THE team responsible for keeping Eastleigh streets cleaned and well maintained has been named the best in the country.

The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) named Eastleigh Borough Council’s Direct Services team the best street cleansing and streetscene service in the UK.

The awards are considered to be the industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Entries were judged on evidence of good management and clear communication to stakeholders, good leadership and creativity in overcoming challenges, evidence of achieving objectives, showing value to customers, and demonstrating clear benefits to residents.

APSE, the organisation dedicated to promoting quality in the delivery of frontline services to local communities, said this year’s awards have been extremely competitive, with more than 100 organisations taking part from across the UK, making a total of 370 submissions.

Cllr Rupert Kyrle, cabinet member for the environment in Eastleigh, said: “The council’s Direct Services team have been recognised for excellence by APSE in previous years, but to receive the overall

national award and be named the best in the UK is a huge achievement.

“It reflects the team’s hard work, dedication and strong leadership – and we are all extremely proud that they have received recognition for the great service they provide to residents across our borough.”

Last year the council won APSE’s Performance Network Awards.