0:00:02 > 0:00:04From rubbish and recycling...
0:00:05 > 0:00:07..to potholes and pavements...
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Another street down, another street to go.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12..educating our children...
0:00:12 > 0:00:13Fantastic!
0:00:14 > 0:00:16..and caring for the elderly...
0:00:16 > 0:00:20It does make a difference, when you see what can be achieved.
0:00:20 > 0:00:26..we rely on our local councils to provide a huge range of services.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28You may kiss the bride.
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 > 0:00:38- LOUD KNOCKING - Ooh, sorry!
0:00:38 > 0:00:39Like council officers across the country,
0:00:39 > 0:00:42they're 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 > 0:00:50- All right.- Thank you very much.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52..and responding to residents...
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Thanks for everything - good job! - ..when they call the council.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Coming up, officers inspect a small holding
0:01:09 > 0:01:11that could have a big problem...
0:01:11 > 0:01:15You will get rats around areas like this.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18It is a fact, just by the very nature.
0:01:18 > 0:01:19..a new restaurant owner
0:01:19 > 0:01:22faces her first ever food hygiene inspection....
0:01:22 > 0:01:25It's areas like that we'd expect there to be build up.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27People might not move these things out so often.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28..and love is in the air,
0:01:28 > 0:01:33when a council registrar tries to marry five couples in one day.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Could you all please stand for the bridal party?
0:01:46 > 0:01:48For over 125 years,
0:01:48 > 0:01:52local councils have been providing vital services
0:01:52 > 0:01:53for the people of the UK
0:01:53 > 0:01:57and many of us rely on them for the roof over our head.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Wigan Council is a metropolitan borough,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04with over 22,000 council-owned homes.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10It's up to maintenance officers and council joiners, like Scott Howarth,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14to make sure that accommodation remains at the highest standard.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16Worked for the council coming on ten years now.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20You get everything, from everyday life, just broken windows,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24to meet the police for getting accesses.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Get a lot of lost keys, faulty front doors,
0:02:27 > 0:02:28people locked out, people locked in.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34Right, no worries, mate. Cheers. See you later, mate. Bye.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Today, Scott is responding to an emergency call
0:02:36 > 0:02:38from a council tenant.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41We had a flood, upstairs in the bathroom,
0:02:41 > 0:02:45and it were flooded from about four o'clock in the morning, and it
0:02:45 > 0:02:49carried on coming out, but they didn't come till about dinner time.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51So, entire house were flooded.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Mother-of-three Hazel's kitchen ceiling has fallen in
0:02:54 > 0:02:57and she blames the council for not fixing a leaking pipe.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59They said they'd fixed it
0:02:59 > 0:03:02and, a couple of weeks later, it did it again.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04And so, it were just absolutely saturated,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07and then yesterday it just... literally come down.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10All right?
0:03:10 > 0:03:12The council did attempt to assess the damage
0:03:12 > 0:03:14before the ceiling collapsed,
0:03:14 > 0:03:15but couldn't get access.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Now Scott's arrived to try and put things right.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- I'm in a really bad mood, so... - Right.- ..there's going to be a lot of swearing
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- and a lot of anger, so...- Right. That's nothing to do with me.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- I'm just doing me job. - I'm not happy.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29All right, well, don't take that out on me cos it weren't me.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- I'm not happy.- 'You're the one what's on the front line, you know?'
0:03:32 > 0:03:35I mean, it's all right, somebody on the other end of a telephone...
0:03:35 > 0:03:39getting a bit of earache, but it's like, when you're actually stood there in front of them,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42it's like you need to...resolve the situation and...
0:03:42 > 0:03:44make her realise you're here to help.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Armed with a dustpan, brush and stepladder,
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Scott needs to make the ceiling safe...
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Well, that's me work stuff, that.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57..but will he be able to fix Hazel's faith in the council?
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Has the leak been sorted? You've not got a leak now?
0:04:00 > 0:04:01Yeah, the leak's fine.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05Right. So, it's basically, now, we'll make the ceiling safe.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07I'm just going to bring all the loose bits down,
0:04:07 > 0:04:08so nothing else falls down,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11and then we'll get a plasterer to come and sort the ceiling out.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- That all right?- Yeah, that's all right.- Great, no worries.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Scott's doing all he can to keep Hazel on board,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21but his task gets tougher as the full extent of the damage is revealed.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29Looking at it, it's gone about two foot out the way from the middle.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Erm...
0:04:32 > 0:04:34A lot of old plaster.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38You can actually feel the plasterboard is damp.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41I don't want to take any more down than what I have to.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55That's all the loose bits down.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- That's what that horrible smell is! - Yeah.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59With the threat of falling debris removed,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02all Scott can do now is lend Hazel a sympathetic ear.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Can not get rid of that smell upstairs - it's all upstairs.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Cos, when we had the leak, it was that bad,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13all the carpet in the front room was saturated.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17It was about four-inch deep water. It was all the way down the stairs.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19The house was a swimming pool!
0:05:20 > 0:05:23It's stressful, isn't it? Do you know, when you wake up,
0:05:23 > 0:05:28and all you can smell is this horrible smell?
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Can I just squeeze past you there, boys? Cheers, mate.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Despite the damp and the delays,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Scott's hard work is beginning to win Hazel over.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40He is doing a good job, though. He's like a really good council worker.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Thank you. That's what I like to hear.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- And he's good-looking, as well! - Thanks, definite!
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Scott's done all he can for now, but he'll return with
0:05:51 > 0:05:54reinforcements in a few days to fix the ceiling properly.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57That's the last of the big stuff.
0:05:57 > 0:05:58See you again. See you, lads!
0:05:58 > 0:06:00See you.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01Get out of the skip!
0:06:03 > 0:06:05It needs a full new ceiling.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07We'll make sure it gets plastered as soon as possible
0:06:07 > 0:06:09and then redecorated.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10There's more work to be done,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14but resident Hazel is starting to feel happier.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18Really fixed it. It's not going to fall on us now.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Knowing that the ceiling's not going to cave in and kill us
0:06:21 > 0:06:23at any given moment - that is brilliant.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Coming up, Scott returns to finish the job.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Can he finally make good the ceiling and, with it,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32make amends with Hazel?
0:06:32 > 0:06:36It's been awful. It's been a lot of sleepless nights.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Our councils are responsible for keeping
0:06:47 > 0:06:50our local environment pleasant and safe.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52From maintaining parks,
0:06:52 > 0:06:53to collecting rubbish
0:06:53 > 0:06:55and controlling pests,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58the quality of their work affects the quality of our lives.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01I think my local council are quite good.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03They try and do their bit for the environment,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05which is quite important to me.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08The environmentalists, the locality officers,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11the problem is they do so much good, I think...
0:07:11 > 0:07:13but...
0:07:13 > 0:07:16one bad thing and everybody's all over it.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21Litter, dog fouling, that really gets on my nerves.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23It's dangerous and it's everywhere.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25And...
0:07:25 > 0:07:27I think there are small issues, I think,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30that could make a big difference if they were dealt with.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Public protection officer Barry Pilkington
0:07:33 > 0:07:36has worked for Wigan Council for over 30 years,
0:07:36 > 0:07:40stepping in when inconsiderate residents step out of line.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Hello, my mate, are you OK?
0:07:42 > 0:07:45I like to think that a good 70% of my role is being
0:07:45 > 0:07:46an educator of people,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50of how we want them to behave,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52as being, you know, a resident
0:07:52 > 0:07:53within our borough.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55And enforcement and education keeps me busy.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Today, Barry is responding to a call to the council
0:08:00 > 0:08:04complaining about conditions on a local small holding.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07I just want to have a chat with her about...
0:08:07 > 0:08:09you know, what's been alleged - about the flies and the odours
0:08:09 > 0:08:12and so on - and just see exactly what she has to say about it.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Small holdings are bigger than allotments
0:08:16 > 0:08:17but smaller than farms,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20with some as big as 20 acres.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22They're used for agricultural purposes,
0:08:22 > 0:08:24but aren't always in the countryside,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27which means you might find farm animals in the suburbs.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31There are around 4,000 small holdings in the UK.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33They're often more productive per acre than a large farm
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and provide around 16,000 jobs.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40This small holding is on the outskirts of town,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43but it's close enough to residential properties
0:08:43 > 0:08:45to have prompted a call to the council.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50This is a complaint that conditions at this small holding here is
0:08:50 > 0:08:53affecting other properties.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Because of the possibility of flies, manure and rats,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59I just want to have a... cast my eye over it.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Officers like Barry are responsible for following up calls that
0:09:02 > 0:09:04come in, but they can only act on the evidence that
0:09:04 > 0:09:07they can see or smell when they're on site.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- Hello, there.- Oh, thank... - You all right?
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- Am I OK just to have a roam round if I can, please? - You can do what you want, yeah.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Have you seen any rats while you've been pottering around here?
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Last time I saw a rat was about five, six weeks ago, at least,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28and the pig ate it.
0:09:28 > 0:09:29- Did it?- Sandy, the big pig...
0:09:31 > 0:09:33..run, got it, ate it.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37If you've never met a pig before, they will wallop everything.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40There are lots of nooks and crannies for the rats to live in
0:09:40 > 0:09:43and Barry knows exactly where to find them.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48You will get rats around areas like this - it is a fact.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50You know, just by their very nature.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52When you have an infestation of rats,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54you'll get tell-tale signs.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56You'll see holes in the ground,
0:09:56 > 0:10:01you'll see smear-marks off their body because they're a greasy little rodent.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Barry has established that there have been rats on the premises,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07but the manager is addressing the situation.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10The fronts are actually going to be corner bed...
0:10:10 > 0:10:13These particular buildings here are being demolished
0:10:13 > 0:10:15and what's happening is, if you look at the outhouses,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17they're all raised off the ground.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20The fact that they're raised off the ground means
0:10:20 > 0:10:23that natural predators can get at any rats.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26The fact that they can get at the rats, they won't harbour there,
0:10:26 > 0:10:28it really is that simple.
0:10:28 > 0:10:29Rats are no fools.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33If predators can get under, and they are raised off the ground, then...
0:10:33 > 0:10:34that's a good practice.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37These are flat on the ground - that is a bad practice.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43To further help the owners combat the rats,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Barry offers up some advice of his own on using bait.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- I would put it underneath...- Yeah. - ..and you're going that far under.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- OK, cos your pigs can't get under there, can they?- No.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57We're working together. This is what Wigan Council want.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59It's not for me to be coming here
0:10:59 > 0:11:03and dictating to people about things that I can't make them do.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07There's nothing here for me to do other than ensure that bait is laid.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- We have a perfect rat-bait box. - Mm-hmm.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- Just a simple structure. The rodenticide bait goes here.- Yeah.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Nothing can get at it - only something that can crawl in -
0:11:18 > 0:11:22and the only thing that's going to crawl in around here is Mr Rat.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Barry has the power to place financial penalties on badly
0:11:25 > 0:11:29run small holdings and could use legal powers to stop any nuisance.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32So, does the resident who called the council have
0:11:32 > 0:11:33a justifiable complaint?
0:11:33 > 0:11:37I've inspected the small holding - it's not perfect.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38There are areas of improvement.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40With the original complainant,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43the complaint was with regards to odours and rats.
0:11:43 > 0:11:44There are certainly no odours.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47We only deal with the problems that are there,
0:11:47 > 0:11:49not something that may be.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52I've managed to persuade her to put some rodenticide bait
0:11:52 > 0:11:55on the outskirts of the small holding.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59It's my job, really, to persuade people and to educate people.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Enforcement action is a last resort, do you know what I mean?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05We want people to take ownership of the area that they live.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07So I'll go back in about ten days' time, carry out another
0:12:07 > 0:12:10inspection and, hopefully, we'll see some improvements.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Having given the small holders his advice,
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Barry will return to see if they've taken it.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Still to come...
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Barry revisits the small holding
0:12:20 > 0:12:22on one of the hottest days of the year.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Will it remain rodent and smell-free?
0:12:25 > 0:12:28This is perfect day because, if we were going to get smells, we'd have them.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30If we were going to get flies, we'd have them.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42Our local authorities are not just responsible for
0:12:42 > 0:12:45emptying our bins and cleaning our streets -
0:12:45 > 0:12:46they're also there to help us
0:12:46 > 0:12:50on some of the biggest days of our lives.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52There are more than a quarter of a million weddings
0:12:52 > 0:12:54in England and Wales annually -
0:12:54 > 0:12:5870% of those are civil ceremonies conducted by councils.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Every year, Wigan Council oversees around 600 weddings,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08performed by registrars like Paula Clisham.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13I have conducted 350 weddings in the last three years.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15I just love meeting people
0:13:15 > 0:13:17and...seeing them all dressed up.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18Everybody's happy.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20And when people thank you
0:13:20 > 0:13:21for doing the service, afterwards,
0:13:21 > 0:13:23it's just so nice.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25I love it.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30Helping happy couples tie the knot isn't Paula's day-job, though.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Monday to Friday, I work in the democratic services
0:13:33 > 0:13:36and I'm a councillor support officer.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38During the week, Paula provides office support
0:13:38 > 0:13:40to elected council members.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Hello, Wigan Council. Paula speaking.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47But when Saturday comes, she's a weekend wedding warrior!
0:13:48 > 0:13:50And this is no ordinary Saturday.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Today, Paula and fellow registrar Ann McKeever
0:13:55 > 0:13:59have got five weddings to complete within six hours.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02It is a challenge, but I try and...
0:14:02 > 0:14:05don't tell any of the other couples we've had a wedding before,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08or a wedding after, cos I want to make that wedding special.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10It is vital cos it is their day.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Today's ceremonies are taking place in Mesnes Park Lodge,
0:14:14 > 0:14:18a local landmark and a venue much in demand.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21It's 9am and the council team are already set up,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23ready for their first wedding.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28I'm going to be conducting the ceremony
0:14:28 > 0:14:30and Ann is the registrar, who is going to enter
0:14:30 > 0:14:35all the details of the marriage into the register for life...
0:14:35 > 0:14:36for all time.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39So we usually speak to the groom first,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42so it's important to go through the ceremony with him
0:14:42 > 0:14:43and ask them what they want.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45It's the happiest day of their life
0:14:45 > 0:14:47and we just need to get that right for them.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- You just see Ann first, please. Thank you.- Yup. Hi, love. All right? - Hi, I'm Ann.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Jeff Wood will be the first groom of the day to get married.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- I just need to just go through the ceremony with you.- OK.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- Do you have any readings?- No. - And there's no personal vows?- No.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02No, OK.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06It's important that Paula ensures all the paperwork is in order
0:15:06 > 0:15:08before today's ceremonies begin,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10but there are some things she can't control
0:15:10 > 0:15:13that could put a dampener on proceedings.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14The weather can be tricky sometimes,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16especially if it was raining today.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19You know, yourself getting the names wrong.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20I've only been doing this three years
0:15:20 > 0:15:22and that has never happened to me.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25But today, with five weddings to conduct,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Paula's most pressing issue is time.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- Just if they're late...- It's tradition for the bride to be late.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34After 15 minutes, if the bride hasn't arrived,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37we try and go up to somebody - don't like panicking the groom.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40We would probably go up to a member and just say,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42"Can you just check on where she is?"
0:15:43 > 0:15:47If any of these potential problems are preying on Paula's mind,
0:15:47 > 0:15:51she doesn't let it show when greeting the first bride of the day.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Good morning. You look absolutely gorgeous!
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Ooh! I tell you what, I feel like getting you to put them
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- all over me body. - PAULA LAUGHS
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- You are lovely and cold and I am boiling hot!- Am I cold?
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Yeah, you are.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- Well, I'm going to be doing the ceremony... - Would you touch me there? Ooh...
0:16:06 > 0:16:09I didn't think I'd got cold hands - I'm warm!
0:16:09 > 0:16:11I'm boiling hot and your hands are lovely and cold!
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Well, I'm going to be doing your ceremony. Anne's just going to be coming out.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- We're going to take you through there and just ask you some questions, OK?- Yes.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19- You're the lovely father, yes? - Mm-hmm.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Now, are you happy for me to ask you the question
0:16:22 > 0:16:23to give your daughter away?
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Can't wait to get rid of me!
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- Oh, yeah... - Are you OK with that, Thomas?
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Hello, girls. You look beautiful.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34Paula is used to dealing with last-minute requests from brides,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37but Catherine has one that's a little unusual.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39If he turns that phone on, and it's got the
0:16:39 > 0:16:42dur-duh, dur-duh, dur-duh Jaws theme tune,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- I'm turning around and walking away. - Oh, dear. Right, I'll check that.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48He's been threatening for months and it's, like, not the done thing.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51You nearly ready, girls?
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Paula makes sure the only ring during this ceremony
0:16:54 > 0:16:57will be the one that goes on Catherine's finger.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Can I just ask - are all your mobile phones off?
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- The groom, have you got yours off? - Yeah.- Can I just check...
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- please? - GUESTS LAUGH
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- Can you turn it off, please, Jeffrey?- Yeah. Completely.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- Thank you.- All right.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18Hello. Could everybody please stand for the bridal party?
0:17:18 > 0:17:19Thank you.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Wedding number one is underway.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29We are here today to witness the joining in matrimony
0:17:29 > 0:17:31of Jeff and Catherine.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Jeff and Catherine's big moment has arrived,
0:17:33 > 0:17:35and so has Paula's.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- ..may not be joined in matrimony... - ..may not be joined in matrimony...
0:17:39 > 0:17:41..to Jeffrey Alan Lowe.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- Wood.- Lowe? - Wood, sorry! Wood. Sorry.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- GUESTS LAUGH - Wood, Wood, sorry!
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- CATHERINE AND PAULA: - ..to Jeffrey Alan Wood.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Sorry!
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Mr and Mrs Lowe, I mean Wood, have tied the knot.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58You may kiss the bride.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Congratulations.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07OK, thank you. Have a lovely day.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10One ceremony down, but there's four more to go.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Time is of the essence for Wigan's wedding warrior!
0:18:14 > 0:18:17I've now got weddings from half past one, quarter past two,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20three o'clock and quarter to four.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23I mean, It's going to be quite tight this afternoon, isn't it,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26with only 45 minutes for the ceremony?
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- They don't need to know that we've got one wedding after another. - No, no, no.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Hopefully, today, we won't be late.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Paula's on time and ready for the next wedding,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37and so are the guests and groom.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39But, with two minutes to go,
0:18:39 > 0:18:41there's no sign of the bride.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Going to be traditionally late, by the sound of it.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45We don't need this.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47If the bride's more than half an hour late,
0:18:47 > 0:18:51Paula will be forced to bump the ceremony to the end of the day.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55It would be a potential disaster and she's only on wedding number two.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Coming up, will Paula make it to wedding number five
0:19:03 > 0:19:05without any tears?
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Could you all please stand for the bridal party? Thank you.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12One thing's for sure - it's going to be emotional.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26There are over half a million confirmed cases of food poisoning
0:19:26 > 0:19:28each year in the UK.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Councils have a responsibility to keep the public safe
0:19:32 > 0:19:34by ensuring that all food outlets are operating
0:19:34 > 0:19:36in a clean and hygienic way.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Good afternoon, Wigan Council. Fran speaking.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Environmental health officers, like Wigan's Fran Lindley,
0:19:44 > 0:19:45are on the front-line,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48keeping tabs on the borough's 2,000 food businesses.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53She has the power to shut down any that threaten the public's health.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57The role of an environmental health officer in a food team
0:19:57 > 0:20:00is really important in protecting public health
0:20:00 > 0:20:03cos we're making sure that the food produced or sold within
0:20:03 > 0:20:04the borough is safe to eat.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08The Food Standards Agency has strict rules for food outlets
0:20:08 > 0:20:11and it's the council's job to enforce them.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a national scheme
0:20:16 > 0:20:20looking at the hygiene practices in the business, the structure,
0:20:20 > 0:20:22and confidence in management.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25And we have to score the business on those three areas.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28So, nought is urgent improvement required.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30A five, the other end of the scale,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32is the highest standard of compliance.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36After opening, all new businesses need to be inspected.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Today, Fran is making an unannounced inspection
0:20:39 > 0:20:42at a newly opened fish and chip shop.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46A bad hygiene rating could spell disaster for the fledgling business
0:20:46 > 0:20:47and the signs aren't good.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49The chippy has only been open six weeks,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52but somebody has already called the council
0:20:52 > 0:20:54to complain about spilled oil on the pavement.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Hiya. Yeah, good afternoon.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- My name's Fran. I'm from Environmental Health at Wigan Council.- Yeah?
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- I've come to do your new business inspection today.- Yeah.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Owner Alison used to run a post office from these premises.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Alison and her family have made a big change
0:21:10 > 0:21:13and now have to handle their first ever surprise inspection
0:21:13 > 0:21:16from an environmental health officer.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- And you worked here before, didn't you, when it was the post office? - The post office, yeah.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22I've actually started from scratch.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24I had to go to the Wigan Council,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26get planning permission for change of use.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29It's a family-run business. My son Adam,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32and Paul, they work in it during the day,
0:21:32 > 0:21:33and my daughter, Emma,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36she comes in round about five o'clock after college.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38Have you had a food business before?
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Do you know what is involved with the inspection?
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Well, I have an idea.- Yeah.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46So, it's going to be a mixture of checking...
0:21:46 > 0:21:49the structural element of your premises,
0:21:49 > 0:21:50your walls, floors, ceilings,
0:21:50 > 0:21:54what facilities you've got for hand washing, equipment washing,
0:21:54 > 0:21:55erm, having a look for pest control.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00And then we'll have a look at your procedures, and I'll watch the staff
0:22:00 > 0:22:04while they're operating, have a look at any records that you've got.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10The way food is stored is another key hygiene consideration
0:22:10 > 0:22:13and inspectors often find businesses falling short.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17Raw meat or fish can contaminate other food and cause food poisoning.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25Just looking at how it's stored, so it's boxed and wrapped.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27The bacon's wrapped.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31That's not ideal cos it could potentially contaminate the unit.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38But there doesn't look to be any ready-to-eat food on that shelf.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42If food isn't sold or thrown out before its use-by date,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46it could cause infections like the norovirus, or salmonella,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49the pathogen which causes the most UK hospital admissions -
0:22:49 > 0:22:51around 2,500 per year.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56So you've got this one fridge here, which is just raw products,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59so it's raw fish, raw bacon at the bottom.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02And then what have you got in this other fridge?
0:23:02 > 0:23:05We've got milk and we've got the pies.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07The cooked meat in here - what's that used for?
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Erm, hot...beef...
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Erm, we do a beef and onion.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Erm, barns?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16OK, that's great.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Having checked the way the food's stored,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Fran moves on to inspect the way
0:23:23 > 0:23:26cooking utensils are cleaned and food washed.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30Bad practice here is another common source of bacterial infection.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34And what do you use that sink for?
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- For...washing the pots. - All equipment wash?- Yeah.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- Is everything washed by hand? - Yes.- Yeah.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43And is there any food that you wash?
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- Like your potatoes, they're...- Yes.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49..they're washed, aren't they, in the tub? OK.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50There are also stringent rules
0:23:50 > 0:23:53on the temperature food has to be cooked to.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- I've got a probe.- So what type of food would you check with the probe?
0:23:58 > 0:24:03- Chicken, or anything that... - Anything that you're frying. OK.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- And what temperature are you looking for?- 76.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09As you can see, I think I've gone over the top.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- I've burned myself! - SHE LAUGHS
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- Nobody can say my food's never hot enough! - FRAN LAUGHS
0:24:16 > 0:24:20Dirt and discarded food are next on Fran's checklist.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23They can attract unwanted visitors, like cockroaches and mice.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28I'm just looking to see if there's signs of any pest activity
0:24:28 > 0:24:31and just to check the general cleaning standard as well.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37It's really clean.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Cos, normally, it's areas like that we'd expect there to be build up
0:24:41 > 0:24:44because people might not move these things out so often,
0:24:44 > 0:24:46but there's nothing there.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49The final areas on Fran's checklist are management procedures
0:24:49 > 0:24:51and building structure.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- The drains - I did have a problem with the drains.- OK.
0:24:55 > 0:25:01- And I rang up...the water board... - Right.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03..and they actually came out.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06And what it is, my drains...
0:25:06 > 0:25:09are connected to another business,
0:25:09 > 0:25:11and there was some oil from him
0:25:11 > 0:25:13coming into mine.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16And obviously I showed the water guys.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Obviously we have...
0:25:18 > 0:25:21oil, vegetable oil, that we get rid of,
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- but I have a tub, which I mentioned. - Are they dealing with that for you?
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Yeah, I mentioned it to him
0:25:27 > 0:25:28and he says they put sand on it,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30and they've made sure that it's good.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32This drain issue could explain
0:25:32 > 0:25:35the earlier complaint to the council
0:25:35 > 0:25:38about oil on the pavement outside Alison's restaurant.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40I've come because you're a new business,
0:25:40 > 0:25:44but we did get a complaint made to one of our colleagues
0:25:44 > 0:25:48about waste oil being disposed of on the pavement.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Now, obviously, we've not got any evidence of that.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55It is actually, I believe, an offence to do something like that,
0:25:55 > 0:26:01- so I'm not going to jeopardise my business.- No, no.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Fran is satisfied. She will now review her findings.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08It will be a few days before she can issue the hygiene rating...
0:26:08 > 0:26:09See you. Bye-bye!
0:26:10 > 0:26:14..a rating crucial to the future of Alison's fledgling fish shop.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15When the lady walked in,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18I had to pick myself of the floor, really,
0:26:18 > 0:26:19because, as far as I'm concerned,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22I think something like this can make or break you.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Coming up, it's the moment of truth for Alison,
0:26:28 > 0:26:30when the chippy's hygiene rating is served.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34Anything less than a five, to me...
0:26:34 > 0:26:35you're not at a high standard.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Three days ago, Wigan Council's joiner, Scott Howarth,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51responded to council tenant Hazel's call for help.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53A pipe above Hazel's kitchen had leaked,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56leaving the ceiling damp and in danger of falling down.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58It's stressful, isn't it?
0:26:58 > 0:27:00You know, when you wake up
0:27:00 > 0:27:03and all you can smell is this horrible smell.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Scott successfully made the ceiling safe and cleared the debris.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Now he's back at the mum-of-three's house.
0:27:17 > 0:27:18I'll get all the stuff, Chris.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24Going to take the ceiling down fully...to where it's safe,
0:27:24 > 0:27:27and then re-plasterboard it.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Remove all the old stuff off site, clean up.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33And it's not a moment too soon for Hazel.
0:27:33 > 0:27:38She blames the council for not fixing the original leak properly.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42It's been awful. It's been a lot of sleepless nights...and stress.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46In a bid to finally fix the ceiling
0:27:46 > 0:27:48and mend Hazel's relationship with the council,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Scott's called in the cavalry.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54This sort of job, no matter what you do,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57you're still going to get a mess on the floor.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03The cupboards are taped up as a precaution against dust,
0:28:03 > 0:28:05under Hazel's watchful eye,
0:28:05 > 0:28:06then it's all hands on ceiling.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13Majority of all the loose stuff's down now, so...
0:28:13 > 0:28:14we'll get it boarded,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17get it all levelled up and then it can be skimmed.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Whilst the ceiling repairs are going to plan,
0:28:22 > 0:28:26bringing resident Hazel back on side is still a work in progress.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31I'm still going to be finding dust for about a month!
0:28:31 > 0:28:32It looks awful!
0:28:35 > 0:28:37I'll have to have a bath tonight!
0:28:40 > 0:28:43I have one once a week, whether I need it or not!
0:28:45 > 0:28:47As the new sections of plasterboard go up,
0:28:47 > 0:28:49the gaping holes are covered
0:28:49 > 0:28:52and Hazel's trust in the council is slowly returning.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56Nearly done.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00So, it's mostly waiting to decorate the entire house,
0:29:00 > 0:29:02which needs to be done now, cos everything's damaged.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08The council are only responsible for the structure of the property.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Hazel will have to pay for any redecoration,
0:29:11 > 0:29:13but that's easier said than done.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Because I didn't have any contents insurance, it's...
0:29:18 > 0:29:20a lot to replace.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22You don't think about it cos you think,
0:29:22 > 0:29:25"Oh, nothing's going to happen", and...it does.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29And when it does, it does really bad!
0:29:29 > 0:29:32And...I've already been pricing it up.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35Just going to do it in phases, but...lesson learned.
0:29:35 > 0:29:36Get contents insurance.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Last board gone in now. Erm...
0:29:42 > 0:29:44When I get the lads to pick up the rubbish off the front,
0:29:44 > 0:29:46otherwise it'll end up everywhere.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50We all muck in - it needs cleaning up.
0:29:50 > 0:29:51Many hands make light work.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55At the moment, now, the emergency's over.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59There's no more bits going to fall out the ceiling and hit anybody,
0:29:59 > 0:30:01or cause any more damage.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02The ceiling's safe,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05so we've dropped the old plasterboard,
0:30:05 > 0:30:06put new plasterboard up.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09It's scheduled in, the next appointment -
0:30:09 > 0:30:12get it skimmed up and then she can redecorate.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Right, job Done.
0:30:15 > 0:30:16Ceiling sorted!
0:30:16 > 0:30:19But Scott wants to make extra sure he leaves a
0:30:19 > 0:30:21happy council customer behind.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23Hope me wife don't see me doing this!
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Otherwise she'll expect me to do it at home, won't she?
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Not matter what job, I take pride. You know what I mean?
0:30:29 > 0:30:31I'd rather do a good job.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Rather make sure, when I leave, they're happy.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38You know what I mean? Another 10, 15 minutes cleaning up.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Thanks to Scott and his colleagues,
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Hazel's damaged ceiling is repaired and it's gone some way
0:30:43 > 0:30:47towards fixing her relationship with the council.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Right, obviously, the plasterboard's about done.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52- Everywhere's cleaned up.- Thank you.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- All right.- Brilliant.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55And it looks amazing.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- It looks a lot better than it did before.- No worries.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- Thank you.- Right, no worries. - Thank you very much.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- All right, see you again. - Thank you.- See you later.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- Deserve a break, mate. Are we getting a drink?- Yeah.- Right.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15The workmen, they've been really good - can't fault them.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20This time last week, I couldn't even go to sleep because it was...
0:31:20 > 0:31:23the fear of it all falling down.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Oh, my stress level has gone down so much!
0:31:27 > 0:31:30At least there's light - I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32It's good. It's a good feeling.
0:31:42 > 0:31:43Hello, there.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Ten days ago, public protection officer Barry Pilkington
0:31:48 > 0:31:52investigated claims about rats and smells coming from a small holding.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57You will get rats around areas like this.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Once inside, Barry couldn't smell any offensive odours,
0:32:00 > 0:32:03but he did find evidence of rats.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Keen to avoid an infestation, he told the manager
0:32:06 > 0:32:08where and how to lay bait.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10The rodenticide bait goes here.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14The only thing that's going to crawl in around here is Mr Rat.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19Now Barry's back to check that action has been taken.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22I just want to have a little cast my eye over...this little area,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25and also to look at the rodenticide baits
0:32:25 > 0:32:28that are in place, just to see if we're getting takes.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32It's a lovely warm day. This is a perfect day because, if we were going to get smells, we'd have them.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34If we were going to get flies, we'd have them.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38The manager of the small holding is joined by the lease-holder.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41As you know, we had a complaint with regards to...it's called
0:32:41 > 0:32:46statutory nuisance....in relation to flies and odours from here.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49With regards to our rat bait, have you been keeping on top of that?
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- Mm-hmm.- You have. We've got some bait underneath that...
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- Yeah, it's underneath... - ..that decked area, there, that raised area.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58And we've got some behind the...where the
0:32:58 > 0:33:01- temporary fuel shelters are... - Yeah.- ..in-between...
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- I'll just have a look, if it's all right?- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:33:04 > 0:33:05Barry inspects the area
0:33:05 > 0:33:09to make sure the small holders have followed his advice correctly.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13What I would say to you is...
0:33:15 > 0:33:18..you've put your rat-bait down. If it gets taken, put more down.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20If it gets taken, put more down.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Once it stops going, you know you're on top of things.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- That you're trying your best, that's all we can ask.- Uh-huh.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28Happy with the way the rat bait has been laid out,
0:33:28 > 0:33:32Barry moves on to the complaint about smells coming from the property.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36I've noticed you've got a little bit of a fire-pit here.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- What's happening there? Are you just doing...? - We're just...- Barbecue.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43..we basically burn the manure off the floor, just to get rid of it, really,
0:33:43 > 0:33:45cos we don't want smells and odours.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47So, we get rid of it in little amounts.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50With regards to your fires, it's the same principal -
0:33:50 > 0:33:52if the wind's blowing towards the properties...
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- We would never light a fire. - ..don't light a fire.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58Ten days on from Barry's original visit,
0:33:58 > 0:34:00will he have to take any action against
0:34:00 > 0:34:02the owners of the small holding?
0:34:02 > 0:34:06I don't think there's any serious issues at all. I'm more than happy.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09I think you're on top of things and good luck with it.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Having inspected and advised,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Barry's responded to the original call to the council
0:34:14 > 0:34:16and there's no further action to take.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21The complaint was odour complaints, flies,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24issues with smoke also...and rats.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Now, you know, it's a lovely warm day.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31There are no problems with odours, no specific fly problem.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35You will get rats where you've got livestock like this,
0:34:35 > 0:34:37but the idea is that they must keep on top of it
0:34:37 > 0:34:39and I think they are. They've got rodenticide bait down
0:34:39 > 0:34:42on the boundary and underneath that little platformed area.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44I'm happy with what I've seen.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48It's about diversity, really.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51It may be that the activities on this particular piece of land
0:34:51 > 0:34:52somebody doesn't like.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54But, you know, we celebrate diversity,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56we want people to feel that they belong here.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59As long as they're doing nobody no harm, live and let live.
0:34:59 > 0:35:00We'll leave them be.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- Over in Mesnes Park... - Hello. Morning.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18..Wigan Council registrars Paula Clisham and Ann McKeever
0:35:18 > 0:35:21are in the eye of a wedding whirlwind.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24They've got five ceremonies to complete, all within just six hours.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28Are you happy for me to ask you the question to give your daughter away?
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Can't wait to get rid of me!
0:35:30 > 0:35:32They're one wedding down...
0:35:32 > 0:35:34You may kiss the bride.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36..but still have four to go.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Now I've got weddings from half past one, quarter past two,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41three o'clock and quarter to four.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48The scheduled start time for wedding number two has been and gone,
0:35:48 > 0:35:50but there's still no sign of the bride.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53On this one, we need everyone to run to time today.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59With all eyes on the gate, the bride arrives just two minutes late.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Hello. You look lovely.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07Hello. Are you OK? I'm Paula.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- I'm going to be doing your ceremony, Nicola.- Thank you.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13So if you want to just go in and then we'll just ask you your questions.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Rather than cracking on with the wedding,
0:36:15 > 0:36:17Ann needs to spend ten minutes
0:36:17 > 0:36:19getting the all-important paperwork in place,
0:36:19 > 0:36:21with bride Nicola's help.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26It's vital that the ceremony start time doesn't slip any further
0:36:26 > 0:36:30and create a knock-on effect with the other weddings today,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32but Paula makes sure everyone stays stress-free.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36- Take a deep breath. You look absolutely beautiful.- Thank you.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40And your diamond's lovely. OK, Right...
0:36:40 > 0:36:43It's vital to make each couple special
0:36:43 > 0:36:46and I do ask each of them how they want the ceremony,
0:36:46 > 0:36:49cos it is important. It is their day...
0:36:49 > 0:36:53and you want to deliver the right wedding for them.
0:36:53 > 0:36:54You all look lovely.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58This day will form a milestone in your lives...
0:36:58 > 0:37:00With over 300 weddings under her belt,
0:37:00 > 0:37:04Paula knows how to keep things ticking along.
0:37:04 > 0:37:05You may kiss the bride.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13If you'd all like to give a round of applause
0:37:13 > 0:37:15to Mr and Mrs Sanderson.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- By the time the guests leave... - The next wedding's quarter past two.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28..there's just 15 minutes until the third wedding is due to start.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Just going to go now and have a see if anybody's arrived.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34So, perfect.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35The sun is still shining.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Jan? Are you OK? You look beautiful.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43This time, bride number three is bang on time,
0:37:43 > 0:37:46and Jan and Ian get hitched...without a hitch.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51..that you are now husband and wife together.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53You may kiss the bride. Congratulations.
0:37:59 > 0:38:00One wedding party out...
0:38:03 > 0:38:04Done three.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Fourth, yeah. I've got two more.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Yeah.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11..and one wedding party in.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14But is groom number four, Ryan, as well prepared as Paula?
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- Ready as I'll ever be. - GROOMSMEN LAUGH
0:38:18 > 0:38:22It's a good job because Ryan's bride Heather is ten minutes early.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Yes, I just need to ask you a few questions, please.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30Could this be where the council officers claw back lost time?
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Yes, I'll go and get on with my bit. Thank you.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34With all their guests present,
0:38:34 > 0:38:35the bride and groom are happy
0:38:35 > 0:38:37to start the ceremony ahead of schedule.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Could you all please stand for the bridal party? Thank you.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45The emotion's getting to the groom.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48(Got any tissues? He's crying.)
0:38:48 > 0:38:51But consummate cupid Paula is one step ahead
0:38:51 > 0:38:53and keeps the wedding on track.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57MUSIC: The One By Kodaline
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Ryan, you may kiss the bride.
0:39:04 > 0:39:05Happy couple number four,
0:39:05 > 0:39:08but Paula and Ann have no time to celebrate.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12With guests gone, they're focusing on their fifth and final wedding,
0:39:12 > 0:39:16but Paula's still not immune to the emotions of the day.
0:39:16 > 0:39:17I nearly went, there.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20He was crying, Ryan, and I...
0:39:21 > 0:39:22..so happy.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27Hello. You look gorgeous.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31Back on schedule, all Paula and Ann need to do is stay focused
0:39:31 > 0:39:35and make the fifth wedding of the day as special as the first.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Could everybody please stand for the bridal party, please? Thank you.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43With the immortal words "I do", the last knot of the day is tied.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48It now gives me great pleasure to declare that you are now
0:39:48 > 0:39:51husband and wife together.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Five wedding parties are off celebrating,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01but the registrar's job isn't done yet.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Paula and Ann head to the town hall...
0:40:06 > 0:40:08for their final task of the day.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13We're just now putting the register back into the safe.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15Signed, sealed and delivered,
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Paula and Anne have successfully married five couples in one day.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Ten days ago, environmental health officer Fran
0:40:32 > 0:40:34visited an ex-post-office-owner
0:40:34 > 0:40:37who'd swapped wrapping parcels for wrapping fish suppers.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41It's a family-run business. I've actually started from scratch.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44It was Alison's first ever food hygiene inspection
0:40:44 > 0:40:46and one she couldn't afford to fail.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Now Alison is waiting for the results.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56The top hygiene rating of five will mean a boost for the new fish shop.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59A low rating of two, one, or even zero
0:40:59 > 0:41:03will mean further inspections and the risk of a bad reputation.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08Ideally I'd want all my businesses to score a three, four or five
0:41:08 > 0:41:12because that means that there's very limited or no follow-up work.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13It's definitely a good thing
0:41:13 > 0:41:15for them to score well during an inspection.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22For Alison, this inspection marks the final stage in her
0:41:22 > 0:41:25journey from post master to restaurant owner
0:41:25 > 0:41:27and she's setting the bar high.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29- You want salt and vinegar? - No, just salt, please.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31We serve everything to a high standard
0:41:31 > 0:41:34and anything less than a five, to me,
0:41:34 > 0:41:37you're not at a high standard.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39At last, it's the moment of truth.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44This is the rating of the health and safety.
0:41:47 > 0:41:48Oh, fantastic.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52A five! I am over the moon. That's excellent.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54Absolutely fantastic!
0:41:54 > 0:41:56It feels good to work with a business
0:41:56 > 0:41:59and to be able to tell them, following the visit,
0:41:59 > 0:42:01that they've managed to score a five,
0:42:01 > 0:42:05cos it gives them recognition that they've been doing a good job.
0:42:05 > 0:42:10Alison can now proudly display her hygiene certificate for all to see.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14Can't believe it. Absolutely made up. I just worried so much...
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Just going to make or break you, your business.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19So...this is just absolutely fantastic.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Couldn't have...asked for anything better.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32From the smallest village to the biggest metropolitan borough,
0:42:32 > 0:42:36the UK's council officers work around the clock...
0:42:36 > 0:42:38trying to mend broken relations...
0:42:38 > 0:42:41The emergency's over. Ceiling's safe. Job done.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44..making sure we're all obeying the rules...
0:42:44 > 0:42:46There are no flies. There are no odours.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48..keeping restaurants hygienic...
0:42:48 > 0:42:52Normally it's areas like that where you'd expect there to be build up, but there's nothing there.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55..and helping us celebrate the biggest days of our lives.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57You may kiss the bride.
0:42:59 > 0:43:00All of this when we...
0:43:00 > 0:43:02call the council.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05The reason I like my job is because I'm educating people
0:43:05 > 0:43:08and I'm meeting people, the people of Wigan, the people...
0:43:08 > 0:43:10my neighbours, really.