Street cleaning legend Ricky Mountjoy retires after 53 years of dedicated service
After over half a century of keeping the streets clean, Vale of Glamorgan Council stalwart Ricky Mountjoy is hanging up his broom for the final time as he begins his well-deserved retirement.
Ricky, who was the Council’s longest-serving employee by just eight months, recently celebrated his 73rd birthday and brings to an end a remarkable career that began on 19 April 1972.
In 1972, a pint of milk cost around five pence and the Ford Cortina was one of the most popular cars on the road. That same year, Ricky Mountjoy took his first steps into public service as part of a local street cleaning team - a role he would continue in for over five decades.
Following local government reorganisation, Ricky worked under Penarth Town Council from 1974 and then for the Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council until 1996 when the current Vale of Glamorgan Council when it became a unitary authority.
Speaking of his time in the role, Ricky said: “I have really enjoyed doing this job, in this area of Penarth for all these years. I’ve loved working for the Council and will miss it tremendously but now, it’s time for me to retire.”
Throughout his years of dedicated service, Ricky was a deeply-valued member of the community in Penarth, and in 2017, Ricky was presented with the Outstanding Citizen Award by Penarth Town Council in recognition of his positive contribution to life in the town.
Colin Smith, Head of Neighbourhood Services, said: “Ricky has been an outstanding, model employee dedicated to the town of Penarth.
“Up until his retirement, Ricky has kept Cornerswell Road and Stanwell Road shopping centres and surrounding areas, clean and tidy ensuring they are maintained and presented to the highest of standard. Ricky will be sincerely missed by all his colleagues, and we wish him all the very best for a well-deserved retirement.”
Cllr Mark Wilson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: “Ricky’s contribution to the Penarth community cannot be overstated, his dedication and service has been exemplary, and is deeply valued by all who have come to know him as he worked hard to keep Penarth tidy each day.”