The “unsung heroes of Exeter” – council workers who keep Exeter spick and span - have been recognised at a special awards ceremony.
The tireless efforts of 78 outdoor workers, who keep the city looking good, were acknowledged at the 45th Tidy Exeter Group Ambassador of the Year and Personality of the Year Awards.
Once again, the event was held at Exeter’s historic Guildhall.
The City Council has a team of street sweepers and cleaners who play a crucial part in keeping the city clean, rubbish free and an attractive place to live and visit.
As part of the public and green space team, they work alongside colleagues in parks and cemeteries to ensure that Exeter is a clean, safe and well maintained.
As has been the tradition for a number of years, all workers were treated to a celebration lunch thanks to McDonalds and Waitrose.
Winner of this year’s Tidy Exeter Group Ambassador of the Year was Duane Stewart for his “professionalism, willingness and commitment to delivering excellent standards in everything he does.”
Duane’s citation continues: “While predominantly working within Deep Clean (team), Duane has supported a wide range of roles across the service, always approaching tasks with a positive attitude and a willingness to help. His dedication and habit of going above and beyond make him a valued member of the team. Congratulations Duane, on this well-deserved recognition.”
Runner-Up was Shane Hayman. His citation read: “Since joining Exeter City Council in April 2023 as a Van Operative and Sweeper for Burnthouse Lane and St Loyes, Shane has been a proactive and hardworking member of our Cleansing Team.
“He consistently delivers high standards, takes pride in his work, and is always willing to support challenging tasks, including traveller camp clean-ups. His dedication has made a real difference to the communities he serves. Thank you, Shane, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.”
Highly Commended were John Marini and John Brown of the Car Parks team, recognised “for their hard work and dedication in improving our car parks cleansing service.”
All staff had to select their favourite colleague for the Personality of the Year award. This year it was awarded Paul Ellis, who only joined the team in March.
“Paul has quickly become a real asset, his citation reads. “His positive attitude, friendly nature, and willingness to help have made him a valued member of the team from day one.”
The award of Semper Fidelis, a Latin phrase that translates as ‘always loyal’, went to Paul Peters for being “someone who can always be counted on and willing to drop everything at a moment’s notice to help get a job done.”
“His commitment, loyalty, and willingness to go the extra mile embody the spirit of Semper Fidelis…,” his citation reads.
Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management, thanked all 78 workers and said: “These are the unsung heroes of Exeter and without their unswerving efforts, carried out each and every day, often in extreme weather, Exeter would definitely not be the place we all love.
“Over the past few years, despite challenging resources our sweeper teams have been invaluable, delivering key operations like the early morning sweep, burials, grass and shrub maintenance, graffiti removal and play provision.”
Cllr Williams said the dedicated workforce played a big part in tackling priorities in the City Council’s new five-year City Centre Strategy.
"Exeter's Labour-led City Council know just how important the team is in achieving appearance and cleanliness priorities for the city centre - keeping it clean seven-days a week and creating an attractive green city centre environment.
“Once again, we have received numerous letters, and emails from members of the public and councillors thanking our staff for their efforts. Thank you to everyone within these teams.”
25 months in jail for woman who smuggled Thai cannabis
Homes plan lodged for former Exeter leisure centre
A Crowdfunding campaign has launched to raise some of the funds needed to build a permanent community “village green by the sea” in Exmouth.
Fire Service issues enforcement notice for fire safety breaches at Torbay hospital
County Council backs plan to help young people build a future in Devon
Householders urged to fight fly-tipping by choosing reputable removers
Multi-million pound funding boost to Devon’s road’s
‘Frustration’ as £5million Newton Abbot market stays shut
Exeter traffic-free street row rumbles on
Devon leaders demand Government stop the money drain on Local Government Reorganisation
University of Exeter launches £175m fundraising campaign – the largest in its history
Council land transfers will help protect public spaces
Recycle Devon marks International Repair Day with free community repair event
Support events organised for businesses in Dawlish and Newton Abbot
Protest over Exeter’s ‘floating’ bus stops
Bluetongue leaves Devon farmers exhausted and facing long-term losses
