Wigan Council staff are to star in a major BBC1 show that takes a behind-the-scenes look at council services.
The next series of the hit daytime documentary “Call the Council” will focus on Wigan Borough. Social workers, trading standards officers and refuse collectors will all feature in the series that aims to show frontline local government workers doing what they do best.
The first two series of the BBC show featured Tameside Council staff. Producers approached Wigan Council earlier this year to see if they could film its staff for the third series of the programme, which will be broadcast next year.
The BBC cameras are now out and about following the council’s staff.
The council has agreed to be part of the programme to showcase the hard work of its 4,000 staff that provide around 700 different services across the borough.
Among those being filmed is Trading Standards Manager Terry Gregson who has worked at the council for eight years. He said:
“I’m a little nervous to be honest. It will be a strange experience seeing myself on TV. I know my friends and family will certainly find it amusing.
“But my colleagues and I are all really excited we have the opportunity to show everyone the work we do on behalf of the borough’s residents. The council doesn’t just empty bins, we provide hundreds of different services. In my team, we do a range of work within our communities such as cracking down on those who sell alcohol to children. Hopefully people will find this programme informative and entertaining.”
Call the Council series producer, Darrell Olsen said:
“We’re really excited to be working with Wigan Council on this next series of Call the Council. The council has such a wealth of services and passionate workers that we can’t wait to get stuck in and start capturing some of them on camera. I really think that highlighting the work of the borough will make this next series a great watch.”
Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith said:
“We’re looking forward to working with the BBC. Throwing open our doors to their cameras shows we’re committed to being an open, honest and transparent organisation.”
