Promoting community involvement
The first Responsible Retailer Agreement pilot took place in Oldham where the local community identified a public house that had been neglected.
The brewery had not invested in the premises for some time and the landlords changed regularly. The new management faced major issues especially problems with graffiti and fly-tipping in its grounds. The manager on arrival faced instant prosecution for the failings of the previous landlord.
A Responsible Retailer Agreement was drawn up setting out the responsibilities of the manager, relevant agencies and local community. The general appearance of the premises has improved greatly and the manager has received assistance in improving the business. Custom has increased and the community group continue to visit to maintain standards.
Another pilot in Oldham concentrated on a factory that had a reputation for dumping large amounts of rubbish around the vicinity of its building.
The rubbish piles were a constant source of complaint for local residents. The company directors were shown photographs of the unacceptable litter by local residents who introduced them to the concept of the Responsible Retailer Agreement.
The company agreed to remove the waste and the directors themselves donned overalls and removed two skip loads. As part of the Responsible Retailer Agreement the local community agreed to weed and clean up the gardens belonging to the factory.