A NORTH Solihull community cleaning group proved it was a cut above the rest when it won a national award.
Clean and Green was crowned winner of the Cleaning up your Community award by family-owned cleaning manufacturer company Robert Scott.
The group will receive £500 worth of cleaning equipment, along with a day’s cleaning support on behalf of Robert Scott.
Judges said they chosen Clean and Green because they felt the group embodied more than just a community clean-up group and is working to improve the lives of people in the community, bringing residents together for the greater good.
Speaking on behalf of Clean an Green, Paul Sultana, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as winners, especially knowing that there are so many groups up and down the country doing some wonderful things.
“That the judges are from such a knowledgeable and exacting panel makes us really proud.
“As well as physically helping with equipment, this recognition will provide a massive morale boost for our teams of volunteers and is a much-needed reward, further validating the great work they put in to improving our local community.”
Four runners-up were also chosen by the judging panel which included Stan Atkins – chairman of the Great British Cleaning Council, Neil Nixon – editor of Cleaning and Maintenance magazine, Gill Ireson – head of sales at Robert Scott, and the company’s sales director, Alastair Scott.
Neil Nixon, editor at the Cleaning and Maintenance magazine and conference director of The Cleaning Show, said: “It was excellent to see how many communities are using cleaning as a catalyst for positive change.
“Groups – small and large – are coming together to improve the areas in which they live and create a sense of pride and belonging amongst residents. This can be infectious, and often leads to wider community involvement.
“This year’s winners, Clean & Green, are a clear example of this.
“For them it’s about more than just cleaning and to be able to elevate the fantastic work they do, giving them the recognition they deserve through a competition like this, is a real privilege.”
