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City Council worker sweeps to victory at community award ceremony

An Aberdeen City Council worker who has helped keep the streets clean for almost four decades will sweep to victory at an awards ceremony tonight [28 October].

Norman Gerrard (59) was nominated for the Spirit of the Community prize by residents in Garthdee for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Norman, an environmental operative, joined the local authority in 1974 and worked from various depots across the city. For the past six years, he has been responsible for keeping the roads and parks of Garthdee free from rubbish. His job includes street sweeping, litter collecting and emptying bins. Norman also goes that extra mile for people to ensure they live in a clean environment.

He said: “As well as my day to day duties I like to do what I can when people come to me with particular litter problems or concerns. It is extremely pleasing to know I provide a service that is so highly valued by the people of Garthdee. This award is the icing on the cake and it is a real honour to be recognised in this way.”

Environment Manager at Aberdeen City Council, Steven Shaw added: “Norman is an extremely committed and dedicated member of our team and this award only strengthens that view. He thoroughly deserves this award and I’m sure the residents he helps on a daily basis will agree.”

Norman will join other Garthdee local heroes at the Inchgarth Community Centre from tonight when the accolades will be handed out.

Community centre chairman and manager Paul O Connor said: “Norman was nominated by numerous local people to receive a spirit of the community award for 2011 based on his long service and commitment to the job and our community.

“Norman goes that extra mile, looking after the community in often tough and challenging conditions and covers an area that is large and often difficult. He has a tough job but does it to the best of his ability, is valued and respected by the community and goes out of his way to help.”

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