Town hall team cleans up at awards

THE cleaners responsible for keeping Rochdale town hall in tip top condition have been named best in the UK.

The Rochdale council team collected the award for the ‘Best Public Sector Cleaning Team in the UK’ at a ceremony in Harrogate last week.

It was launched last year to find the most dedicated and hardworking cleaning team in the public sector.

The judges said Rochdale showed ‘exceptional standards’ and were worthy winners. Representatives from Rochdale’s team were on hand to receive the award from sponsor James White.

James said all three finalists were outstanding in their own right, but the judges felt Rochdale should take it for the unique challenges they face daily.

He added: “Rochdale’s standards of cleanliness were exceptional, which is no mean feat when you consider they have to maintain an old Victorian town hall which is ●●The cleaners at Rochdale town hall have won the Best Public Sector Cleaning Team in the UK (from the left) Julie Mottram – senior area manager (cleaning), Christine Weaver – cleaner, Magdalena Skierniewska – cleaner, Leslie Walker – area support manager (cleaning), Linda Walker – cleaner in charge, Peter Gurney – facilities and cleaning manager and Dorothy Watson – cleaner increasingly being booked for high profile and diverse events such as weddings, festivals, conferences, boxing matches, filming, concerts and exhibitions.”

Peter Gurney, manager for facilities and cleaning at the council, said: “The team and management are very proud to get this award.

“A small dedicated group do a sterling job, day in day out, often unseen by people who use the town hall.

“They don’t do it for accolades or praise, but they are rightly happy to be acknowledged and the award is on display at the town hall.

“I already knew they do a fabulous job but this national award endorses it.”