The British Cleaning Council is now accepting entries for the 2008/2009 Clean Britain Awards.

The Clean Britain Awards scheme has two key objectives, namely: to recognise the increasing efforts being applied by many different authorities, organisations and voluntary bodies in maintaining high standards of public space cleanliness and to encourage a sense of civic pride in communities and areas throughout the UK – hence the Awards strapline – “Helping Put Civic Pride Back Into Britain”.

“We hear a great deal about poor standards of cleanliness and public space appearance in many parts of Britain”, quotes BCC Chairman, Steve Wright. “This new, expanded Awards scheme is designed to highlight the significant contribution to national pride being made by all types of public space guardians – from city authorities, to town and parish councils, voluntary bodies, and groups of individuals, who, willingly, devote time and effort to make Britain a cleaner place in which to live, work or visit. We feel this Awards scheme will be particularly relevant in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games”.

The Clean Britain Awards inspection criteria cover litter, including cigarette butts, chewing gum and fly tipping, unauthorised graffiti, dog fouling, public place waste bin management, overgrown and obstructing pavement hedgerows and signage cleanliness – all issues which impact on visitor impressions wherever the location.

Entries are being accepted up until 31st July and, following detailed, unannounced inspection visits to every entry, winners will be announced and Awards presented at the 2009 NEC Cleaning Show, on Tuesday 10th March.

The Clean Britain Awards scheme is being supported by a number of associated organisations, including: ENCAMS (behind the Keep Britain Tidy campaign), the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, the Highways Agency, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Keep Wales Tidy, Keep Scotland Beautiful, the Association of Town Centre Management, Network Rail and Visit Britain.

Sponsors of the 2008/2009 Awards scheme so far identified include GumBusters, the specialist chewing gum removal company and C & M Magazine, published by Quartz, who also promote the biennial Cleaning Show at the NEC.

Additional sponsors are being sought to help cover the promotion and running of the scheme. Details can be found on the Awards website. Any body or organisation interested in participating in the Clean Britain Awards should register their interest via the Awards website: www.cleanbritainawards.co.uk . Further information from tel. 01962 850277, email: information@cleanbritainawards.co.uk