WYCHAVON has swept the board at this year’s Clean Britain Awards coming third in their category in the country with not only the bronze award nationally, but also five stars for cleanliness - the highest possible award.

This improved on the score of four stars it received 12 months ago.

Judges said “The towns of Droitwich Spa, Evesham and Pershore were extremely picturesque and well kept in their main High Streets and retail areas.”

And commenting on Droitwich Spa's Lido Park, they added: “Wonderful, just perfect.

A shining example of a clean and tidy public space. An abundance of litter bins including ‘Recycling on the Go’ and not a thing out of place, very well done.”

Councillor Emma Stokes, board member for the environment and contracted services, said “My thanks go to all the team who ensure Wychavon is kept so clean on a daily basis.

“Every one of us who have picked up someone else’s rubbish and put it in the bin can be proud of Wychavon being a five star district and bronze award winner. Not every council can continue to achieve and actually improve in such tough economic times, so thanks to everyone involved.”

Wychavon’s waste collection and cleansing contractor is FCC Environment.  Mike Stass, the company’s south regional manager, said “This award is testament to all the hard work of the team at Wychavon who keep the district clean on a daily basis. Given the current tough economic times this award is a big achievement for everyone involved.”

The Clean Britain Awards use rigorous criteria to assess litter, aesthetics, waste and appearance of the highways and is a national award.