A London MP has stepped in to demand a “dedicated” south London street sweeper can accept more than £3,000 raised for him to go on holiday.
Hundreds of residents of Beckenham in Bromley chipped in to send Paul Spiers, 63, on a summer break to Portugal as a thank you for his hard work.
But his bosses at waste company Veolia have refused to let him accept the cash. Veolia said its contract with Bromley council “does not permit our staff to accept any monies or incentives outside of agreed pay structures”.
Beckenham and Penge MP Liam Conlon said he had written to the town hall and asked councillors to “take action” so Mr Spiers can go abroad.
He told the Standard: “Paul works hard every day to keep our streets clean, and helps make Beckenham the great place it is to live.
“He is much-loved by the local community, and hundreds of people have come together to pay for a holiday as a way to say thank you to him.
“This is an act of kindness and generosity that we should celebrate, so I am dismayed that Veolia are treating it as a conflict of interest.
“Veolia’s contract is with Bromley Council, and I have asked the Leader of Bromley Council to see sense and take action.
“This is not the time for a ‘computer says no’ attitude, but to find a way forward so Paul can enjoy the well-deserved we all want him to have.”
Lisa Knight set up the fundraiser to help pay for the holiday for Mr Spiers, who has only been abroad once.
She said: “Paul has been our dedicated Beckenham road sweeper since 2017, bringing joy to local residents and keeping our streets immaculate...
“His habit of playing music from his speaker while meticulously cleaning our streets lifts everyone's spirits with his positive presence.”
But after the money rolled in she told generous donors: “Paul is unable to accept the donations due to restrictions set by his employer, Veolia, in accordance with their contract with Bromley council”.
Veolia said it would match the amount of money raised and donate it to a charity nominated by Mr Spiers.
“Paul will be the recipient of Bromley’s employee of the quarter – an internal financial reward to recognise his hard work and dedication,” a spokesperson said.
Bromley council has been contacted for comment.
