a bit more information,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16find out how it's affecting them.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Erm...
0:16:18 > 0:16:20And see if there's anything we can do.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Mr Chadwick called the council,
0:16:23 > 0:16:27claiming that the music from a newly opened gym next door is
0:16:27 > 0:16:30so loud, and the vibrations so strong,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33that his fish are suffering from stress and dying.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38We've been round to ask them to quieten it down.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Erm, sometimes they do it, sometimes they don't
0:16:42 > 0:16:45and when they do do it, they switch it, keep just turning it up,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47a notch at a time
0:16:47 > 0:16:50until it's back on the same level as it was the time before.
0:16:52 > 0:16:53Before any action can be taken,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Arron needs to assess the noise for himself.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58Hiya, Mr Chadwick.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Arron from Wigan Council.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Hi, are you OK?- Pleased to meet you. - You, too.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Erm, so I'm here to come and have a listen to the problem.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09You mentioned about the bass, it's the bass...
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Well, the bass you can actually feel going through the floor
0:17:12 > 0:17:13when they've got it on.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15That's been the problem with the fish, as well?
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- That's the problem with the fish for us, yes, obviously.- OK. That's OK.
0:17:19 > 0:17:20- I'll have a listen.- Brilliant.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- Are we all right to have a wander in, have a listen?- Yeah. - That's great. OK.- OK.- Thanks.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29With a gym class about to begin, Arron takes up position.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32When the business first made the complaint,
0:17:32 > 0:17:36the problem was with fish dying from vibrations.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Right at the back of this wall is where the gym is,
0:17:39 > 0:17:41so that's what we're looking at today.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46It's estimated that over 400 of us
0:17:46 > 0:17:49complain about our noisy neighbours every day.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51If deemed serious enough,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53an abatement notice can be issued,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55which can lead to a fine
0:17:55 > 0:17:57of up to £5,000 for individuals,
0:17:57 > 0:18:01or up to £20,000 for some businesses.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09To get to the bottom of this fishy tale,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Arron needs to hear a noise.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Any noise.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16So he listens...
0:18:16 > 0:18:18SILENCE
0:18:20 > 0:18:21And listens...
0:18:21 > 0:18:22SILENCE
0:18:23 > 0:18:25And listens.
0:18:25 > 0:18:26SILENCE
0:18:26 > 0:18:28But there's nothing to be heard.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36They might have cancelled the class this week.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Which is good for you cos it means you're not getting...
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- We're not getting the hassle.- No! - Not getting the hassle.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- What we can do, we can always come again.- Yeah.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47It's just the noise, isn't it?
0:18:48 > 0:18:50So we'll see how we go on.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- Right, OK, thanks, Mr Chadwick. OK. - It's a pleasure.- Take care.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Without any hard evidence, Arron can't take any action
0:18:58 > 0:19:02but he will be back to see if you can help Mr Chadwick.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Still to come...
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Arron heads to the gym...
0:19:08 > 0:19:09I might be unwelcome.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13..to confront the owner face-to-face about the booming bass.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Hello, Arron from Wigan Council.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20Are rodents still running riot in the terraced houses?
0:19:20 > 0:19:22You've got quite a lot of droppings under there.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Whoo-hoo!
0:19:24 > 0:19:26And down on the farm, council officers
0:19:26 > 0:19:28volunteer for a speedy clean-up.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32I'm too old for this, me.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34The goats are loving this.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36I can't give it them fast enough.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Right, are you Joseph?- Yeah.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50All right, mate, I'm Scott.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Two weeks ago, 15-year-old Joseph
0:19:52 > 0:19:54began work experience with Wigan Council.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58His aim, to become a fully fledged joiner.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59That's 29 and three-quarters.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00He's been keen...
0:20:00 > 0:20:03The more you press the trigger, the faster it'll go.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04..and shown initiative.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07But with nine other lads on the scheme, with the same goal,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10he'll have to continue to up his game.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Squeezing on that last job, you know what I mean,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16which he did all right, he didn't snap any bits.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Another day, another dollar.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26It's day two and mentor Scott is setting Joseph
0:20:26 > 0:20:27a fresh set of challenges.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- It's gorgeous now, isn't it? - I am, thanks.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32I thought you were talking about me, then.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33All right, mate.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Are you all right? - I see you've made it.- Yeah.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37All right, how long have you been here?
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Er, I don't know, about ten minutes.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- Belter. Right, mate.- Yeah.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- Come on, then.- All right, then. - Right.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- Do you want me to get these pieces here?- You can do.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56With the van loaded, they're off to their first job.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01A special ceremonial day is coming up,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05and Scott and his crew have their role to play in the preparation.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09It's Armed Forces Day on Saturday, so we're just changing
0:21:09 > 0:21:13the Union Jacks to the Armed Forces Union Jacks for the council.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15I started doing this about eight year ago.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18I'm not afraid of heights.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19I'd never go up there.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Not a chance!
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Not exactly a great start for climbing the career ladder.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37But, from flags to fencing,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Joseph is stepping up to this challenge.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Right, go on, then, mate, you get it out your way.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44One minute.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48You must've had an easy one at the beginning, mate.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Right.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51Do you want me to do it?
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Do you want young lad to do it?
0:21:56 > 0:21:59That doesn't work what you're doing. Come on.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01I've just loosened it for you, then.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04LAUGHS
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Joseph is learning to be part of a team
0:22:07 > 0:22:09and a valuable lesson that pride...
0:22:10 > 0:22:11Whah!
0:22:11 > 0:22:14..goes before a fall. ALL LAUGH
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Joseph and Scott's next job is to replace the school benches
0:22:22 > 0:22:24they removed two weeks ago.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29School doesn't teach you as much as this does
0:22:29 > 0:22:32because you're out there doing work for when you leave school.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34It's just brill.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37So if you stand there.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Sight it.- Yeah.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- Can you see how the gap's pretty even.- Yeah.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Having Joseph on board makes Scott think more about
0:22:44 > 0:22:46his own work experience.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49When I was at school, I was more interested in joinery than
0:22:49 > 0:22:53anything else. That's why I ended up being a joiner.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56I was more interested in something what I wanted to do
0:22:56 > 0:22:57when I left school.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00I did an apprenticeship with a conservatory firm
0:23:00 > 0:23:03and then I went to a small building firm.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05So, you know, I've turned out all right.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Working with Scott is helping Joseph decide
0:23:10 > 0:23:12what he really wants out of life.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17This, to me, is something which I really like doing
0:23:17 > 0:23:20and I'd really love to do and I want to do when I'm older.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24If I was to get like a really good job doing this, then,
0:23:24 > 0:23:27yeah, it'll just amaze me.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28So...
0:23:30 > 0:23:33He's desperate to carry on working with Scott
0:23:33 > 0:23:35during his summer holidays.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38This would be a first for the council
0:23:38 > 0:23:41and they are keen to support him.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45But Scott has had news that could shatter Joseph's dreams.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Come on, chop chop.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49I spoke to one of the managers.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53He's looking into it to see if the insurance will allow him
0:23:53 > 0:23:56because he's insured through school, which obviously,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59when school closed down, he may not be insured.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Obviously, he does want to come.
0:24:02 > 0:24:03He's not getting paid. So...
0:24:03 > 0:24:06He does seem keen. I know there's not many other people
0:24:06 > 0:24:08that would want to go to work for nothing.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12It's just a pleasure to work with both of them.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14I really appreciate that.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16I think that Scott and Chris
0:24:16 > 0:24:18are the best two workers I've ever worked with.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19So...
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- D'you want to give me a ring?- Yeah. - Right, belter.
0:24:26 > 0:24:27Coming up...
0:24:27 > 0:24:31Joseph faces an anxious wait for a decision about
0:24:31 > 0:24:33whether he can work through his holidays...
0:24:33 > 0:24:36The person who's in charge has told me, like, to leave it
0:24:36 > 0:24:40and let them deal with it but there may be like a problem.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43And his career prospects hang in the balance.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57It keeps me fit, this job, that's for sure.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Four weeks ago,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Colin was called out to a street-wide rodent infestation...
0:25:03 > 0:25:05There's a fresh dropping down there.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09..and gave the landlords three weeks to fix the problem.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Yeah, you've got quite a lot of droppings under there.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Colin has been acting in response to residents
0:25:18 > 0:25:22and he's back to check what work, if any, the landlords have done.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28When I came originally, I found quite a big hole here.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30So I've been in touch with the landlord and, obviously,
0:25:30 > 0:25:34he's filled it all in and sealed it up.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36All this was overgrown.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39So the landlord has had it chopped back just to check
0:25:39 > 0:25:42if there are any holes along the outside wall,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44which...I'm looking now...
0:25:44 > 0:25:47It's all clear, I've no faults there.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50So far, so good.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53But, finally, back to Carol's house
0:25:53 > 0:25:55where they were causing grief inside and out.
0:25:59 > 0:26:00Morning, are you all right?
0:26:02 > 0:26:05That's belting, that. That's wonderful.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08There was one around the side here, weren't there?
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- That one, he's done a belting job on that.- Oh, yeah.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15That's all been pointed up now, so there's nothing to get in there.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19So, hopefully, you're mice-free now.
0:26:19 > 0:26:20Yeah, I hope so.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- I just wish I was dog-free! - Yeah, well...
0:26:23 > 0:26:27If Carol's dogs were more keen on catching rats than the limelight,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29she'd have been rodent free months ago.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- Okey-dokey. - Thanks very much.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- Thanks very much.- See you later.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38That's the problem resolved now.
0:26:41 > 0:26:42Several happy residents again.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48This war against rodents has been won.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52With all holes filled, Carol and her neighbours can now live safely
0:26:52 > 0:26:56in the knowledge that, for now, their terrace is rat and mouse free.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Something fishy is going on at an aquarium shop.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12The owner has repeatedly reported
0:27:12 > 0:27:15excessive noise from a gym next door.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17He believes it's killing his fish.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19You mentioned about the bass. It's the bass...
0:27:19 > 0:27:22The bass you can actually feel going through the floor.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24That's the problem with the fish, for us, yeah.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28But when Arron has investigated, all has been quiet.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Today Arron is back for another visit with a new plan of action.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44We've been receiving further complaints,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46so I think it's time to go and have a chat with him.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52I might be unwelcome, I don't know.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02In an attempt to end the fish and their owner's stress,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Arron's stepping in to try and calm the waters.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Hello. Arron from Wigan Council.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Hiya, are you OK?
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- Are you the owner? - I am, yeah.- Yeah.
0:28:15 > 0:28:16I'm just coming today,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20we've had a bit of an issue with some of the noise from some classes.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21Right, OK.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25All I'm here today is just to say one of the issues has been
0:28:25 > 0:28:27- a Saturday morning.- Right, OK.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Erm, and a couple of times during the week.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33So I'm just seeing if you can just monitor that for yourselves.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- Yeah, we're hoping to do that.- Yeah.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37And just take action maybe to turn it down a bit.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39If you think, yourself, it's a bit loud,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42you know, turn it down just a touch,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- then that'll be fine.- Yeah.
0:28:45 > 0:28:46- That's it, really.- Yeah, no problem.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Then we'll see how it goes and in a couple of weeks
0:28:49 > 0:28:51- I'll get back in touch. - That's fine, yeah. Just let us know.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- We want to address it. - Yeah, great.- OK.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- How's the business because you're a new business?- It's good. It's picking up every day.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- Going in the right direction, it's great.- Cheers, thank you very much.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03- Yeah, no problem.- Thank you.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07People tend to lose themselves in music and train harder.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09It gives them that energy.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11With it being a new business, we're trying to create the atmosphere
0:29:11 > 0:29:14but we don't want to upset anybody.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Arron now needs to report back to Mr Chadwick.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20I had a chat with him.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Erm, he doesn't want to, erm...
0:29:25 > 0:29:28..fall out or argue about it.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30He wants to make sure it's fine for you.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34He seemed genuine and he seems like a decent bloke.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37So, hopefully, he'll do what he says.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Then, hopefully, it'll be OK.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41- Job done.- Hopefully.- Good job done.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46I feel like I made progress today.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50It's always difficult when you've only heard one side of the story.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53You need to remain impartial, really,
0:29:53 > 0:29:55and take both sides into consideration.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59Erm, obviously it's a new business and he's got a lot of changes to do
0:29:59 > 0:30:03and make, so we'll work through the changes with him
0:30:03 > 0:30:08and hopefully get it to a position where both businesses are happy
0:30:08 > 0:30:11and they both can run without any issues.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Arron will continue to monitor the noise, but, for now,
0:30:15 > 0:30:19the relationship between these two businesses is harmonious.
0:30:26 > 0:30:27Still to come...
0:30:27 > 0:30:31Will Joseph secure his summer of work experience...
0:30:31 > 0:30:35The person who's in charge has told me there may be like a problem.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39..and get closer to that all-important apprenticeship?
0:30:51 > 0:30:55Local authorities get their funding from three main sources -
0:30:55 > 0:30:57grants from central government,
0:30:57 > 0:30:59council tax
0:30:59 > 0:31:01and other locally generated fees and charges.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06But wherever the money is coming from,
0:31:06 > 0:31:10today's economic climate means every penny counts.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14So to help the council budget stretch further,
0:31:14 > 0:31:18officers in Wigan are encouraged to spend two days a year
0:31:18 > 0:31:21helping in their local communities.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Michaela Guest has organised a Volunteer Day
0:31:26 > 0:31:30and has rounded up some colleagues to help out.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34I'm Public Protection Manager in Business Compliance Improvement
0:31:34 > 0:31:37and my role as manager is to work with the officers
0:31:37 > 0:31:39who look after the general public
0:31:39 > 0:31:43in terms of making sure that we protect their health.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47We're also part of the Environment section, so, for me, it was
0:31:47 > 0:31:50important that we did something that would help the environment.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59Festival season is coming to Wigan.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02Greenslate Farm, a community project,
0:32:02 > 0:32:06is hosting Greenfest, a celebration of local music talent.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Michaela and colleagues have volunteered,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13as there's plenty of work that needs doing to get it safe
0:32:13 > 0:32:17and accessible for the crowds they are expecting.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23Rhiannon Jones from the farm is organising today's clean-up.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27We're all here today, so what do you want us to do?
0:32:27 > 0:32:30First of all, we've got a field over there that needs to be cleared
0:32:30 > 0:32:33- so that it's safe for people to walk into.- Brilliant.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Another job is - clear the pathway.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39So if we can clear that, that'll be great as well.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Brilliant, right, well, we'll get stuck in then!
0:32:42 > 0:32:46With a ton of weeding and a stack of clearing,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49the council volunteers have a busy day ahead.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54Fran Lindley has swapped takeaway inspections for path clearing.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55It's nice for a change.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57Fresh air...
0:32:57 > 0:32:59A workout.
0:32:59 > 0:33:04And Colin is in the field where it's a far cry from hunting rats.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07I'm too old for this, me.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Hopefully, we'll get this summat looking like
0:33:10 > 0:33:12so they can have their stalls on here, apparently.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Hard work, but we're getting there.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16I enjoy it, it's a nice change.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Whoo-hoo!
0:33:18 > 0:33:19It's lunch time for the goats,
0:33:19 > 0:33:22and public protection officer, Barry, is head waiter.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24The goats are loving this.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27I can't actually give it 'em fast enough.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31We're putting something back into the community. I'm enjoying it.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35Greenslate Farm, like many organisations
0:33:35 > 0:33:37and attractions throughout the UK,
0:33:37 > 0:33:40relies on volunteers to help it run.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43We are making good headway on this path.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47Last year, almost 23 million of us in Britain volunteered
0:33:47 > 0:33:51to improve the lives of our neighbours and our communities.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Thanks to today's weed pulling and root ripping,
0:33:55 > 0:33:58the path and the field have been cleared, making a safer,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02greener space for the festival-goers to embrace and enjoy.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06I think I'm going to be the first person, ever, to walk this path.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11This was completely wild. You can see how high all this stuff was.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15At least now we can see a path and people can actually go through.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18So, kids, especially small children with parents coming up here
0:34:18 > 0:34:21with prams and stuff, they can stay off the road now, so...
0:34:21 > 0:34:24A massive difference. It's made a massive difference.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26I'm made up, I'm so proud of everybody today
0:34:26 > 0:34:28for giving their time up for the Volunteer Day.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31They've managed to get loads of work done.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33I'm so proud of all the staff for turning up today
0:34:33 > 0:34:35to give their day for volunteering. It's been fantastic.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40Everyone's worked flat out, including the goats,
0:34:40 > 0:34:43who munched through barrows of weeds.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46But now it's time to head back to the shed for the night.
0:34:51 > 0:34:52Coming up...
0:34:52 > 0:34:56After the volunteers' hard work, rain threatens to stop play.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00But will it keep the festival-goers away?
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Wiganers are made of hard stuff,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04a bit of rain won't stop 'em.
0:35:14 > 0:35:1729 and seven-eighths.
0:35:17 > 0:35:2115-year-old Joseph is on a work experience scheme
0:35:21 > 0:35:24under council joiner Scott's expert eye.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27Just hold it and let it start so you don't slip off, yeah.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30He's worked hard, showing initiative.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Do you want this back in the van?
0:35:32 > 0:35:35And become a valued member of this crack team.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Joseph's keen to make the most of this chance
0:35:40 > 0:35:43and gain new skills and future-proof his career.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46He's asked to work through his school summer holiday
0:35:46 > 0:35:49but this has raised serious issues.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51He does want to come.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55I've spoke to one of the managers but he may not be insured.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04All right.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07Today, Joseph will find out if he'll get the green light.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- On time again, lad.- Yeah.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14But first, work.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18They're at a local primary school to spruce up some storage.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29- What do you reckon, Joseph, nearly breakfast?- I've had my breakfast.
0:36:29 > 0:36:30I've had two actually.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33So, what you're saying, we're not allowed one.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36You'll be a manager in no time, you! Telling us we can't have our breakfast.
0:36:41 > 0:36:42Keen to impress,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Joseph spots an opportunity to show Scott some skills.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Do you want me to have a go?
0:36:49 > 0:36:52No, because if you do it, I'll get sacked.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- I'll have one more go. If not...- I'll have a go.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00Come on.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04Then you can't say it was just Scott that did it wrong.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09I'm not failin'!
0:37:12 > 0:37:14But can he crack it...
0:37:14 > 0:37:16where his mentor has failed?
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Mate, you don't want to be a joiner, you, you can be a tiler.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26But he does want to be a joiner,
0:37:26 > 0:37:30which brings his thoughts back to the hope of working through summer.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35The person who's in charge has told me like to leave it
0:37:35 > 0:37:39and let them deal with it but there may be like a problem.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- Do you still want to come, then? - Yeah.- Are you enjoying it?- Yeah.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47You never know, they might say you can come every day.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52He's really good, he's really keen and he's really happy to come.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55So, you know, it benefits him and it benefits the likes of me.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57I'd rather show somebody what wants to learn
0:37:57 > 0:38:00than somebody what's been told they have to come.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01- There you go, Scott.- Ta.
0:38:04 > 0:38:05Lunch time,
0:38:05 > 0:38:09and Scott's received the all-important call.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12After a long, anxious wait,
0:38:12 > 0:38:16it's finally time to give Joseph the news about his summer.
0:38:16 > 0:38:17- Would you like it, mate?- Mm.
0:38:20 > 0:38:21Erm...
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- How did I do? - Yeah, yeah, you've done well.
0:38:25 > 0:38:30I've spoke to Colin and they've said you can come back over summer.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34Yeah, so you'll still be working with me and Chris.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- Yeah.- That all right?- Yeah!
0:38:43 > 0:38:44It's brilliant news,
0:38:44 > 0:38:48and something Joseph's been waiting for weeks to hear.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50I'm actually really happy
0:38:50 > 0:38:52because I didn't actually think it was going to happen,
0:38:52 > 0:38:56but it's going to increase my levels of getting a job when I'm older
0:38:56 > 0:39:00and I'm really proud that they've allowed me to stay over the summer.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04In this short time, Joseph has already learned a lot
0:39:04 > 0:39:05and been inspired by Scott.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08The more you press the trigger, the faster it goes, so take your time.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10I've done something right.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12At the end of the day he's gone away thinking,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15"Yeah, this is what I want to do," and he's enjoyed it, so...
0:39:15 > 0:39:17And he were made up.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Now, with a summer of work experience ahead,
0:39:20 > 0:39:24Joseph will be a big step closer to achieving his dreams
0:39:24 > 0:39:27of becoming a professional joiner,
0:39:27 > 0:39:30and Wigan Council has helped a potential new recruit
0:39:30 > 0:39:32in an industry thirsty for new talent.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50Just over a week ago, Wigan Council officers volunteered...
0:39:52 > 0:39:54I'm too old for this, me.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57..to get Greenslate Farm spick and span
0:39:57 > 0:39:59ready for a local music festival.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03I'm going to be the first person ever to walk this path.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08The big day has arrived...
0:40:09 > 0:40:10..along with the rain.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Undeterred, the local residents have turned out in force.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Joined by Colin Evans,
0:40:20 > 0:40:24who has come on his day off to see if his handiwork has done the job.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Nice little nature walk for people to walk through.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Quite pleased with that.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Apart from the rain it turned out quite well,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36so hopefully they'll have a successful day.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45Despite the rain, the sausages are sizzling and the beer is flowing.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51This festival is all about music and community.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53It's kicking off with a local group,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56some of whom have also helped out at the farm.
0:40:57 > 0:41:03# There's a place in your heart and I know that it is love
0:41:03 > 0:41:09# And this place could be much brighter than tomorrow
0:41:09 > 0:41:15# And if you really try, you'll find there's no need to cry
0:41:15 > 0:41:17# In this place you'll find... #
0:41:17 > 0:41:21This is what it's all about - people enjoying themselves.
0:41:21 > 0:41:27# There are ways to get there if you care enough for the living
0:41:27 > 0:41:30# Make a little space
0:41:30 > 0:41:32# Make a better place
0:41:32 > 0:41:36# Heal the world
0:41:36 > 0:41:39# Make it a better place
0:41:39 > 0:41:41# For you and for me
0:41:41 > 0:41:44# And the entire human race
0:41:44 > 0:41:47# There are people dying
0:41:47 > 0:41:50# If you care enough for the living
0:41:50 > 0:41:54# Make a better place for you and for me. #
0:41:54 > 0:41:56APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:42:02 > 0:42:03That's what it's all about
0:42:03 > 0:42:07and to put on a show like that is just absolutely amazing.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10It touched me, that, it really did. Nice.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20And on that note, as if by magic, the rain stops.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24This place will be absolutely rocking.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26There's beer on, burgers,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29cos they like a good do, does Wiganers.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35The weather has been absolutely awful, but it's all about this.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37We've still got loads of people enjoying themselves
0:42:37 > 0:42:39and it makes it all worthwhile.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41If you would like to volunteer in your area
0:42:41 > 0:42:45or have a community project and are looking for funding,
0:42:45 > 0:42:47contact your local council.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49I do get a lot of satisfaction.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52When you come back and see the fruits of your labour
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and how appreciative people are of the effort we've put in for them,
0:42:55 > 0:42:59it gives me a buzz, knowing that I've been involved with that
0:42:59 > 0:43:02and hopefully it's the start of great things for them.