COUNCIL officers, firefighters and police officers were out in force as part of a large operation to ensure town centre safety. In total 30 officers, including those from Stevenage Borough Council, revenues and customs and the Department of Work and Pensi

COUNCIL officers, firefighters and police officers were out in force as part of a large operation to ensure town centre safety.

In total 30 officers, including those from Stevenage Borough Council, revenues and customs and the Department of Work and Pensions headed out into Stevenage town centre for the Environmental Action Day.

During the day over half a tonne of rubbish was removed from businesses and commercial premises in the area and numerous safety risks were identified and dealt with.

The most common was packaging or stock blocking fire exits in businesses.

On two occasions officers found fire exits padlocked and in one case the manager did not even know where the key was.

Also during the operation one case of benefit fraud was uncovered and four illegal immigrants were apprehended.

Education welfare officers also caught several truants.

Executive councillor for environment and e-government, Richard Henry said:

"Environmental Action Days don't just help us to maintain a clean, green and safe environment, they identify community issues and raise awareness about the importance of working with other agencies, residents and businesses to achieve long-term benefits for our communities.