One of my first experiences as the incoming chief executive was to spend a happy few hours ‘on the dust' with our refuse collection team.

I was kept thoroughly entertained by one slightly ageing operative (think Compo from Last of the Summer Wine) who had many an anecdote about the encounters to be had when out and about in the very early hours. I was struck by the knowledge he and his colleagues had of the area and individual properties as well as being impressed by their strength and stamina. This is not an easy job.