North Down Borough Council was one of the major prizewinners in the international Green Apple Awards 2008 for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage. The Council received a Silver Award for its new household recycling centre, which is due to open next Monday.

The Award was presented by top botanist and TV personality Professor David Bellamy, OBE at The Tower of London.

The judges commented: "Designed with a view to enable local residents to change their mindset regarding recycling, the target is to achieve 50% domestic recycling in the next two years. The facility boasts the tools to help achieve this and is regarded as a world leader in the information it provides."

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The Green Apple Awards campaign is run by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-profit organisation that recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world.

National Organiser Roger Wolens commented: "We had hundreds of nominations this year, so the Council did particularly well to triumph against some very strong competition.”

Chief Executive of North Down Borough Council, Trevor Polley also said: "The new household recycling centre represents a major investment by Council to help ensure that all residents can recycle quickly, easily and safely. We look forward to opening the site next week."

He added: "Even before it's opening, the centre has attracted considerable attention and won a number of awards for sustainable design, including this most recent Green Apple Award. This is particularly gratifying for everyone involved in the project and is testimony to the innovative approach taken in the design and build of the centre."

(JM/NS)