May the Fourth be with you say Mansfield bin men who have been storming their rounds

Mansfield District Council refuse collectors took on the epic challenge storming the streets to cheer up residents during lock down.

The first to dress as a Stormtrooper was Barry Snowdon, a street cleansing operative redeployed to support bin crews to keep essential waste and recycling collections going during the COVID-19 crisis.

Barry has worked at the council for 15 years and is known in the community, especially in Warsop. He dresses up as Father Christmas every year.

He won a local hero award in 2008 and a national Council Worker of the Year award in 2009 after twice coming to the aid of the public. He caught a handbag thief and put out a fire on a vehicle carrying gas canisters parked by a petrol station.

Barry Snowdon was also Spiderman, Jay Kolesniak, was Batman, Ben Crossland, Mr Saucy /also Spiderman, Philip Holland, Kermit, Ash Court, Kylo Ren, Danny Oscroft, Spiderman 2, Nathan Wells, Stormtrooper 2 and Lee Barker, Leprechaun.

Barry, 52 said: “It’s our way of giving back after the overwhelming response we’ve had from the public over the past few weeks. We had such a lovely reaction from people when they spotted a Stormtrooper emptying their bin!

“We’re pleased we’ve been able to raise a smile or a wave, particularly off children, at this difficult time. Thank you to everyone who has left notes, treats, thank you cards and drawings on their bins. It’s a boost for crews to know their hard work is appreciated.”

Barry chose to dress as a Stormtrooper because he wanted something that children could relate to but it needed a costume that wouldn’t get in the way.

It was a “little warm “wearing the costume in the sunshine but he said it was worth it for the reaction!

A council spokesperson said: “Thank you very much to our bin crews for continuing to do an amazing job and thank you to our residents for your support.”