THREE services provided by Cheshire East Council have been announced as finalists in the national Municipal Journal (MJ) awards.

These prestigious awards recognise ability, ingenuity and performance within the public sector. Successful finalists were selected by a team of judges from across the country as part of the MJ Local Government Achievement Awards 2019.

The Cheshire domestic abuse project helps individuals fleeing abuse and facing complex challenges find settled accommodation and move towards stable lives.

This initiative is an innovative way of working involving four councils: Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington, and Halton.

The service was shortlisted in the ‘Transforming Lives’ category which seeks to recognise councils who work with some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people, and those with significant barriers to living independent lives.

The ‘life with less plastic’ campaign was shortlisted in the ‘Innovation in Communications’ category where judges were looking for innovative local authority communication campaigns where many of the ideas behind the project were locally-driven.

Back in 2018, Ansa Environmental Services who provide waste management services on behalf of Cheshire East Council were contacted by local community groups who were deeply concerned by television and media reports of the impact that plastic waste is having on marine life.

In order to address the demand for advice and guidance, a simple campaign toolkit was developed to empower communities and schools to take control of their own consumption and alter behaviour.

Kath O’Dwyer, acting chief executive of Cheshire East Council said: “I am both proud and delighted that the work of our staff in delivering these three projects has been recognised by these prestigious awards.

“This is evidence that we are being acknowledged nationally in leading the way for quality, performance and innovation.

“We are a learning and ambitious organisation and our work continues to ensure that Cheshire East is a great place to live, work and visit - a place that celebrates all our communities, working with them to achieve their hopes and aspirations.

“I wish all the teams the best of luck at the finals on 26 June.”

The other service nominated for the award is the Crewe Green roundabout improvement scheme which was nominated in the ‘highways management’ category.