South Londoners raise £3k for street cleaner’s holiday – but bosses say no

Paul Spiers has lifted ‘everyone’s spirits with his positive presence’ while working in Bromley, south-east London. Photograph: Lisa Knight

An uplifting story of a community rallying to show its gratitude to the man who keeps their streets clean has soured after his bosses said he could not accept their donations for a holiday.

More than 200 people in Beckenham, south-east London, made contributions to send Paul Spiers on a summer break in Portugal. By Monday, £3,000 was in the kitty, mostly from small sums of £5 or £10.