ROAD sweeping stalwart Bobby Spinks was today due to retire after more than four decades cleaning the same streets in Ipswich - and only missing one day of work.

ROAD sweeping stalwart Bobby Spinks was today due to retire after more than four decades cleaning the same streets in Ipswich - and only missing one day of work.

Mr Spinks is hanging up his cleaning gear after nearly 45 years in the job.

He started with the town's cleaning team on December 12 1963.

His patch includes Crown Street, part of Norwich Road, Barrack Corner, High Sreet, Argyle Street, Bolton Lane and St Helen's Street.

He works from 6am to 2pm Monday to Saturday, and at one point worked seven days a week.

His duties also include at 6am daily walk with the mechanical sweeper through town centre, making sure nothing missed.

Mr Spinks' father Charlie cleaned the same streets before his son, looking after the patch for 20 years and retiring at 70.

Mr Spinks, of Pickwick Road, off Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, said: “I've always done the job with a smile as that's the best way. My dad was the same. It means lots of people come and talk to me.”

Boss Danny Cooch, cleansing supervisor, used to live in nearby Finchley Road and remembers Mr Spinks road sweeping when he was a child.

He said: “We will miss his reliability, sense of humour and high standards of work. Everyone in the department has the utmost respect for him and we are having a leaving party for him on Friday.

“He has only had one day off sick, that was in 2006 and even then we had to make him go home.”

Before turning 20 years old and starting working with Ipswich Borough Council, Mr Spinks worked as a general labourer at Gables wood yard, Suffolk Road, and a yard's man at Wilsons hardware store, Upper Orwell Street.

Mr Spinks, 65, said he wants to spend his retirement decorating his home, and enjoying his garden.

He said: “I won't get another job, it's time to relax now.”

Colleague Brian Theobold, town centre charge hand, said: “He's been a pleasure to work with.

“You might come into work feeling down but after ten minutes with Bobby you're smiling.”

Bobby Spinks started working in Ipswich as a road sweeper.

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