A Council has received a major award in recognition of its excellent gas safety, servicing and maintenance work.

East Dunbartonshire Council's Gas Servicing & Maintenance team was awarded the 'Best Scottish Building and Housing Team' at the Association for Public Sector Excellence (APSE) Scotland 2009 Awards last month.

The award recognises their work in securing 100% compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations.

The accolade means that all 3,684 Council houses in the area now have a current gas certificate.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Amanda Stewart, Convener of the Council's Connect Services Committee, said: "This is excellent news for the Council and reflects the hard work and determination of the Gas Servicing & Maintenance team in the last four years.

"As a result of their commitment, the Council is now one of the best performing local authorities in the country delivering a safe, effective and efficient gas servicing, repairs and maintenance service to tenants across the area."

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Cllr Stewart said this contrasted sharply to the situation they faced in 2005 where workmen had issues gaining access to Council homes that required a gas certificate.

Since then, legal and operational procedures have been tightened and, with the support of the District Courts, staff can now gain access to all Council properties to conduct important safety and maintenance work.

Councillor Stewart added: "It's also pleasing that the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) and the Scottish Housing Regulator recently acknowledged the level of training, procedures and quality of the work undertaken by the Gas Servicing & Maintenance team."

The Council also received recognition at the Awards for its Craft Apprenticeship Programme and the high standards being achieved by craft apprentices. In addition, an apprentice painter, Scott Cochrane, received an award in recognition of the high standards he achieved during his four-year apprenticeship.

Commenting on the success of the Apprenticeship Programme, Councillor Amanda Stewart said: "I'm delighted for Scott as he’s worked hard over recent years. Gaining national recognition is a fantastic achievement and his accolade reflects his high level of commitment, effort and achievement."

Cllr Stewart believes the achievement reinforces the success of the Apprenticeship Programme in preparing apprentices for public service excellence.

(GK/JM)