New street cleaner employed to give Bungay a tidy up

A new street cleaner and maintenance man has started work in Bungay.

Steve Beckett has been employed by Bungay Town Council to work 20 hours a week in a part-time position, with a brief to make all areas of the town look cleaner and tidier.

Until about 20 years ago Bungay had three street cleaners employed by Waveney District Council, however the roles were phased out.

Mr Beckett, who is also a caretaker at Ellingham Primary School, started his new role almost three weeks ago. He has been equipped with a wheelbarrow, brushes and other tools, along with a town council high visibility jacket, which will all be kept at the council offices.

The 48-year-old who lives at Kirby Cane, said: “I am getting a good response from people so far. They say I am doing a good job and that is pleasing.

“I’m enjoying the work and I hope I’m making a difference.”

Residents are being encouraged to speak to Mr Beckett if they know of particular areas that need attention, or of particular litter problems.

Deputy town mayor Olly Barnes, who has seen the move to appoint a cleaner through to fruition, said he was delighted that after 18 months Mr Beckett had been appointed, and praised his “approachable personality.”

He said: “This is something we feel is important for Bungay, so its reputation as a clean and tidy town can be enhanced.

“Steve will not just be working in the town centre, but the whole of the town, including the outlying residential areas.

“He has already had many comments about how well he is doing and the difference he is making.”

Have you got a story from the Bungay area? Email amy.smith@archant.co.uk with the details.