Top accolade for Vale of Glamorgan Council's street lighting operations - 03/01/07

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Council's street lighting operations have been judged as the best in Britain.

 

National recognition for 2005/06 for the Highways Maintenance Division came when the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) Annual Performance Management Awards were announced in Blackpool.

 

The Vale had already been highlighted by the Welsh Assembly Government as the best performing street lighting authority in the Principality, indicators showing that they took the shortest time to repair a fault (an average of 0.86 days throughout the year).

 

In taking the prestigious best street lighting performer in the UK accolade, the Vale had also been nominated in the most improved category.

 

Operational Manager for Highway Maintenance Keith Jones said: "Just to be a national finalist was a tremendous achievement and, considering we were up against participating councils from across the four Home Countries, to win this award was absolutely marvellous.

 

"Although the Vale had the best average fault repair time of all authorities, the award criteria also considered many other factors including quality issues, safety, and environmental as well as financial indicators.

 

"We were up against many larger and more affluent authorities throughout the country and our performance is a good indication of the commitment and professionalism of all involved in the street lighting operation."

 

The Vale‘s street lighting group comprises five staff, five electricians and two driver/lamp attendants, and Mr Jones added: "Each and every one of them has contributed to the success. We have sought to be the best since we were formed on local government reorganisation in 1996 and I am very proud of our achievements."

 

APSE Chief Executive Paul O'Brien said: "These awards recognise the very best in local authority front line services, rewarding excellence and continuous improvement. The achievements of local authority direct service providers is a real cause for celebration."