The entry deadline for the 2008/2009 Clean Britain Awards was extended until mid August, to allow for the many local authority entries currently being prepared and approved for submission.
The Clean Britain Awards scheme, promoted by the British Cleaning Council, 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”.
Entries have so far been received from cities as far apart as Truro, Westminster, Swansea, Plymouth and Lincoln, as well as a number of whole local authority areas including East Lothian in Scotland, North Norfolk, South Tyneside and Wychavon in Worcestershire. There are three separate entry categories covering any UK City, Town and District/Urban area.
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.
Following detailed, unannounced inspection visits to every entry, between August and October, 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, 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 and graffiti 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 website.

Further information on the Clean Britain Awards can be found atwww.cleanbritainawards.co.uk