AFTER spending 47 years looking after Southampton city centre, a cleaner has finally decided to retire. 

John Hall first started working at the city council on February 19, 1975, when a pint of beer was "28p and a litre of petrol was 16p". 

The Swathling resident followed in the footsteps of his father, who drove dust carts for the local authority.

He was 17 when he got his first job as a tea boy and litter picker at Westwood tip, followed by household bin collections. 

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Daily Echo: John David Hall has worked with SCC for over 47 years John David Hall has worked with SCC for over 47 years (Image: Newsquest)

Then, in 1984, he found what he enjoyed: being part of the citywide bin run team, which cleared subways and car parks.

The 65-year-old has lived and breathed the city. He told the Daily Echo how over the years Southampton has changed. 

John said: "It used to be a lot more hard work. 

"In those days, we didn't have machines and had to carry heavy bins on our backs. 

"And obviously we didn't have the shopping centre (Westquay) back then, so there weren't many people. 

"The city still used to be busy, but not quite as now." 

READ MORE: How Southampton has changed in the past decade

Daily Echo: John with his friends and colleagues John with his friends and colleagues (Image: Newsquest)

Whether it was freezing winters or intense heat waves, John says he barely missed a day of work. 

He added: "A job is a job. I had to bring in money at the end of the day and pay my bills. 

"But, I have loved meeting people and made many friends." 

He was recently nominated for an employee award by a member of the public, who wrote: "I travel to work every day via the High Street, and come rain or shine, this gentleman always says good morning to me and appears happy in his work.

"He has to deal with a lot of rubbish left behind by partying people, but he does so with happiness and shares his positive nature with those around him.

"He makes me feel positive about the world and sets my morning up.

"I will miss him if he’s not there."

Daily Echo: John was given a box of chocolates by a member of the public John was given a box of chocolates by a member of the public (Image: Newsquest)

John's last day of work was on Saturday with his friends and colleagues all wishing him a long and happy retirement.

And what’s next for him after retiring?

He smiled and said: "I am looking forward to taking care of my health and going on walks with my dog." 

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