80-year-old worker picks her time to stop
LONG-SERVING litter picker Marian Cross has hung up her high-vis jacket for the last time after 25 years of keeping the streets clean in Sapcote.
The active 80-year-old was in her mid-50s when she was appointed to the paid position of “village monitor” by Sapcote Parish Council back in 1972.
With T Rex’s Metal Guru at the top of the pops and the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main Street the number one charting album, Mrs Cross began a one-month trial period that extended into a quarter-of-acentury of dedicated service.
Taking to the streets in all weathers, wearing her distinctive fluorescent yellow jacket and armed with picking sticks and black bin bags, she would make daily forays in a bid to keep the village pristine.
Mrs Cross said: “I have quite enjoyed doing it.
“It’s got me out, kept me mobile - not just sitting glued to the TV - earned me a little bit of pocket money and kept the village tidy.
“I used to go all over the village - not just the centre but all the side roads and little jitties.
“Now there are two big new estates and another being built.”
But she says the amount of litter being dropped these days isn’t as bad as when she started.
“I used to collect two black bags a day when I started. Now it’s normally one.
“I find it so frustrating when people throw their litter down. Bottles, cans, still half full sometimes, it’s a waste.”
Clerk to Sapcote Parish Council Mike Guntrip has been among many to praise Mrs Cross for her contribution to the community.
He said: “She has been an excellent worker, a first-class employee and has done a really good job over many years.”
Parish councillors presented her with flowers, chocolates and a cheque for her to treat herself to something special when they officially accepted her resignation at a meeting in December.
Mrs Cross said she would also like to keep a litter picker as a “souvenir”.
An advert for the job vacancy, based on working 10 hours a week, is due to be posted on Sapcote Parish Council website in March.
Anyone interested in applying is invited to contact Mr Guntrip, using the information online, to find out more.