THE man who drove Tiverton's first mechanical road sweeper in 1967 has retired.

At the age of 17, Ashley man David James started work in the former Engineering Section of the old Tiverton Borough Council in March 1962.

He began cutting hedges in the summer months and repairing roads in the winter, but soon progressed to street sweeping which, in those days, was carried out by three sweepers with barrows.

When the first mechanical sweeper was introduced in 1967, it was David who drove it — and he has driven them ever since, clocking up almost 48 years of service.

David said: "When I started, I didn't think I would stay working for the borough for more than two years, let alone until I retired.

"I have had a good lot of blokes to work with and I have really enjoyed my job."

David has seen many changes over his 48 years' services.

Today's street sweepers have heating, automatic cut-offs, power steering, effective suspension and radios – all absent from those early models.

Gary Pilling, cleansing and transport manager, said: "As well as the excellent attention to detail in keeping our streets swept and setting up his vehicle, he has always been willing to lend a hand elsewhere when needed."

David also worked as a relief refuse lorry driver, and remembers when the vehicle was parked up in the pannier market because there was insufficient room at the depot.

Mr Pilling remembered one incident where David's experience came in handy: "His knowledge of sweeping vehicles was clearly demonstrated a couple of years ago at the Waste Management Show in Torbay.

"David merely glanced at a brand new sweeper on display and informed the salesman that there was a fault on the sweeping gear.

"A rather defensive salesman disagreed, but five minutes later a number of men were under the vehicle to 'make sure' everything was as it should be. A rather embarrassed salesman bowed to David's knowledge when the fault was detected."

Before last Wednesday's (February 24) full council meeting, David's achievement was marked with a presentation, where he was given a specially-made model road-sweeping vehicle.

Chairman of the council, Cllr Frank Rosamond said: "The work you have covered over your 48 years has been much valued by your colleagues and managers.

"All speak of your reliability, dependability and commitment to the work of the council."