Friends and work mates get ready for retirement
TWO best friends who grew up on the same street and have worked for Welsh Water cleaning our sewers for more than 40 years are set to retire.
Mike Thomas and Neil Robinson, both 58, grew up on Glasfryn in Dafen, Llanelli, and have lived opposite each other for all of their lives.
They often watched darts together, took their greyhounds for walks and even attended Dafen primary school together. Although they went to different secondary schools, they say their relationship only grew stronger.
The men started working for Welsh Water during the same week and say they have never looked back.
“We had a great childhood together. We were best friends and played games like bulldog and also played football together,” Neil said.
“The first day we both started, we were outside the office, one of the bosses said I’ve got the perfect job for you today, if you can last one day with the smell, you’ll be there for life.
“The kind of jobs we have been doing is clearing blockages. I’ve lived opposite Mike all my life and we hung out as kids often. People have also noticed us in public while out shopping and thanked us for the work we have done at their homes.
“I’d be waiting for him the minute we got home from school and after that, we’d be out all evening.”
Mike, who is married with two kids, says he looks back on his 41-year career with a smile and has loved every moment.
In recent years, there has been an increase in people disposing cotton buds and food waste down their toilets, causing blocked sewers. Welsh Water say this costs more than £7m pounds a year to clear.
Mike said: “Over my career, we have found weird things in the sewers. We have found mobile phones, leather coats and even adult sex toys!
“Recently, the problems are getting worse as people are flushing cotton buds, nappies and sanitary items, and oil and grease from cooking.
“This makes our job extremely tough and it can take hours to clean. But, I have loved every moment of my job and look back with a smile, I wouldn’t change any of it.”
Despite a career lasting more than 40 years, Neil says time has flown by.
He added: “It’s gone quick to be honest. He’s carried me a bit, I think. He’s got the brains. What I’ll miss when I do retire would be the satisfaction I get out of the job. Meeting customers, going to different places and the people I work with.”
Mike now has plans of buying a caravan when he retires, while Neil says he is going to buy another greyhound, a reminder of his childhood.