BINMEN have been going to weekend classes in an attempt to improve the service they give to borough residents.

Refuse collection and street cleaning staff have taken part in special "Customer Focus" training sessions held on Saturday mornings.

The 70 employees were asked to look at the quality of service they provide, and to take on board what local people had to say about it, as revealed in the latest council survey.

Councillor Julie Higson, chairman of best value and competitiveness, said that three-quarters of residents were satisfied or very satisfied with the refuse collection service. But she added: "There is always room for improvement and focusing on the needs of customers must be the way to go forward."

Coun Higson said that the council have invested an extra £200,000 this year to clean up the borough's streets.

Councillors are now looking at ideas to improve the service which were put forward at the sessions. Staff who took part in the course have received a certificate of achievement.

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