City workers recognised for keeping Exeter looking good
Published: 20 October 2021
The work of Exeter’s street sweepers and outdoor workers in helping to keep the city looking good has been recognised at an award ceremony.
This year marks the 40th year of the Tidy Exeter Group’s Awards, which acknowledge the efforts of Exeter City Council’s outdoor workers who play a big part in keeping the city centre litter-free and spick and span.
The Council has a team of 86 outdoor workers and the awards cover not only the street cleansing teams but also those who works in the parks and cemeteries teams.
This year’s Ambassador of the Year has been awarded to Kevin Hutchings. Kevin works as a street sweeper for the Business Improvement District (BID) team and his work involves keeping city centre businesses looking good and liaising on a daily basis with the City Council management and InExeter.
His commendation recognise the role he has played, saying: “Kevin has shown diplomacy, integrity, and flexibility as he has negotiated this complex role. Attributes that have secured the unrelenting support of InExeter and the businesses in the city centre.
“He has epitomised what it means to be an ambassador, building relationships and trust with those he engages with, and providing the city centre with a quality of service that the Public and Green Space team can be proud of.”
Runner-Up was Gary Mills. His commendation said: “Day in and day out, whatever the team needs, Gary is willing to step in, and his efforts are much appreciated by his peers and all of the Public and Green Space team.”
Highly Commended went to a member of the team who has played a big part in the city’s wild flower programme. “No person has been more instrumental and dedicated to that programme than this member of the team who wishes to remain nameless. Year on year, from the purchase of his own seed, to learning and reviewing methods to improve the spectacular floral displays, he has gone the extra mile to give residents something to enjoy and value,” said his commendation.
The ballot for this year’s Personality of the Year award produced a clear winner. Voted by his colleagues, this year’s award went to Ian Rodgers. Described by colleagues as always willing to help with any operational issues they have; reliable and thorough in any situation, Ian proved a popular choice with his work mates. “Ian is a true team player and his peers and team leaders value his contribution to the team,” said the commendation.
The award of Semper Fidelis went to Martin Tuvey for his “extraordinary depth of sensitivity and cultural awareness” in his role within burial services
Cllr David Harvey, Lead Councillor for City Management, said: “This has been a difficult year with the team facing many challenges, particularly around the recovery from the Covid pandemic.
“Yet the team have acquitted themselves fantastically – day in day out – and served the city well, continuing to strive for exceptional standards of work and keeping Exeter looking good. I am proud of the work that they do.”
Exeter's High Street branch of McDonald's provided workers with a lunch at the event. John Lewis also sponsored the awards.