South Downs litter picker has truck named after him

David Sedaris litter picks in areas including Parham, Coldwaltham, Storrington and beyond

In recognition for all his fantastic work and dedication and as a token of Horsham District Council’s appreciation, the council has named one of their waste vehicles after him.

The vehicle, bedecked with its bespoke ‘Pig Pen Sedaris’ sign was officially unveiled by the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex Mrs Susan Pyper at an outdoor ceremony on July 23.

District councillor for Chantry Ward, Diana van der Klugt, said: “David Sedaris is a familiar and very welcome sight in the lanes and by-ways of this lovely part of Horsham District, as he tirelessly and painstakingly goes about gathering up the litter so thoughtlessly discarded.

“His is a wonderful example of community spirit in action. It is a great privilege and delight for Horsham District Council to be able to name one of its waste vehicles after David, as a sincere and appropriately cheerful token of their appreciation and thanks.”

Thrilled to have the vehicle named after him, David ‘Pig Pen’ Sedaris, said: “When I first moved to Horsham district three years ago I was struck by the area’s outstanding natural beauty but I was also struck by all the rubbish that people leave lying around the roads.

“I’m angry at the people who throw these things out their car windows, but I’m just as angry at the people who walk by it every day. I say pick it up yourself. Do it enough and you might one day get a garbage truck named after you. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Susan Pyper said: “The sign on this truck is a very fitting way to say a huge ‘thank you’ to David for his tireless efforts picking up our litter and making our part of West Sussex a cleaner and more pleasant place to live.

“Not many people would give up many hours of their valuable spare time clearing up after others - he is a real local hero.”

Andrew Baldwin, cabinet member for the environment said: “The district council spends around £1,000,000 a year picking up litter, cleaning our streets and open spaces and dealing with fly tipping.

“Despite the council’s best endeavours and resources you don’t need to look far to see litter.

“Britain is a dirty country, too many people have been brought up to think that dropping litter is acceptable and it isn’t.

“By launching this initiative we are supplementing what we already do.

“The council is taking a more robust approach to tackling enforcement and will prosecute individuals and firms caught littering.”

Mr Sedaris’s example has inspired Horsham District Council to launch an “Adopt-a-Street” initiative.

It wants to encourage residents to sign up to be voluntary litter pickers and for people to take pride in their neighbourhood and district.

This initiative will help build upon the already strong community spirit that we are fortunate to have in our district.

The council will be appointing a co-ordinator to encourage people to join as well as giving basic health and safety guidance and to supply volunteers with gloves, a litter pick and high-vis waistcoat.

Anyone interested in joining the scheme should contact John McArthur at [email protected].

Read an updated article about Mr Sedaris’ world following here