A Good Man, Doing a Good Job

This Chap, I have watched working for the last month or so in Ayr Town Centre.

His company is Portland Janitorial Services , and as part of the "Ayr Regeneration Programme" and the general overall improvement of the look of Ayr, his company are clearing the gum from the pavements.

Just take a look, when you walk along the street, just how much there is stuck to the pavement. How many times have you stood in a soggy piece, and stretched it out along and then it's stuck to you tights? There are hundreds of pieces.

The first day I spotted them doing this, I looked on the side of the road they hadn't started, it was covered. There had to be at least one piece per 2 inch square. Why do people do this?

The difference they are making to the community is amazing. They are working systematically street, by street and the improvement is immense. I stopped and said what a fantastic job they were doing - I had just walked down a little pedestrian street they were almost complete with. Next day I thought, I have to ask them how they do this.

They use Steam on the gum, and if it isn't moving they press a chemical release. The continued steam on it, combined with the chemical completely disintegrates the gum. Nothing to sweep up, to mess going all over the pavments. It is truely amazing.

As a communty service these chaps, for their persistent and controlled approach to this task should be awarded a medal!

Additionally, I was very rude, and should have asked this very pleasant and charming chap his name, but I forgot.... It's quite a challenge asking someone if you can take of photo of them!