Dumfries and Galloway Council has received the award for Parks, open spaces and horticultural services 'Most Improved Performer' at the APSE performance networks awards.

Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati found local councils were streets ahead on performance when councils from across the UK battled severe weather to reach Blackpool for the finals of the APSE (the Association for Public Service Excellence) performance networks awards 2010. The awards celebrate the best performers from local councils in frontline public services and those services that have made the most improvement on performance.

Mark Bramah, APSE's Assistant Chief Executive, said: "The importance of local councils demonstrating that they are providing high quality and cost effective services is greater now than ever before." He added, "Winning a performance networks award is national recognition of the efforts made by the frontline staff and managers in delivering highly valued public services."

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Councillor Graham Nicol is chair of the Council's Resources Committee.

He said:"Congratulations to the staff in DGFirst who work in all weathers to make sure our parks and open spaces look as good as they can. Our nurseries are already known for the high quality plants and plantings they provide, but it's good to have external recognition. Well done and keep up the good work."

APSE's Performance Networks service hosts the UK's largest voluntary data benchmarking group for local councils, which helps them to improve value for money and quality in local public services.

After a rigorous data collection and validation process a number of councils were selected as finalists. The winners were announced on Thursday 2 December at an awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel Blackpool which was opened by The Worshipful the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Don Clapham. The winners received their awards from acclaimed actress and Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati.

(GK)