A COMPANY has hit the mark with its environmental efforts.

Philips Components, at Simonstone, is the second Lancashire firm to receive a Water Mark award.

The Water Mark scheme is co-ordinated by the Mersey Basin Campaign's REEL (River Enhancement East Lancashire) and Darwen River Valley Initiatives, with support from Water Watch, the Environment Agency, Groundwork Business Environment Association and local authorities.

It recognises companies which not only meet the legal requirements in managing waste but make a commitment beyond that to improving the waterside environment.

Philips Components received the accolade for its plans to reduce the risk of litter from the site entering the River Calder, installing measures to reduce the risk of a serious chemical spill which could enter watercourses and its work with the Gawthorpe Environmental Group to rescue a woodland on its site.

Arthur Micklewright, chairman of REEL, said: "We are impressed by the commitment shown by Philips Components to improve its site and safeguard the adjacent watercourse. Philips has shown that improving the environment makes good business sense."

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