Awards ceremony pays tribute to those who keep Exeter looking good
Published: 16 October 2024
The tireless efforts of 80 outdoor workers who keep Exeter looking spick and span has been recognised at a special event.
Exeter City Council has a team of street sweepers and cleaners who play a huge part in keeping the city clean and rubbish free.
As part of the public and green space team, they work closely with colleagues in parks and cemeteries to ensure that Exeter is a clean, safe and attractive place to live in and visit.
Their efforts were recognised at the 43rd Tidy Exeter Group Ambassador of the Year & Personality of the Year Awards at Exeter’s historic Guildhall.
The Council’s Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon said: “I would like to thank the team for their hard work and dedication in keeping the streets of Exeter clean and tidy and for their commitment to serving our communities. They do a fantastic job in helping to keep Exeter looking its best.”
Winner of this year’s Tidy Exeter Group Ambassador of the Year was Damian Troy.
His citation reads: “Damian has worked in our street cleansing department since 2011 and is always looking for ways to help improve service for our residents and colleagues alike. He truly cares for the communities he works in and is happy to suggest ways to do a job more efficiently or safely for other staff. We thank you Damian!”
Runner-Up was Simon Cahill. His citation reads: “Simon started working with us only this year and has already established himself as an outstanding addition to our team. Simon has worked in both our parks and cleansing departments, notably providing support for InExeter and the Business Improvement (BID) area. We thank you Simon!”
Highly Commended was Adrian Berry, whose citation reads: “Hailing from our Alphington ward, Adrian has been highly praised for his work within the area by both residents and councillors alike. Always keeping busy ensuring our streets are clean, tidy and litter free whilst also giving a warm welcome to passers-by. We give you our thanks Adrian!”
All staff had to select their favourite colleague for the Personality of the Year award. This year it was awarded to Mike Pintus-May. His citation reads: “With a witty comment and a wry smile, Mike is always on hand to tackle a task. Mike, it is always a pleasure working with you, and that is why you are our personality of the year! We thank you Mike!”
The award of Semper Fidelis, a Latin phrase that translates as ‘always loyal’, went to Angela Bowring. Her citation read: “Since starting work with us in March, Angela has helped to guide and mentor our North Grass team, providing support to team members and ensuring the round is completed to the best standards we can provide. We thank you Angela!”
Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management paid tribute to every one of the 80 workers “I would like to thank all of them. Without their efforts, performed day in day out in all forms of weather, Exeter would not be the place we all love.
“With limited resources our teams endeavour to deliver essential operations, such as the early morning sweep, burials, grass and shrub maintenance, graffiti removal and play provision, to name but a few. All of which benefit our communities and promote safe streets and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“Over the course of the year we receive many letters, and emails, of gratitude from members of the public and councillors alike for our team members who continue to contribute to our community, and to which, we now also give thanks. I’d also like to thank the Exeter Tidy group for holding these awards and helping keep Exeter tidy, as well as McDonalds for supplying lunch and Waitrose for supplying the biscuits.”