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Caerphilly County Borough Council has won a national award for its work on asbestos standards and training.

The council was nominated for both the ‘Excellence in Innovation award’ and the ‘Workforce Development Award’ – winning the latter.

The UKATA Excellence Awards were held at the Radisson Blu hotel in East Midlands Airport on Friday July 7.

The awards were hosted by former athlete-turned-television personality Kriss Akabusi MBE.

Councillor Nigel George, who is the council’s cabinet member for corporate services and property, said “The council’s asbestos awareness and training programme has provided training to thousands of staff and contractors who assist with the maintenance of our council housing stock, schools and corporate buildings, as well as staff who work in household waste recycling centres, highways, cleaning services, community buildings and demolition projects.

“This award from UKATA, the industry body for asbestos training, confirms that what we are doing is right.

“It demonstrates our commitment to upskilling those who may come into contact with asbestos containing materials to ensure they and people around them are safe.”

Craig Evans, chief operating officer at UKATA, congratulated the council and said: “The judging panel had a huge task in shortlisting the finalists and selecting the winners due to the number of high calibre of applications.

“This award recognises the achievements of Caerphilly County Borough Council and its workforce, who strive to protect workers and the public from the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Winning the Workforce Development Award is a testament to the ongoing success of Caerphilly County Borough Council and I have every confidence that they will continue their path of achievement.”