Shropshire Star

Andrew's hot stuff at sweeping Shropshire chimneys

Becoming a chimney sweep is not a career many young people have a burning desire to follow.

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Chimney sweep Andrew Roberts, of Dudleston Heath, runs his own successful business

But when Andrew Roberts found it difficult to find a chimney sweep for his own house in Dudleston Heath near Ellesmere he decided to set up his own business. Now the 24-year-old runs his own successful company.

He says he took up the very traditional career, made famous by Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, with invaluable help from The Prince's Trust, who supported him with training and setting up Rods and Brushes.

Mr Roberts had tried several jobs after leaving Lakelands Secondary School in Ellesmere.

Then he struggled to find a chimney sweep to clean his chimney last winter.

"There was a waiting time of weeks and the sweep wanted a ridiculous fee for just 20 minutes," he said. "So I looked into the profession and contacted The Prince's Trust.

"The trust has been amazing with not only a loan to help with training and with purchasing the tools of the trade but just as importantly with help and advice.

"I love what I am doing now, it's brilliant. Every day is different, I am meeting so many people and each fireplace, chimney and log burner is different."

Both Shropshire and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have had to deal with chimney fires in recent days.

Mr Roberts said that as well as traditional incidents there were now more chimney fires involving log burners.

"They are very popular these days but really do need a chimney liner to ensure that fire and debris does not fall back into the chimney and start a blaze," he added.

As an aside to his main business Mr Roberts is also available to hire as a Victorian chimney sweep to bring good luck at weddings.

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