The new series of Call The Council is back on our TV screens next week.
The programme, which will be on BBC1 every week day at 11am from 20 October for two weeks, provides an insight into the daily challenges tackled by Tameside Council officers during their work in the local community.
It follows the success of series one, broadcast earlier this year, where over a million viewers a day tuned in.
This time - as well as looking at environmental services such as food safety, taxis, rats and recycling - the new series will look at other areas of council work such as caring for the elderly, running busy cultural events and working with the community to look after the borough’s parks and green spaces.
Stories range from the heartbreaking – tragedy striking at Manchester Dogs’ Home – to the heartwarming – a long lost dog being reunited with its owner. While cameras also follow officers tackling traveller issues, chemical spills and wasp infestations to name just a few.
Tameside Council Assistant Executive Director for Environmental Services Ian Saxon said: “Feedback from the first series was overwhelmingly positive, with hundreds talking about Call the Council on social media. People said the series had given them a greater understanding of the work and challenges faced by the Council and, importantly, the personal commitment of staff making a difference.
“We welcome this opportunity to showcase even more of this dedicated work and promote wider understanding of the Council’s services, priorities and aspirations for the local community.”
BBC Producer Darrell Olsen said: “The first series of the show did really well in both the ratings and showing people what happens behind the walls of their town hall, demonstrating that the people working for your Council are hardworking, decent people who are passionate about what they do.
“This time, as well as following some of the familiar characters from the last series, we have cast the net wider and highlighted the work the Council does in other areas. It’s a rich and diverse list and will hopefully make the show even more successful second time around.”