WIGAN Council's planning chiefs are celebrating after learning that two high quality public services have won a government Charter Mark.

The development and building control services have both qualified for the national award.

Development control deals with planning permission and comments on a planning applications while the building control team is responsible for health, safety, energy conservation and means of access to buildings in the borough.

Director of planning, Martin Kimber, said: "A team of staff have worked hard over the last few months to prepare our Charter Mark application and to work with our customers to improve our service for them.

Cllr John O'Neill, cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: "Winning Charter Mark is independent confirmation that we are delivering good quality services to our customers. The assessment is tough and rigorous, so congratulations to all the staff that provide these excellent services."