On your marks for first rate service (From Warrington Guardian)

On your marks for first rate service

WHEN it comes to public service, it seems that Warringtonians are getting the best - and that's official.

Four organisations from the town scooped a prestigious 'Charter Mark' award this week in recognition of commitment to excellent customer service.

The council's Golden Gates Housing, Golden Gates Leisure, Warrington Collegiate and North West Water were winners in this year's awards.

The seal of approval was awarded to just 508 companies and organisations across Britain, with only nine winners coming from Cheshire.

Providing a courteous and helpful service, listening to complaints and suggestions as well as setting clear goals were among the criteria winners had to show.

For Golden Gates Leisure, which runs the majority of the town's leisure facilities and sports centres, it was second time as winners.

Chairman of Leisure Operations Board Clr Paul Kenny said: "By continually approving our operation, both with facilities and staff training, we have shown we are a first class public leisure operation."

And collegiate principal Hilary Tucker said they wouldn't be resting on their laurels.

"Whilst we have enjoyed winning the award, the assessment has naturally identified areas in which we must advance. We shall work hard to ensure we successfully retained the award next time," she said.

Deputy managing director of North West Water Bob Armstrong said: "The Charter Mark is a national benchmark which we are pleased to be measured against. It is not an end in itself and we will continue to seek improvements."

Clr Roy Humphreys, chairman of the Housing Operations Board, added: "The award is a credit to our customers, staff and elected members that this award has been granted on our first submission."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.