A group of Londoners have raised more than £3,000 to send their “dedicated” road sweeper abroad for a holiday only for his bosses to refuse the offer.
Hundreds of people in Beckenham chipped in to send 63-year-old Paul Spiers on a summer break in Portugal.
Fundraiser Lisa Knight said: “Paul has been our dedicated Beckenham road sweeper since 2017, bringing joy to local residents and keeping our streets immaculate. I first met Paul when he started working here and it has been wonderful to see what a beloved member of the community he has become. His habit of playing music from his speaker while meticulously cleaning our streets lifts everyone's spirits with his positive presence.”
She asked people to help Spiers, who has only been abroad once, to go on holiday but after the money rolled in she said she was told “Paul is unable to accept the donations due to restrictions set by his employer, Veolia, in accordance with their contract with Bromley Council”.
She added: “We’re deeply disappointed that this decision prevents Paul from enjoying this well-deserved holiday as a recognition for all of his hard work for the Beckenham community. We have expressed our disappointment to both the council and Veolia and intend to continue to push on this”.
A Veolia spokesperson said: “We are truly grateful for the support and recognition shown by the community to Paul, who alongside a hard-working street cleansing team, does a fantastic job keeping Bromley’s streets clean.”
They said the company’s contract with Bromley council “does not permit our staff to accept any monies or incentives outside of agreed pay structures”.
Veolia said it would match the amount of money raised and donate it to a charity nominated by Spiers.
“Paul will be the recipient of Bromley’s employee of the quarter – an internal financial reward to recognise his hard work and dedication,” the spokesperson said.
