A COUNCIL’S school cleaning team has won an award for its green approach.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s school cleaning team were given the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE)’s Building Cleaning Innovation Award.

The award is for the team’s ‘clean green’ approach which has seen changes made including the use of biodegradable cleaning chemicals, buying electric vehicles and using vacuum cleaners made from up to 75 per cent of high quality recycled materials with high efficiency motors to cut costs.

Shirley Freeguard, the council’s access managed services operations manager (education), said: “I am delighted that our hard working team of around 300 cleaners working on 70 sites has been recognised for delivering quality services while helping the environment by going green.

“As well as carrying out its day to day cleaning, the team is on call 24 hours a day to respond, if needed, to flooding, fires and other emergencies.

“During the covid pandemic of course, the cleaners were absolutely essential and they can if needed be called on to deal with other outbreaks such as norovirus.

“They thoroughly deserve this national recognition for the vital work they do and the way they have adapted to the new clean green approach.”

The Innovation Awards celebrate councils across the UK that use innovative ideas and solutions to tackle challenges facing frontline management services.