ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Entries are now open for the Clean Britain Awards 2014, the competition that recognises the efforts of local authorities in achieving high standards of cleanliness and environmental quality.

The government's waste and resources minister Lord de Mauley spoke at the official launch last month. "Local environment quality is an issue that is of utmost importance to local communities, and those that work tirelessly to help keep our local streets and amenities clean and pleasant are often overlooked."

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) runs the Clean Britain Awards, having taken it over from the British Cleaning Council (BCC) in 2012.

"In 2011/12, local authorities spent over 820 million euros on street cleansing and this major contribution to keeping our public spaces clean and attractive deserves recognition," said CIWM chief executive Steve Lee.

"Research has shown that people are genuinely concerned about issues such as litter and graffiti and that their perceptions of safety and wellbeing are affected by the cleanliness of their local area. Through these awards we want to raise the profile of the excellent services being provided by many councils, and encourage communities and local organisations to get involved too."

Closing date for applications is September 6. For details visit www.cleanbritainawards.co.uk