Londoners Raise £3k For Street Cleaner To Go On Holiday But Bosses Say He Can’t Go,” And Will Donate It Instead

More than 200 people in Beckenham, south-east London, made contributions to send 63-year-old, Paul Spiers on a summer break in Portugal.

Waste management company Veolia, has prohibited Spiers from taking the money, declaring that its staff were not allowed to accept “gifts or incentives”.

Fundraiser Lisa Knight stated: “Paul has been our dedicated Beckenham road sweeper since 2017, bringing joy to 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.”

Knight contacted Veolia to inform the company of the community’s campaign. “I didn’t want Paul to get into trouble,” she said. “I was so shocked when they said he couldn’t accept the money. They said it could be considered a bribe.”

Spiers has reportedly accepted the decision. “He doesn’t want to lose his job, he enjoys it,” she said. 

“I’m just hoping Veolia will change their minds.”

A spokesperson for Veolia 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.”

However, the company’s contract with Bromley council “does not permit our staff to accept any moneys or incentives outside agreed pay structures”.

Veolia announced it would match the amount of money raised and donate it to a charity of Spiers choice.