Alan makes clean sweep of Newport footpaths

Mr Halldearn says he is clearing up the streets around his home in Newport to stop elderly residents from slipping over. Councillors say the former Staffordshire County Council worker is a local hero.

Mr Halldearn, of Sandiford Crescent, has filled his wheelie bin an incredible 20 times with leaves that have fallen around his home.

He said he decided to sweep them up after witnessing elderly residents fall last year.

He said: "When the leaves first fall and the frost comes they can be more slippery than ice and snow.

"Last year I saw some old people fall over and it was very upsetting to see. So this year I thought I would do something about it and sweep them up.

"I have been retired for four years and I get bored very easily so I thought it was a good thing to do.

"It gets me out of the house and I'm helping the community.

"It's also keeping me fit and is a lot cheaper than joining a gym.

"I sweep up all the streets around here and around the trees on the green. It gets your heart beating and your blood moving which makes me feel better."

Mr Halldearn said he plans to continue sweeping leaves but is on the lookout for a skip to put them in.

He said: "I've filled my wheelie bin 20 times so far. But it gets so heavy that it's started to crack.

"I take it down to the Newport Canal and spread the leaves in waste ground. You can't even tell I've been there.

"But it would be great if I had a skip to put them all in, that would be a huge help."

Councillor Roy Scammell lives in Snows Court which is one of the streets Mr Halldearn sweeps.

He said: "Mr Halldearn is a local hero. As well as sweeping along the pavement he has even swept my porch and all the other porches of people who live here.

"He is a lovely guy who is really community-spirited. I think it's wonderful that at 69 years old he is still out there helping people. I wish there was more like him."

By Joseph Masi