Locals are calling on a council to invite a popular construction worker to officially open the Gedling Access Road (GAR) next week.
Paul Southward has become a big hit with people in Gedling after being given responsibility for making sure they can safely cross the GAR construction site over the past two years.
He opens the gate allowing people to safely cross the construction site from Lambley Lane park into Gedling Country Park.
Paul was today presented with a photo and a printout of kind comments posted on social media from local people who have praised him for being ‘a true gentleman’.
His last shift at the crossing will be on Friday and a family member said the news had ‘upset him’.
David Colyer was the photographer who carried out today’s presentation and praised Paul’s efforts.
He said: “For the past two years Paul has ensured our safe passage across the road construction site onto Gedling Country Park.
“Last week I took a picture of Paul and posted it on social media and the response was very positive.
“Today I gave Paul a framed photo and a printout of the likes and comments.
“He tells me that he is an agency worker and does not know if he is working next week.
“He has not even been invited to the grand opening and I think he should be the one to open the new road.”
Others were quick to agree on social media.
Imogen Burgess wrote: “He’s always there with a friendly greeting and smile! He’s great!”
Peter Davies said: “Paul is my choice to open the road. Forget the ‘celebrities ‘”
Andrea Palmer posted: “I saw him today, friendly and helpful as usual. It would be fantastic if he could open the road.”
Gedling Eye has contacted Nottinghamshire County Council for a response.
Do you want Paul to open the new road? Show your support in the comments below.
What a great guy! Always friendly whatever the weather and always has a treat for my dog. She is going to miss him!
Absolutely support this! The face of Gedling’s lockdown for me!
Yes he definately needs to be recognised much more and given the chance to open the road .
Definitely. He is such a lovely man. I am going to miss our daily chats.
Definitely Paul to open the road! He’s been there for us all the last 2 years, come rain or shine. Always a friendly face
Yes! Paul is exactly the right person to open the new road. He’s been owning and shutting it gift two years!
Yes, he should be the one who opens the GAR. He is always have the smile in his face. Such a happy chappy..
I think it would be a great idea to get Paul to do the official opening next week. He has been such a lovely polite gent, amiable whatever the weather.
Yes, Paul is the obvious choice to open the new road!
A true sentiment of community and good spirit!
I agree he should have recognition and open the road. He’s brought sunshine to the community for the last two years. Good luck Paul x
Wonderful community spirit!
Open the road? Paul for PM I say!
How could there be a more appropriate person to declare the road open? A true gent and a pleasure to talk with when walking my dog. He will be missed by many.
Always happy best choice to open the road he should be there he has so many fans 2 legged and 4 listen to his fans
Ideal person to do the opening!
Please involve him, at least, amongst the bigwig speeches etc.
Excellent plan. He should definitely be the one to ooen the road.
Excellent plan. He should definitely be the one to open the road.
YES! He’s amazing, so kind, so happy, whatever the weather.
Such a genuine, kind and helpful man.
Totally support and whichever civic is lined up to do the opening will gain massive brownie points if they take a back seat and let this man open the road or at the very least invite him to the ceremony.
Yes, absolutely, Paul should definitely open the road.
Obvious Choice lol
ask him what his nick name is.