Dad And Son Binmen With 50 Years' Experience

It’s a family affair for dad, Michael Briant, and his son, Paul, making sure Chichester District’s bins are emptied.

Michael, who is known to colleagues as Bill, has worked in the cleansing team at Chichester District Council for the past 35 years.

His son Paul followed him into the same profession and has already clocked up 15 years in the job.

Bill, 62, who works from the council’s depot at Westhampnett, says:

“This job has suited me down to the ground as I’m a very ‘outdoorsy’ sort of person. I enjoy being outside whatever the weather.

"The early morning starts have never bothered me."

He was recently presented with his 35-year service certificate from the council.

Bill started working as a loader in 1976, when he was in his early 20s. He says the job has changed a lot since he started. One of the biggest changes was the introduction of wheeled bins.

However, he says:

“I’ve no plans to retire yet, so people will see me around the district doing this job for a few more years yet!”

The father and son work on different rounds but Paul says they always wave if they pass each other while out working in the district. He says:

“Me and dad are very similar. Mum likes the fact that we both do the same job, but she says that we only talk about work when we’re together!”

Councillor John Connor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, says:

“Our refuse crews really are some of the unsung heroes at the council.

"They go out in all weathers and work every bank holiday to make sure everyone’s bins are cleared.

“We have the latest technology in each refuse truck that allows drivers to log if they cannot collect a bin, and the reason why.

"This information is picked up by our customer service staff who immediately deal with any customer queries.

"Our refuse crews do a fantastic job making sure our district is clean and tidy.”