Our man in Winstanley

Street cleaner David Marsh has been praised by the people of Winstanley for four decades of dedication.

Deputy mayor and ward councillor Rona Winkworth recently presented David with an award to mark his 40 years work after she and council cleaning managers were contacted by residents impressed with David’s devotion.

David, from Goose Green, has a street cleaning round which includes Bryn, Ashton, Higher Ince and Platt Bridge as well as Winstanley.

He has worked for the council since the late 60s without taking any time off sick.

David has also overcome a disability to work his 30km route each day, whatever the weather!

Cllr Winkworth said: “If we didn’t have people like David, the borough would be in a real mess. I hope people appreciate what he and his colleagues do for them. David works hard for everyone’s benefit and really deserves this recognition.”

David and his driver Ray were thrilled and overwhelmed with the attention.

And he used the occasion to hammer home the message about keeping our borough tidy.

“It’s a bit of an uphill struggle,” he said. “I have plenty of work to do without picking up dropped cans and rubbish on the street. Please help me to keep the streets tidy.”

Wigan Council cleans the town centres and more than one hundred litter ‘hot-spots’ every day. The main routes are swept every week and residential estates are cleaned as part of a six week programme.

With litter a cause of major concern in many communities, the council’s neighbourhood teams have increased the working hours of staff and their fleet of mechanical sweepers. The council has also stepped up prosecutions against those who drop litter.

“Dropping litter is anti-social and wrong,” said David. “There are lots of litter bins out there, please use them.”