The MP for Beckenham and Penge has called on Bromley Council to allow a local street cleaner to accept a holiday to Portugal donated to him by the community through a fundraiser.

Paul Spiers has dedicated years to keeping Beckenham’s streets spotless, all while brightening the neighbourhood with his cheerful demeanour, lively music from his portable speaker, and exceptional street-cleaning skills.

The superstar recently became the focus of a fundraiser after residents and local businesses came together to fund his long-awaited return to Portugal for his birthday.

The campaign, which has now raised more than £3,000, highlighted how highly Spiers is valued in the community.

However, according to a letter addressed to Bromley Council from Beckenham and Penge MP Liam Conlon, contractor Veolia informed Paul that he cannot accept the gift due to contractual obligations with the council.

In a letter to Councillor Colin Smith, Conlon emphasized the need for a "common-sense approach" that would uphold the council's ethical standards while allowing Spiers to enjoy the holiday that the community has generously provided.

Liam Conlon wrote: “You may have seen the recent media reports about community street cleaner Paul Spiers, and the holiday that Beckenham residents have crowdfunded to help him pay for.

“Paul has worked for Bromley Council through a contractor for years, keeping our streets clean and ensuring Beckenham is a great place to live.

“It is a sign of how highly Paul's hard work is valued by residents and local businesses that so many people have generously contributed to the fundraising effort.

“Like many, however, I am very disappointed to learn that the contractor, Veolia, has told Paul he cannot accept this gift due to conditions in its contract with Bromley Council.”

A spokesperson for Veolia said it has "agreed" with Paul that it will match the amount raised as of Friday, August 9, to be donated to a "charity of his choice". 

The spokesperson added: "Unfortunately on this occasion, we were not made aware of the fundraising and were therefore unable to work together to find the most appropriate way to recognise Paul.

"Our contract with Bromley Council does not permit our staff to accept any monies or incentives outside of agreed pay structures."

Beckenham MP Liam Conlon said it is “only fair” that the Beckenham residents Paul continues to serve with such dedication over the years can “thank him for his hard work".

In the letter, he added: “I would therefore like to ask what action can be taken by Bromley Council to ensure Paul is able to accept this generous gift that so many have contributed to.

“I hope you will be able to take a common-sense approach: to find a solution which both maintains the council's high ethical standards, whilst allowing Paul to enjoy the holiday we all want him to have.”

A Veolia spokesperson said: "We are truly grateful for the support and recognition shown by the community to Paul, who alongside a hardworking street cleansing team, does a fantastic job keeping Bromley's streets clean.

"We are always happy to hear from members of the public who want to recognise our teams.

"Unfortunately on this occasion, we were not made aware of the fundraising and were therefore unable to work together to find the most appropriate way to recognise Paul.

"Our contract with Bromley Council does not permit our staff to accept any monies or incentives outside of agreed pay structures.

"We have agreed with Paul that we will match the amount raised as of Friday 9th August to be donated to a charity of his choice. 

"Veolia has a number of recognition schemes across the UK that reward our colleagues for exceptional services to the community and Paul will be the recipient of Bromley’s Employee of the Quarter - an internal financial reward to recognise his hard work and dedication."

The News Shopper has contacted Bromley Council for a comment.