Episode 5 Call the Council


Episode 5

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Transcript


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From rubbish and recycling...

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..to potholes and pavements...

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A street down. Another street to do.

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..educating our children...

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Fantastic.

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..and caring for the elderly.

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'It does make a difference,'

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when you see what can be achieved.

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We rely on our local councils to provide a huge range of services.

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You may kiss the bride.

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APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

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In this series, we follow front-line staff

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working for Wigan Council in Greater Manchester.

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GAVEL BANGS

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Ooh, sorry!

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Like council offices across the country,

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they are protecting us from hidden dangers...

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Oh, dear!

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..stepping in when there's an emergency...

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You never know what you're turning up to.

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Thank you very much.

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..and responding to residents.

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Thanks for everything. Good job.

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..when they...

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PHONE RINGS ..call the council.

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Coming up...

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the council steps in when an aquarium owner

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complains about bad vibrations from a noisy neighbour.

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Well, the bass you can actually feel going through the floor.

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-That's the problem with the fish for us, yeah, obviously.

-OK.

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An officer scales new heights

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when rats run riot in a row of houses.

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It keeps me fit, this job. That's for sure.

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I know they're God's creatures and they need to live,

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but I'd rather them live somewhere else.

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Yeah, that's a fresh dropping down there.

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And a young student is given the chance to change his life.

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77 and...

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a quarter.

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'If I was to get, like, a really good job doing this...'

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..yeah, it'll just amaze me.

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There are 433 local authorities in the UK

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and each is responsible for maintaining

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its valuable public buildings

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and managing its important housing stock,

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safeguarding them for our benefit.

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In the borough of Wigan, there are over 22,000 council properties,

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taking a workforce of hundreds to maintain them.

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Can I have a tin of WD-40, please?

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One of them is multiskilled joiner Scott Howarth.

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'I've worked for the council probably coming on ten year now.'

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You get everything from everyday life.

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'Just broken windows...'

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Go on.

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'..to stair treads...

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'faulty front doors...'

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See you later, bye!

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'..people locked out...'

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Problem with your door?

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'..and just general maintenance.

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'No matter what time of day,'

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what time of year, we will go out.

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But skilled craftsmen like Scott are in short supply.

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Britain is facing its biggest skill shortage for a generation.

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Industry analysts say that in 2013,

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just over 7,000 apprentices completed their training

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in an industry that needs at least 35,000 new entrants every year

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just to stand still.

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Wigan Council is doing its bit to address the gap.

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Working with local schools,

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the council supports a hands-on training scheme...

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That's absolutely smashing, that. Well done.

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..that's helping young people, like 15-year-old Joseph,

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get a leg up in the construction industry.

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I don't know who I'm going to be working with yet.

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They need to get back to me.

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But, hopefully, it should be a good opportunity for me.

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Joseph has excelled in the workshop

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and secured a place on a work experience scheme

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that will take him out on the road,

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where he will get genuine, hands-on experience.

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It's an opportunity that could change his life.

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Quite excited, a bit nervous,

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because, obviously, it's my first day.

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And it's a very big place and I'm just very determined to work.

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So...yeah.

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Well, I think...

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If they see that I'm doing well and that I enjoy it,

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maybe when I come to leave school, they might approach me,

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as in you can work afterwards, you know?

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Be in an actual apprenticeship to earn proper money

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in this business.

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There are ten lads on the same scheme.

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But, with no guarantee of securing a job,

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Joseph is determined to impress his mentor.

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And he is up for working through his summer holiday

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to get him ahead of the pack.

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All right, pal, you Joseph?

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-Yeah.

-All right, mate. I'm Scott.

-All right?

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Council joiner Scott has been charged

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with showing Joseph the ropes.

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Quite big in here, isn't it?

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If the size of the council depot doesn't frighten Joseph,

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the size of his council-issue trousers might.

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All right, mate?

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-Can we have some clothes for him, please?

-Yeah.

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38? 28, that. Yeah!

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SCOTT LAUGHS

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Putting them on, he'll be like this.

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-Looks like you just fell out o' catalogue, like me.

-LAUGHTER

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Right, see you later.

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Joseph, Scott and colleague Chris

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head off for the first job of the day...

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ENGINE STARTS

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..together with some cuddly colleagues.

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You've got some nice teddies.

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-Pardon?

-You've got some nice teddies.

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-All right?

-All right, pal? My name's Scott from council.

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-All right?

-I came about a problem with some doors.

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-Yeah. Do you want come in?

-Yeah, no worries. Cheers.

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As soon as they arrive, Joseph is put to work,

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measuring up for new doors.

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All right, we'll just get some measurements.

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Right, so...

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Living, 29 and seven-eighths.

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But if he thought he was leaving the classroom behind,

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he has another thing coming.

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-I measure in inches. You'd be used to millimetres.

-Yeah.

-29...

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The job is practical, with a bit of maths thrown in,

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something that Joseph has been struggling with at school.

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I did actually want to be an architect,

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but, because of my behaviour in school,

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it's affected my maths.

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Obviously, you need maths, and a very high standard of it.

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26 and seven-eighths.

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-26?

-Yep.

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No, you did it right. So three-quarters, yeah?

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So, three over four.

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Lesson learned, it's on to the day's second job.

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Joseph has used his brain,

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now it's time for brawn.

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Putting up a new sign requires a lot of oomph.

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Do you want to do it or do you want to hold the joint?

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I'll... Actually, I'll hold the post.

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-Right. Hold it lower down. You ready?

-Yeah.

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POST CLANGS

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Don't drop it on me fingers.

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POST CLANGS

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POST CLANGS

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Do you want me to put this back in van?

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Joseph is using his initiative,

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a tactic guaranteed to outshine his competition.

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'You've got to be keen, you've got to want to do it.'

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If they are interested in what they want to do, you know what I mean?

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I've known lads who have just ticked any box and they've just gone,

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basically, cos they've been sent.

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'If you're not interested in it,

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'it's not going anywhere for anybody.'

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The more you press the trigger,

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the faster it'll go, so just take your time.

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You hold it at the end. Are you at the end?

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-I'm at the end right now.

-Right, pull it tight.

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DRILLING

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Onwards and upwards, boys.

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THEY TALK AND LAUGH

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With signs sorted, it's on to the last of the day.

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MACHINE WHIRS

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And it's back to school for Joseph...

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MACHINE WHIRS

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..to dismantle and revamp some run-down benches.

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Joseph is getting stuck in,

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showing Scott he's got what it takes to make it as a joiner.

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SCREWS CLINK

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We all muck in.

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You know, we put screws in on that last job, you know what I mean?

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Which he did all right. He didn't snap any bits.

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Joseph's first day on the job is over.

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He's gained some valuable experience

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and, so far, he's managed to make a good impression.

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Cheers.

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-See you later.

-See you later.

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'He's been a nice lad.'

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He talks, which is always better than being miserable, sat in van.

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He's keen, seems to have enjoyed it, said he wants to come again.

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Wants to work with us again, so we've done something right.

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Great. And we're going home.

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Still to come...

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Joseph reveals he isn't keen on going up in the world.

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-No, not up there.

-JOSEPH LAUGHS

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Not a chance.

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But, with the prospect of working through the summer

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to up his chances of landing a dream job...

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DRILLING

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..there's a lot...

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Right, go on then, mate. You get it out your way.

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SNAPPING ..at stake.

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-Whoa!

-LAUGHTER

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From joiners and janitors,

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to highway inspectors and rubbish collectors,

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our local councils have the enormous task of looking after

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over 64 million of us in the UK.

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Public protection officers, like Colin Evans, are called upon

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to deal with some of the more unpleasant jobs in Wigan.

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When I came into this job I had no illusions of what was involved.

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None whatsoever.

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I think we've found pigeons, all kind of rodents,

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blocked drains, smoking chimneys, burning bonfires.

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All I say is, "Bring it on. The dirtier the better."

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If I get the solution, I'm not bothered.

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Today, after a call to the council,

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Colin's turning detective to help a tenant who's

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renting from a private landlord and is ratty about her rodent visitors.

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I'm a clean person and I'm thinking, they have been

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all over my units and things like that and it's frightening.

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Then I don't want to cook, I don't want to do anything.

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-Hello there, love. Environmental Health, from the council.

-Yeah.

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-Were you having problems with rodents?

-Yeah.

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I'll have a look and see what's going on, if that's OK.

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-Yeah, that's lovely.

-Lovely.

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-Can I have a look?

-Come in, yeah.

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Is it actually ongoing now, or has it been and gone?

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-No, it's still going on.

-It's still going on.

-Yeah.

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Are they in the house, as well, or are they just in the yard?

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Well, they're in the house and the yard.

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-They're inside, as well?

-Yeah.

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Can I have a look in your kitchen

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and see if I can see if there's any droppings of anything.

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If you look inside there.

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Carol Pennington has been battling against unwanted visitors

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for the past two years.

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We found a massive one under the bath.

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So...

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There's a funny smell in here.

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-It must have just died.

-Yeah.

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We took the flap off and it was about that long.

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No exaggeration.

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Rats and mice are determined diggers.

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And any holes that already exist should be sealed.

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There are quite a few holes about.

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-Cos they're mice...

-Yeah.

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..they can squeeze through very small...

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If a pencil can get through a gap, a mouse will get through it.

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I know they're God's creatures and they need to live

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but I'd rather they live somewhere else.

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CHUCKLES

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To be fair.

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Rodents don't just spread disease,

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they cause serious structural damage in thousands of households

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across the UK which can even be life-threatening.

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It's estimated that by chewing wires,

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they're responsible for 25% of electrical fires in buildings.

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With evidence of rodents rife,

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Colin is on a mission to check every possible entry point.

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It keeps me fit, this job, that's for sure.

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He's fearlessly forging ahead, like an intrepid explorer,

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in a bid to help Carol and her neighbours.

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We've had a few rats, we've had a few rats.

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One comes and has a mooch around,

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sees what he can get and then he's off.

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I'd say he was about that long.

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I don't like to call it an infestation,

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but that's what it is.

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-I've got a problem with mice in the block.

-Yeah.

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-Do you think I could I check if you've got any problems?

-We have.

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There's a fresh dropping down there.

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I've got an entry point down the side of the wall here,

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which is big enough for rats, too, that one.

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I'm going to get onto the landlord.

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Yeah, you've got quite a lot of droppings under there.

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The environment is ideal for them.

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As long as there's food, they will thrive.

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The infestation is widespread.

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The tenants and landlords in all five houses have been

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tackling the problem individually, without success.

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It's now clear to Colin that he needs to coordinate the attack.

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Now I'm going to find out who the property owners are.

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Once I get that information back, I'll be writing to all of them,

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advising them of the issues I've got

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and what repairs need doing.

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I'll give them a time span of three weeks

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and I'll come back and check.

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Obviously, if it's not being done,

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then I'll be taking further action against them.

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I will win.

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In cases like this, if rodent damage requires repairs,

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it's the landlord's responsibility to carry them out.

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If they fail to do so,

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the landlord will be served a legal notice.

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If ignored, the council could complete the work

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and pass all costs, including the officer's time,

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to the landlord.

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Coming up...

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Colin braves the rain to return.

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But will the landlord still be operating

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an open-door policy to rodents?

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-Can I have a quick look what they've done?

-Yeah.

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The UK's local councils are some of the country's biggest employers.

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Over two million council officers have been tasked with

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keeping our neighbourhoods running smoothly.

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PHONE RINGS

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Good afternoon, Wigan Council, Arron speaking, how can I help?

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Public Protection Officer Arron Hanson deals with

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everything from food safety to air pollution.

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What makes a good public protection officer is someone

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who can be assertive when they need to be,

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but also take a step back sometimes

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and be able to negotiate and be a mediator.

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Last year, Wigan Council received over 500 noise complaints

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and, today, Arron's investigating a complaint

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from the owner of an aquarium shop.

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When we get reports of noise,

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we've got a duty to investigate statutory nuisances,

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which include noise.

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So today I'm going to visit and get a bit more information,

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find out how it's affecting them.

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Erm...

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And see if there's anything we can do.

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Mr Chadwick called the council,

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claiming that the music from a newly opened gym next door is

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so loud, and the vibrations so strong,

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that his fish are suffering from stress and dying.

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We've been round to ask them to quieten it down.

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Erm, sometimes they do it, sometimes they don't

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and when they do do it, they switch it, keep just turning it up,

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a notch at a time

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until it's back on the same level as it was the time before.

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Before any action can be taken,

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Arron needs to assess the noise for himself.

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Hiya, Mr Chadwick.

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Arron from Wigan Council.

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-Hi, are you OK?

-Pleased to meet you.

-You, too.

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Erm, so I'm here to come and have a listen to the problem.

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You mentioned about the bass, it's the bass...

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Well, the bass you can actually feel going through the floor

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when they've got it on.

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That's been the problem with the fish, as well?

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-That's the problem with the fish for us, yes, obviously.

-OK. That's OK.

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-I'll have a listen.

-Brilliant.

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-Are we all right to have a wander in, have a listen?

-Yeah.

-That's great. OK.

-OK.

-Thanks.

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With a gym class about to begin, Arron takes up position.

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When the business first made the complaint,

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the problem was with fish dying from vibrations.

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Right at the back of this wall is where the gym is,

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so that's what we're looking at today.

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It's estimated that over 400 of us

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complain about our noisy neighbours every day.

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If deemed serious enough,

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an abatement notice can be issued,

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which can lead to a fine

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of up to £5,000 for individuals,

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or up to £20,000 for some businesses.

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To get to the bottom of this fishy tale,

0:18:060:18:09

Arron needs to hear a noise.

0:18:090:18:11

Any noise.

0:18:110:18:13

So he listens...

0:18:150:18:16

SILENCE

0:18:160:18:18

And listens...

0:18:200:18:21

SILENCE

0:18:210:18:22

And listens.

0:18:230:18:25

SILENCE

0:18:250:18:26

But there's nothing to be heard.

0:18:260:18:28

They might have cancelled the class this week.

0:18:330:18:36

Which is good for you cos it means you're not getting...

0:18:360:18:39

-We're not getting the hassle.

-No!

-Not getting the hassle.

0:18:390:18:42

-What we can do, we can always come again.

-Yeah.

0:18:420:18:45

It's just the noise, isn't it?

0:18:450:18:47

So we'll see how we go on.

0:18:480:18:50

-Right, OK, thanks, Mr Chadwick. OK.

-It's a pleasure.

-Take care.

0:18:500:18:54

Without any hard evidence, Arron can't take any action

0:18:550:18:58

but he will be back to see if you can help Mr Chadwick.

0:18:580:19:02

Still to come...

0:19:040:19:06

Arron heads to the gym...

0:19:060:19:08

I might be unwelcome.

0:19:080:19:09

..to confront the owner face-to-face about the booming bass.

0:19:090:19:13

Hello, Arron from Wigan Council.

0:19:130:19:16

Are rodents still running riot in the terraced houses?

0:19:160:19:20

You've got quite a lot of droppings under there.

0:19:200:19:22

Whoo-hoo!

0:19:220:19:24

And down on the farm, council officers

0:19:240:19:26

volunteer for a speedy clean-up.

0:19:260:19:28

I'm too old for this, me.

0:19:290:19:32

The goats are loving this.

0:19:320:19:34

I can't give it them fast enough.

0:19:340:19:36

-Right, are you Joseph?

-Yeah.

0:19:460:19:48

All right, mate, I'm Scott.

0:19:480:19:50

Two weeks ago, 15-year-old Joseph

0:19:500:19:52

began work experience with Wigan Council.

0:19:520:19:54

His aim, to become a fully fledged joiner.

0:19:540:19:58

That's 29 and three-quarters.

0:19:580:19:59

He's been keen...

0:19:590:20:00

The more you press the trigger, the faster it'll go.

0:20:000:20:03

..and shown initiative.

0:20:030:20:04

But with nine other lads on the scheme, with the same goal,

0:20:040:20:07

he'll have to continue to up his game.

0:20:070:20:10

Squeezing on that last job, you know what I mean,

0:20:100:20:13

which he did all right, he didn't snap any bits.

0:20:130:20:16

Another day, another dollar.

0:20:200:20:22

It's day two and mentor Scott is setting Joseph

0:20:220:20:26

a fresh set of challenges.

0:20:260:20:27

-It's gorgeous now, isn't it?

-I am, thanks.

0:20:270:20:30

I thought you were talking about me, then.

0:20:300:20:32

All right, mate.

0:20:320:20:33

-Are you all right?

-I see you've made it.

-Yeah.

0:20:330:20:35

All right, how long have you been here?

0:20:350:20:37

Er, I don't know, about ten minutes.

0:20:370:20:39

-Belter. Right, mate.

-Yeah.

0:20:390:20:43

-Come on, then.

-All right, then.

-Right.

0:20:430:20:45

-Do you want me to get these pieces here?

-You can do.

0:20:470:20:50

With the van loaded, they're off to their first job.

0:20:520:20:56

A special ceremonial day is coming up,

0:20:590:21:01

and Scott and his crew have their role to play in the preparation.

0:21:010:21:05

It's Armed Forces Day on Saturday, so we're just changing

0:21:050:21:09

the Union Jacks to the Armed Forces Union Jacks for the council.

0:21:090:21:13

I started doing this about eight year ago.

0:21:130:21:15

I'm not afraid of heights.

0:21:150:21:18

I'd never go up there.

0:21:180:21:19

Not a chance!

0:21:190:21:21

Not exactly a great start for climbing the career ladder.

0:21:240:21:27

But, from flags to fencing,

0:21:350:21:37

Joseph is stepping up to this challenge.

0:21:370:21:40

Right, go on, then, mate, you get it out your way.

0:21:400:21:42

One minute.

0:21:420:21:44

You must've had an easy one at the beginning, mate.

0:21:460:21:48

Right.

0:21:480:21:50

Do you want me to do it?

0:21:500:21:51

Do you want young lad to do it?

0:21:510:21:53

That doesn't work what you're doing. Come on.

0:21:560:21:59

I've just loosened it for you, then.

0:21:590:22:01

LAUGHS

0:22:010:22:04

Joseph is learning to be part of a team

0:22:040:22:07

and a valuable lesson that pride...

0:22:070:22:09

Whah!

0:22:100:22:11

..goes before a fall. ALL LAUGH

0:22:110:22:14

Joseph and Scott's next job is to replace the school benches

0:22:190:22:22

they removed two weeks ago.

0:22:220:22:24

School doesn't teach you as much as this does

0:22:260:22:29

because you're out there doing work for when you leave school.

0:22:290:22:32

It's just brill.

0:22:320:22:34

So if you stand there.

0:22:360:22:37

-Sight it.

-Yeah.

0:22:370:22:39

-Can you see how the gap's pretty even.

-Yeah.

0:22:390:22:41

Having Joseph on board makes Scott think more about

0:22:410:22:44

his own work experience.

0:22:440:22:46

When I was at school, I was more interested in joinery than

0:22:460:22:49

anything else. That's why I ended up being a joiner.

0:22:490:22:53

I was more interested in something what I wanted to do

0:22:530:22:56

when I left school.

0:22:560:22:57

I did an apprenticeship with a conservatory firm

0:22:570:23:00

and then I went to a small building firm.

0:23:000:23:03

So, you know, I've turned out all right.

0:23:030:23:05

Working with Scott is helping Joseph decide

0:23:070:23:10

what he really wants out of life.

0:23:100:23:12

This, to me, is something which I really like doing

0:23:130:23:17

and I'd really love to do and I want to do when I'm older.

0:23:170:23:20

If I was to get like a really good job doing this, then,

0:23:200:23:24

yeah, it'll just amaze me.

0:23:240:23:27

So...

0:23:270:23:28

He's desperate to carry on working with Scott

0:23:300:23:33

during his summer holidays.

0:23:330:23:35

This would be a first for the council

0:23:360:23:38

and they are keen to support him.

0:23:380:23:41

But Scott has had news that could shatter Joseph's dreams.

0:23:410:23:45

Come on, chop chop.

0:23:450:23:47

I spoke to one of the managers.

0:23:470:23:49

He's looking into it to see if the insurance will allow him

0:23:490:23:53

because he's insured through school, which obviously,

0:23:530:23:56

when school closed down, he may not be insured.

0:23:560:23:59

Obviously, he does want to come.

0:23:590:24:02

He's not getting paid. So...

0:24:020:24:03

He does seem keen. I know there's not many other people

0:24:030:24:06

that would want to go to work for nothing.

0:24:060:24:08

It's just a pleasure to work with both of them.

0:24:090:24:12

I really appreciate that.

0:24:120:24:14

I think that Scott and Chris

0:24:140:24:16

are the best two workers I've ever worked with.

0:24:160:24:18

So...

0:24:180:24:19

-D'you want to give me a ring?

-Yeah.

-Right, belter.

0:24:210:24:24

Coming up...

0:24:260:24:27

Joseph faces an anxious wait for a decision about

0:24:270:24:31

whether he can work through his holidays...

0:24:310:24:33

The person who's in charge has told me, like, to leave it

0:24:330:24:36

and let them deal with it but there may be like a problem.

0:24:360:24:40

And his career prospects hang in the balance.

0:24:400:24:43

It keeps me fit, this job, that's for sure.

0:24:550:24:57

Four weeks ago,

0:24:570:24:59

Colin was called out to a street-wide rodent infestation...

0:24:590:25:02

There's a fresh dropping down there.

0:25:030:25:05

..and gave the landlords three weeks to fix the problem.

0:25:050:25:09

Yeah, you've got quite a lot of droppings under there.

0:25:090:25:11

Colin has been acting in response to residents

0:25:150:25:18

and he's back to check what work, if any, the landlords have done.

0:25:180:25:22

When I came originally, I found quite a big hole here.

0:25:230:25:28

So I've been in touch with the landlord and, obviously,

0:25:280:25:30

he's filled it all in and sealed it up.

0:25:300:25:34

All this was overgrown.

0:25:340:25:36

So the landlord has had it chopped back just to check

0:25:360:25:39

if there are any holes along the outside wall,

0:25:390:25:42

which...I'm looking now...

0:25:420:25:44

It's all clear, I've no faults there.

0:25:440:25:47

So far, so good.

0:25:490:25:50

But, finally, back to Carol's house

0:25:500:25:53

where they were causing grief inside and out.

0:25:530:25:55

Morning, are you all right?

0:25:590:26:00

That's belting, that. That's wonderful.

0:26:020:26:05

There was one around the side here, weren't there?

0:26:050:26:08

-That one, he's done a belting job on that.

-Oh, yeah.

0:26:080:26:11

That's all been pointed up now, so there's nothing to get in there.

0:26:110:26:15

So, hopefully, you're mice-free now.

0:26:150:26:19

Yeah, I hope so.

0:26:190:26:20

-I just wish I was dog-free!

-Yeah, well...

0:26:200:26:23

If Carol's dogs were more keen on catching rats than the limelight,

0:26:230:26:27

she'd have been rodent free months ago.

0:26:270:26:29

-Okey-dokey.

-Thanks very much.

0:26:310:26:33

-Thanks very much.

-See you later.

0:26:330:26:36

That's the problem resolved now.

0:26:360:26:38

Several happy residents again.

0:26:410:26:42

This war against rodents has been won.

0:26:440:26:48

With all holes filled, Carol and her neighbours can now live safely

0:26:480:26:52

in the knowledge that, for now, their terrace is rat and mouse free.

0:26:520:26:56

Something fishy is going on at an aquarium shop.

0:27:060:27:10

The owner has repeatedly reported

0:27:100:27:12

excessive noise from a gym next door.

0:27:120:27:15

He believes it's killing his fish.

0:27:150:27:17

You mentioned about the bass. It's the bass...

0:27:170:27:19

The bass you can actually feel going through the floor.

0:27:190:27:22

That's the problem with the fish, for us, yeah.

0:27:220:27:24

But when Arron has investigated, all has been quiet.

0:27:240:27:28

Today Arron is back for another visit with a new plan of action.

0:27:330:27:37

We've been receiving further complaints,

0:27:410:27:44

so I think it's time to go and have a chat with him.

0:27:440:27:46

I might be unwelcome, I don't know.

0:27:490:27:52

In an attempt to end the fish and their owner's stress,

0:27:590:28:02

Arron's stepping in to try and calm the waters.

0:28:020:28:05

Hello. Arron from Wigan Council.

0:28:090:28:11

Hiya, are you OK?

0:28:110:28:13

-Are you the owner?

-I am, yeah.

-Yeah.

0:28:130:28:15

I'm just coming today,

0:28:150:28:16

we've had a bit of an issue with some of the noise from some classes.

0:28:160:28:20

Right, OK.

0:28:200:28:21

All I'm here today is just to say one of the issues has been

0:28:210:28:25

-a Saturday morning.

-Right, OK.

0:28:250:28:27

Erm, and a couple of times during the week.

0:28:270:28:29

So I'm just seeing if you can just monitor that for yourselves.

0:28:290:28:33

-Yeah, we're hoping to do that.

-Yeah.

0:28:330:28:35

And just take action maybe to turn it down a bit.

0:28:350:28:37

If you think, yourself, it's a bit loud,

0:28:370:28:39

you know, turn it down just a touch,

0:28:390:28:42

-then that'll be fine.

-Yeah.

0:28:420:28:45

-That's it, really.

-Yeah, no problem.

0:28:450:28:46

Then we'll see how it goes and in a couple of weeks

0:28:460:28:49

-I'll get back in touch.

-That's fine, yeah. Just let us know.

0:28:490:28:51

-We want to address it.

-Yeah, great.

-OK.

0:28:510:28:54

-How's the business because you're a new business?

-It's good. It's picking up every day.

0:28:540:28:58

-Going in the right direction, it's great.

-Cheers, thank you very much.

0:28:580:29:01

-Yeah, no problem.

-Thank you.

0:29:010:29:03

People tend to lose themselves in music and train harder.

0:29:040:29:07

It gives them that energy.

0:29:070:29:09

With it being a new business, we're trying to create the atmosphere

0:29:090:29:11

but we don't want to upset anybody.

0:29:110:29:14

Arron now needs to report back to Mr Chadwick.

0:29:140:29:18

I had a chat with him.

0:29:180:29:20

Erm, he doesn't want to, erm...

0:29:200:29:23

..fall out or argue about it.

0:29:250:29:28

He wants to make sure it's fine for you.

0:29:280:29:30

He seemed genuine and he seems like a decent bloke.

0:29:300:29:34

So, hopefully, he'll do what he says.

0:29:340:29:37

Then, hopefully, it'll be OK.

0:29:370:29:39

-Job done.

-Hopefully.

-Good job done.

0:29:390:29:41

I feel like I made progress today.

0:29:430:29:46

It's always difficult when you've only heard one side of the story.

0:29:460:29:50

You need to remain impartial, really,

0:29:500:29:53

and take both sides into consideration.

0:29:530:29:55

Erm, obviously it's a new business and he's got a lot of changes to do

0:29:550:29:59

and make, so we'll work through the changes with him

0:29:590:30:03

and hopefully get it to a position where both businesses are happy

0:30:030:30:08

and they both can run without any issues.

0:30:080:30:11

Arron will continue to monitor the noise, but, for now,

0:30:120:30:15

the relationship between these two businesses is harmonious.

0:30:150:30:19

Still to come...

0:30:260:30:27

Will Joseph secure his summer of work experience...

0:30:270:30:31

The person who's in charge has told me there may be like a problem.

0:30:310:30:35

..and get closer to that all-important apprenticeship?

0:30:350:30:39

Local authorities get their funding from three main sources -

0:30:510:30:55

grants from central government,

0:30:550:30:57

council tax

0:30:570:30:59

and other locally generated fees and charges.

0:30:590:31:01

But wherever the money is coming from,

0:31:030:31:06

today's economic climate means every penny counts.

0:31:060:31:10

So to help the council budget stretch further,

0:31:110:31:14

officers in Wigan are encouraged to spend two days a year

0:31:140:31:18

helping in their local communities.

0:31:180:31:21

Michaela Guest has organised a Volunteer Day

0:31:230:31:26

and has rounded up some colleagues to help out.

0:31:260:31:30

I'm Public Protection Manager in Business Compliance Improvement

0:31:300:31:34

and my role as manager is to work with the officers

0:31:340:31:37

who look after the general public

0:31:370:31:39

in terms of making sure that we protect their health.

0:31:390:31:43

We're also part of the Environment section, so, for me, it was

0:31:430:31:47

important that we did something that would help the environment.

0:31:470:31:50

Festival season is coming to Wigan.

0:31:560:31:59

Greenslate Farm, a community project,

0:31:590:32:02

is hosting Greenfest, a celebration of local music talent.

0:32:020:32:06

Michaela and colleagues have volunteered,

0:32:070:32:10

as there's plenty of work that needs doing to get it safe

0:32:100:32:13

and accessible for the crowds they are expecting.

0:32:130:32:17

Rhiannon Jones from the farm is organising today's clean-up.

0:32:190:32:23

We're all here today, so what do you want us to do?

0:32:250:32:27

First of all, we've got a field over there that needs to be cleared

0:32:270:32:30

-so that it's safe for people to walk into.

-Brilliant.

0:32:300:32:33

Another job is - clear the pathway.

0:32:330:32:36

So if we can clear that, that'll be great as well.

0:32:360:32:39

Brilliant, right, well, we'll get stuck in then!

0:32:390:32:41

With a ton of weeding and a stack of clearing,

0:32:420:32:46

the council volunteers have a busy day ahead.

0:32:460:32:49

Fran Lindley has swapped takeaway inspections for path clearing.

0:32:490:32:54

It's nice for a change.

0:32:540:32:55

Fresh air...

0:32:550:32:57

A workout.

0:32:570:32:59

And Colin is in the field where it's a far cry from hunting rats.

0:32:590:33:04

I'm too old for this, me.

0:33:050:33:07

Hopefully, we'll get this summat looking like

0:33:070:33:10

so they can have their stalls on here, apparently.

0:33:100:33:12

Hard work, but we're getting there.

0:33:120:33:14

I enjoy it, it's a nice change.

0:33:140:33:16

Whoo-hoo!

0:33:160:33:18

It's lunch time for the goats,

0:33:180:33:19

and public protection officer, Barry, is head waiter.

0:33:190:33:22

The goats are loving this.

0:33:220:33:24

I can't actually give it 'em fast enough.

0:33:240:33:27

We're putting something back into the community. I'm enjoying it.

0:33:280:33:31

Greenslate Farm, like many organisations

0:33:310:33:35

and attractions throughout the UK,

0:33:350:33:37

relies on volunteers to help it run.

0:33:370:33:40

We are making good headway on this path.

0:33:400:33:43

Last year, almost 23 million of us in Britain volunteered

0:33:430:33:47

to improve the lives of our neighbours and our communities.

0:33:470:33:51

Thanks to today's weed pulling and root ripping,

0:33:520:33:55

the path and the field have been cleared, making a safer,

0:33:550:33:58

greener space for the festival-goers to embrace and enjoy.

0:33:580:34:02

I think I'm going to be the first person, ever, to walk this path.

0:34:020:34:06

This was completely wild. You can see how high all this stuff was.

0:34:080:34:11

At least now we can see a path and people can actually go through.

0:34:110:34:15

So, kids, especially small children with parents coming up here

0:34:150:34:18

with prams and stuff, they can stay off the road now, so...

0:34:180:34:21

A massive difference. It's made a massive difference.

0:34:210:34:24

I'm made up, I'm so proud of everybody today

0:34:240:34:26

for giving their time up for the Volunteer Day.

0:34:260:34:28

They've managed to get loads of work done.

0:34:280:34:31

I'm so proud of all the staff for turning up today

0:34:310:34:33

to give their day for volunteering. It's been fantastic.

0:34:330:34:35

Everyone's worked flat out, including the goats,

0:34:350:34:40

who munched through barrows of weeds.

0:34:400:34:43

But now it's time to head back to the shed for the night.

0:34:430:34:46

Coming up...

0:34:510:34:52

After the volunteers' hard work, rain threatens to stop play.

0:34:520:34:56

But will it keep the festival-goers away?

0:34:560:35:00

Wiganers are made of hard stuff,

0:35:000:35:02

a bit of rain won't stop 'em.

0:35:020:35:04

29 and seven-eighths.

0:35:140:35:17

15-year-old Joseph is on a work experience scheme

0:35:170:35:21

under council joiner Scott's expert eye.

0:35:210:35:24

Just hold it and let it start so you don't slip off, yeah.

0:35:240:35:27

He's worked hard, showing initiative.

0:35:270:35:30

Do you want this back in the van?

0:35:300:35:32

And become a valued member of this crack team.

0:35:320:35:35

Joseph's keen to make the most of this chance

0:35:370:35:40

and gain new skills and future-proof his career.

0:35:400:35:43

He's asked to work through his school summer holiday

0:35:440:35:46

but this has raised serious issues.

0:35:460:35:49

He does want to come.

0:35:490:35:51

I've spoke to one of the managers but he may not be insured.

0:35:510:35:55

All right.

0:36:020:36:04

Today, Joseph will find out if he'll get the green light.

0:36:040:36:07

-On time again, lad.

-Yeah.

0:36:080:36:11

But first, work.

0:36:110:36:14

They're at a local primary school to spruce up some storage.

0:36:140:36:18

-What do you reckon, Joseph, nearly breakfast?

-I've had my breakfast.

0:36:260:36:29

I've had two actually.

0:36:290:36:30

So, what you're saying, we're not allowed one.

0:36:300:36:33

You'll be a manager in no time, you! Telling us we can't have our breakfast.

0:36:330:36:36

Keen to impress,

0:36:410:36:42

Joseph spots an opportunity to show Scott some skills.

0:36:420:36:45

Do you want me to have a go?

0:36:470:36:49

No, because if you do it, I'll get sacked.

0:36:490:36:52

-I'll have one more go. If not...

-I'll have a go.

0:36:530:36:55

Come on.

0:36:580:37:00

Then you can't say it was just Scott that did it wrong.

0:37:000:37:04

I'm not failin'!

0:37:070:37:09

But can he crack it...

0:37:120:37:14

where his mentor has failed?

0:37:140:37:16

Mate, you don't want to be a joiner, you, you can be a tiler.

0:37:200:37:24

But he does want to be a joiner,

0:37:240:37:26

which brings his thoughts back to the hope of working through summer.

0:37:260:37:30

The person who's in charge has told me like to leave it

0:37:330:37:35

and let them deal with it but there may be like a problem.

0:37:350:37:39

-Do you still want to come, then?

-Yeah.

-Are you enjoying it?

-Yeah.

0:37:390:37:42

You never know, they might say you can come every day.

0:37:440:37:47

He's really good, he's really keen and he's really happy to come.

0:37:470:37:52

So, you know, it benefits him and it benefits the likes of me.

0:37:520:37:55

I'd rather show somebody what wants to learn

0:37:550:37:57

than somebody what's been told they have to come.

0:37:570:38:00

-There you go, Scott.

-Ta.

0:38:000:38:01

Lunch time,

0:38:040:38:05

and Scott's received the all-important call.

0:38:050:38:09

After a long, anxious wait,

0:38:090:38:12

it's finally time to give Joseph the news about his summer.

0:38:120:38:16

-Would you like it, mate?

-Mm.

0:38:160:38:17

Erm...

0:38:200:38:21

-How did I do?

-Yeah, yeah, you've done well.

0:38:230:38:25

I've spoke to Colin and they've said you can come back over summer.

0:38:250:38:30

Yeah, so you'll still be working with me and Chris.

0:38:300:38:34

-Yeah.

-That all right?

-Yeah!

0:38:340:38:37

It's brilliant news,

0:38:430:38:44

and something Joseph's been waiting for weeks to hear.

0:38:440:38:48

I'm actually really happy

0:38:480:38:50

because I didn't actually think it was going to happen,

0:38:500:38:52

but it's going to increase my levels of getting a job when I'm older

0:38:520:38:56

and I'm really proud that they've allowed me to stay over the summer.

0:38:560:39:00

In this short time, Joseph has already learned a lot

0:39:000:39:04

and been inspired by Scott.

0:39:040:39:05

The more you press the trigger, the faster it goes, so take your time.

0:39:050:39:08

I've done something right.

0:39:080:39:10

At the end of the day he's gone away thinking,

0:39:100:39:12

"Yeah, this is what I want to do," and he's enjoyed it, so...

0:39:120:39:15

And he were made up.

0:39:150:39:17

Now, with a summer of work experience ahead,

0:39:170:39:20

Joseph will be a big step closer to achieving his dreams

0:39:200:39:24

of becoming a professional joiner,

0:39:240:39:27

and Wigan Council has helped a potential new recruit

0:39:270:39:30

in an industry thirsty for new talent.

0:39:300:39:32

Just over a week ago, Wigan Council officers volunteered...

0:39:470:39:50

I'm too old for this, me.

0:39:520:39:54

..to get Greenslate Farm spick and span

0:39:540:39:57

ready for a local music festival.

0:39:570:39:59

I'm going to be the first person ever to walk this path.

0:40:000:40:03

The big day has arrived...

0:40:060:40:08

..along with the rain.

0:40:090:40:10

Undeterred, the local residents have turned out in force.

0:40:130:40:16

Joined by Colin Evans,

0:40:180:40:20

who has come on his day off to see if his handiwork has done the job.

0:40:200:40:24

Nice little nature walk for people to walk through.

0:40:250:40:28

Quite pleased with that.

0:40:280:40:30

Apart from the rain it turned out quite well,

0:40:300:40:33

so hopefully they'll have a successful day.

0:40:330:40:36

Despite the rain, the sausages are sizzling and the beer is flowing.

0:40:410:40:45

This festival is all about music and community.

0:40:480:40:51

It's kicking off with a local group,

0:40:510:40:53

some of whom have also helped out at the farm.

0:40:530:40:56

# There's a place in your heart and I know that it is love

0:40:570:41:03

# And this place could be much brighter than tomorrow

0:41:030:41:09

# And if you really try, you'll find there's no need to cry

0:41:090:41:15

# In this place you'll find... #

0:41:150:41:17

This is what it's all about - people enjoying themselves.

0:41:170:41:21

# There are ways to get there if you care enough for the living

0:41:210:41:27

# Make a little space

0:41:270:41:30

# Make a better place

0:41:300:41:32

# Heal the world

0:41:320:41:36

# Make it a better place

0:41:360:41:39

# For you and for me

0:41:390:41:41

# And the entire human race

0:41:410:41:44

# There are people dying

0:41:440:41:47

# If you care enough for the living

0:41:470:41:50

# Make a better place for you and for me. #

0:41:500:41:54

APPLAUSE AND CHEERING

0:41:540:41:56

That's what it's all about

0:42:020:42:03

and to put on a show like that is just absolutely amazing.

0:42:030:42:07

It touched me, that, it really did. Nice.

0:42:070:42:10

And on that note, as if by magic, the rain stops.

0:42:160:42:20

This place will be absolutely rocking.

0:42:220:42:24

There's beer on, burgers,

0:42:240:42:26

cos they like a good do, does Wiganers.

0:42:260:42:29

The weather has been absolutely awful, but it's all about this.

0:42:320:42:35

We've still got loads of people enjoying themselves

0:42:350:42:37

and it makes it all worthwhile.

0:42:370:42:39

If you would like to volunteer in your area

0:42:390:42:41

or have a community project and are looking for funding,

0:42:410:42:45

contact your local council.

0:42:450:42:47

I do get a lot of satisfaction.

0:42:470:42:49

When you come back and see the fruits of your labour

0:42:490:42:52

and how appreciative people are of the effort we've put in for them,

0:42:520:42:55

it gives me a buzz, knowing that I've been involved with that

0:42:550:42:59

and hopefully it's the start of great things for them.

0:42:590:43:02

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