Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust's (WLCT) Grounds Maintenance Service recently picked up the title of the best performing grounds maintenance service in the UK at the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards.

The team of 160, which maintains all of Wigan Borough's parks, green spaces, sports pitches and trees, beat 74 other councils from throughout UK to win the award.

PSE compares all aspects of the service such as value for money, quality assurance, environmental practices, staff development and customer care by benchmarking it against other local authorities.



Paul Barton, head of grounds maintenance services for WLCT, said, "We are very proud to receive this extremely prestigious award. It is especially pleasing because it recognises the hard work of all of our staff and further underlines our commitment to providing top quality services to the residents of the Wigan Borough.”

Rodney Hill, chief executive of WLCT, added: "Our Grounds Maintenance team are the epitome of professionalism and dedication.

“We are delighted they have picked up this accolade as they have to deal with some very demanding situations – such as the recent storm damage – but they always come out on top."

Paul O'Brien, chief executive of APSE, said: "These awards recognise the very best in local authority front line services, rewarding excellence and continuous improvement.

“Delivering value for money and quality services for the UK taxpayers. The achievements of local authority direct service providers are a real cause for celebration."