Town collects £3,000 for popular street cleaner, but company refuses to let him keep the money.

Paul Spiers, a 63-year-old street cleaner, was recently met with disappointment when he found out that he would not be receiving the £3,000 raised by his neighbors for his hard work. Paul has been tirelessly cleaning the roads of Beckenham, a community in south east London, since 2017. His work ethic has not gone unnoticed by the locals, who were so impressed by his efforts that they set up a GoFundMe page for him. The goal was to raise enough money for Paul to go on a dream holiday to Portugal.

Unfortunately, Paul's employer, Veolia, has confirmed that they are not able to accept any extra money or incentives outside of the agreed pay structures, due to their contract with Bromley Council. This news came as a shock to Paul's friend Lisa Knight, who had set up the fundraiser for him. In an update posted on the page, Lisa expressed her disappointment and frustration at the situation. She had hoped that the community could come together to show their appreciation for Paul's hard work, but now it seemed that he would not be able to enjoy the well-deserved holiday.

Lisa has taken up the matter with both the council and Veolia, but it seems that the decision is final. The community is outraged by the strict rules that prevent Paul from accepting any monetary gifts or incentives beyond his regular salary. Many have expressed their anger and disbelief on social media, with some suggesting that the gift could be given to Paul after he retires, so as not to conflict with Veolia's contract.

In response to the backlash, Veolia has issued a statement expressing their gratitude for the support and recognition shown by the community towards Paul. They also clarified that they were not made aware of the fundraising and were therefore unable to work together to find a solution. However, they have agreed to match the amount raised as of a certain date and donate it to a charity of Paul's choice. They have also assured that Paul will be recognized for his hard work and dedication through their internal recognition schemes.

Despite the disappointment and frustration, Paul remains a beloved member of the Beckenham community. He has been keeping the streets clean for over three years now, alongside his hardworking team. The locals are grateful for his efforts and hope that he will be able to enjoy a well-deserved break in the future. Bromley Council has confirmed that since Paul is an employee of Veolia, it is up to them to handle this matter.

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