IT'S no coincidence that the Fylde is looking cleaner and brighter than ever this year. And on September 20) the council revealed the secret tools behind their success!

Huge hi-tech motorised street sweepers, vacuum machines and litter bins were on display at the Street and Amenity Cleansing Roadshow at St Annes Town Hall. And also making their appearance was the muscle behind the brushes -- the hard-working team of 14 street cleaners.

The council's environmental services department, which is responsible for the cleaning of public highways, channels, footpaths and council-owned car parks, is reviewing their process. And they are taking to the Fylde's streets this week to find out what people think of them at two roadshows in St Annes and Kirkham.

For a cost of 1.7 pence a day, Fylde Borough residents get their litter bins emptied and the sand and litter swept up off the roads and pavements. Other services include:

BEACH cleaning.

REMOVAL of dumped rubbish, abandoned cars and hypodermic needles.

CLEANING of bus shelters.

REMOVAL of dog dirt from bins and leaves and blossom fall.

CLEAN UP of accidents and spillages on roads and tide-line debris and dead animals from the foreshore and sand dunes. Environmental services provide bags for clearing away dog excrement at cost price and they also operate a 24-hour emergency response call-out service The council operates the Government's "best value" policy, where the quality as well as the price of services is considered before buying in services.

The council is reviewing the services they provide over the next year and the roadshows are part of a strategy to show the public what they do.

Kath Eccles, administration officer for environmental services, said: "We are working hard promoting responsible dog ownership in the borough. We are providing more and more dog bins in our parks and some more are about to be fitted in Ashton Gardens.

Allan Oldfield, policy officer, said: "Fylde's environmental services department is offering quality and value in the services it provides."

THIS week's roadshow is outside the council offices, Clifton Drive South, St Annes, on Saturday September 23 from 10am until 3pm and a second roadshow takes place in the grounds of Safeway, Poulton Street, Kirkham, on Saturday September 30.

IF you live in the Fylde borough and you want to let the council know your views on the environmental services they provide, phone them on (01253) 789479.

Pictured are Liz Oakes (chairman), Kath Eccles and assistant director John Hunter.