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South London street sweeper 'wins' holiday competition after bosses banned him from accepting trip donations

A Beckenham street sweeper has “won” a competition for a free holiday to Portugal after being told by his bosses he could not accept money raised by locals for him to travel abroad.

Hundreds of Bromley residents chipped in to send Paul Spiers, 63, on a summer break as a thank you for his hard work, only for his employer Veolia to say he was not allowed to accept the gift.

Bosses at the waste company said its contract with Bromley council “does not permit our staff to accept any monies or incentives outside of agreed pay structures”. The firm said it would match the more than £3,000 in donations and give the cash to charity.

The move prompted outrage from residents and local MP Liam Conlon even stepped in to ask Veolia and the council to rethink the rule.

On Tuesday morning online travel agent On The Beach vowed to send the street sweeper abroad.

The company said Elvis fan Mr Spiers had won a trip to Portugal in its competition, meaning he would not have to turn down the holiday because it is not a gift.

Its prize giveaway stated that to win you must be between the ages of 62 and 64, love Elvis, have a surname of Spiers, be a street cleaner in Beckenham and be loved by your local community.

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach said: “Congratulations Paul. Who would have thought that just a day after he was denied a holiday, he would win one in a competition. What are the odds?

We’re all for the fundraised money going to charity, but everyone deserves a holiday, it’s one of those moments that we dream of all year round.

“We know how much Paul dreamed of going to Portugal again and so for him to win the competition is fantastic.”

Lisa Knight set up the fundraiser to help pay for the holiday for Mr Spiers, who has only been abroad once in his life.

She said: “Paul has been our dedicated Beckenham road sweeper since 2017, bringing joy to local residents and keeping our streets immaculate...His habit of playing music from his speaker while meticulously cleaning our streets lifts everyone's spirits with his positive presence.”

But after the money rolled in she has to tell donors: “Paul is unable to accept the donations due to restrictions set by his employer, Veolia, in accordance with their contract with Bromley council”.

Veolia said it would match the amount of money raised and donate it to a charity nominated by Mr Spiers.

“Paul will be the recipient of Bromley’s employee of the quarter – an internal financial reward to recognise his hard work and dedication,” a spokesperson said.