82 Dartmouth at work


It’s a public sport often to grumble about the Council... But there are many hard working employees of either the District or County Council that make a big difference locally. Interviews by Steph Woolvin


Alan White Mobile Locality Officer - South Hams Council


“You have a rough idea of what you might be doing each week but things can change at any moment. “


parking. When people see me driving past in my van they often think I’m a parking inspector and move off quickly - I hardly ever have trouble finding a space!


What is the worst job that pops up on your iPad?


Fly-tipping certainly has its disadvantages. We have to rummage through the black bags to find any evidence of who it belongs to so we can prosecute them. You can find dirty nappies, rotting food - all sorts. But it is very satisfy- ing when you discover something that links the waste to the culprit. It makes me feel a bit like Sherlock Holmes!


How long have you worked for the council?


In this role, about a year but I used to work on the grounds maintenance team. And before that?


What is a mobile locality officer?


We are the eyes and ears of the council - always out and about in our vans armed with our iPads. We deal with anything that pops up on screen. It could be putting up planning notices, dealing with fly-tipping, taking meter readings, water quality testing, reporting abandoned vehicles or giving out fines for dog fouling.


Do you enjoy the job?


Yes - it really is so varied. You have a rough idea of what you might be doing each week but things can change at any moment. I don’t just work in Dartmouth; I also cover Ashprington, Stoke Gabriel, Harberton and Dittisham, so I’m always travelling.


What’s the best part?


Exploring. The planning notices could be anywhere some- one is having work done, so I’m always discovering hidden lanes and new views. A new part of my job is testing the water quality around shellfish beds in the River Dart. I love walking through the quiet forests to get to the correct part of the water’s edge. Another perk of the job is easy


I started my working life as a builder. My first council post was in Wales as a gravedigger. The job came with a four-bedroom house on site. My children loved it, they had lots of outdoor space to play and the neighbours were very quiet! It was great for Halloween too – we used to go for a midnight walk!


What do you do in your spare time?


I have four children so they take up a lot of my time. I play rugby and am pleased to say I have got my youngest three into the game. I live in Totnes and play for the town team. I also play darts every Thursday. It’s not too serious and I’m not brilliant, it’s more about the patter and the pints! We play other pub teams around the town.


Where do you like to eat out in the area?


I do enjoy taking the family to the Anchorstone Cafe in Dittisham, especially on a sunny day. I also like the odd drink in the Seale Arms.


What is on your Christmas list? A bit of peace and quiet……not easy with four children!


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140