Unsung hero’s stolen tools are now replaced
A man who voluntarily tidies the verges of the A85 near Oban has had his work tools stolen by thieves.
However, after being approached by The Oban Times, Highland Fasteners has offered to donate whatever tools Stephen Jones needs to continue his good work.
The ‘unsung hero’ is a familiar sight for motorists driving on the busy trunk road into Oban and many have taken to social media to thank the mystery ‘brilliant guy’ who makes the verges and pavements ‘as clean as a whistle’ in ‘all weathers’.
‘I saw him with at least 10 bin liners full of rubbish piled one day. Hats off to the man,’ one local observed. ‘He works harder than most paid people do,’ another posted, while others said this ‘absolute star’ should be recognised with a medal and even equipped by a crowdfunding site.
However, last month Police Scotland reported the theft of Mr Jones’s pickaxe, shovel, brush and bucket, some time between October 23 and 25 on the verge of the A85 near Connel.
Sergeant Iain MacNicol said: ‘A member of the public uses these tools to voluntarily maintain and tidy the road verges. Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for any witnesses to call 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555111.’
Mr Jones brushed the incident off with a joke and said he would begin saving for new tools, hopefully to start again in the spring, if his back improves. He told The Oban Times: ‘Who would want to nick a pick and shovel, eh?’
Alastair Stevenson of Highland Fasteners said: ‘I just thought it was a good thing he does. He does a good job on that stretch.
‘It’s terrible that someone has stolen his tools.
‘They must know what he does with them.’
Mr Stevenson added: ‘I have a litter picker and some gloves and if he wants anything else, I will give him it.’
‘It would be very gracious of them to give a replacement set of tools,’ Mr Jones said.