Hammersmith and Fulham street cleaner wins global award after residents mount campaign of praise

Winston Barrett, a Serco street cleaner in Hammersmith and Fulham, has been recognised by Serco with a global award after the company received a flood of nearly 40 letters from local residents commending him for the joyful and conscientious way he goes about his work.

“He’s much more than a road sweeper, he spreads sunshine and cheerfulness,” read one letter from a local resident.

Winston, 53 years old, has been cleaning the Eel Brook Common and Fulham Football Club area for six years. Through the enthusiasm and dedication he brings to his work, Winston has significantly improved the cleanliness of the area and at the same become a hugely popular figure in the local community.

As soon it became known that Winston could be nominated for an award, local residents decided to mount a letter writing campaign and praise for Winston began to pour into Serco from across the areas he cleans.

Tom Carter, Serco Operations Manager for Hammersmith & Fulham, said: “Winston’s personality is infectious and he puts a smile on the face of everyone he meets. The work he does isn’t glamorous but it makes a huge difference to local residents, so I’m really pleased to see him get the recognition he deserves.”

Winston received his award from Serco Chief Executive Rupert Soames this month at an event in Birmingham marking the company’s UK winners of its Global Pulse Awards. The awards celebrate employees from among Serco’s 50,000 strong team around the world who have done extraordinary things for their colleagues, customers or communities.

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