Did scenesetting and chaired part of our conference on 'Clean Neighbourhoods the Emerging Picture' at Old Trafford stadium today. 160 people present so reasonably good turnout for one of our events. The idea was one year on what progress has been made as a result of the enactment of the Clean Neighbourhoods Act in England. The answer was probably 'its variable'. Event went very well and quality of speakers was good and showed detailed knowledge of the topic.

Tim Pope Head of Liveability at D CLoG opened proceedings followed by Deborah Fox from CABE. The next session included Ginette Unsworth from ENCAMS and 3 local authority speakers Denice Prestidge from Southampton, John Coates from North Lincolnshire and Graeme Small from Stockton-on-Tees. ENCAMS are such a well regarded organisation and do some great work but the star of the show had to be Graeme despite him over running. His role is Head of Enforcement and he came along dressed in his community wardens uniform, he spoke with great passion for his role and really epitomises the best of the public service ethos. Although his enthusiasm for his role did go a little to far for some people when he described the powers in the Act as being like given his very own Apache Attack Helicopter.

The event finished of with 4 workshops and the feedback from the day was superb.