Agent’s big-hearted gesture thwarted by rubbish company
Lisa Knight of John D Wood helped raise £2,800 for dream holiday for street cleaner Paul Spiers but was thwarted when his employer Veolia said he couldn't take the money.
John D Wood & Co’s Beckenham branch manager Lisa Knight has helped raise over £2,800 for popular local street cleaner Paul Spiers to go on his dream holiday to Portugal.
His employers Veolia however have blocked the payment, saying it would breach its contract.
The initially heart-warming story started when Knight befriended Spiers through a shared love of Elvis Presley.
When she heard he had only been abroad once and was saving for a holiday to celebrate his 63rd birthday Knight set up a fundraising page for him on gofundme.
Adored
Spiers is a well-known local figure who has been cleaning Beckenham’s streets since 2017 and according to Knight’s post on gofundme: “As an integral part of our Beckenham village, Paul is adored by all.
So much so says Knight that the funding: “Took off beyond what I ever thought it would.”
But to the outrage of the local community Spiers’ employer Veolia has told him he cannot accept the money as it would breach Veolia’s contract with Bromley Council.
Knight is refusing to give up. Whilst thanking everyone for their donations, she added: ‘We have expressed our disappointment to both the council and Veolia and intend to continue to push on this.” She is branch manager at John D Wood & Co. Beckenham, one of then branches the company operates across London, along with four overseas.
When The Neg approached John D Wood & Co HQ for comment they said it was not a company matter but a personal one.
Picture: John D Wood & Co
