A THURROCK councillor has launched an online petition calling on the authority to protect the job of a member of staff who he describes as a 'star asset'.

Cllr Gary Byrne, who represents the Homesteads ward in Stanford-le-Hope says council restructuring threatens the livelihood of popular local street cleaner 'Patrick' and he says the authority will be missing a trick if he is not allowed to continue serving the town.

Cllr Byrne says: "I am sure many residents are aware of the tremendous work that Patrick our road cleaner does and just how hard this guy works to keep our pavements clean and tidy

"It appears that management at Thurrock Council cleaning are making life very awkward for Patrick, they want Patrick to change his working hours to suit his bosses' idea of what is needed

"Patrick at present gets a lift to work, with the changes his boss wants this would mean Patrick would have to get two buses to work and two buses to get home.

"Residents and councillors have in the past commented on Patrick's very helpful work ethic, indeed it was only a short time ago residents were outside their homes applauding his like.

"Patrick is an asset to our community and sadly he may be retiring next year. Although Patrick is agency I feel he should be encouraged to do the job in the way he has done and the way residents love to see him doing the job, the only way he knows how.

"I have set up a petition to keep our Patrick being allowed to continue serving the community. Patrick loves his job and we love him for it."

The petition, which has already got more than 200 signatures, can be found via this link.