Ryde litter picker praised for 40 years of community work

If certain parts of Ryde always look particularly free of litter, then that’s thanks to a man who suffers from Aspergers, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dyspraxia Disorder.

Noel Hillier, 55, first started litter and community work around 40 years ago and, as the years have moved on, become more and more busy saying that it’s ‘practically eight days a week’.

Noel explained: “I started in Bournemouth when I lived there looking after my sick father beginning with a lot of cleaning and tidying up outside the back of the local shops.

“After my father sadly passed away, I came back to the Island and decided to carry on. At first, I jogged extensively around Ryde, Nettlestone, Seaview, then back into Ryde picking up the litter as I went, which was also a good workout.

“But I then got myself a proper ‘grabber’ and bag and started collecting around my area, before progressing to the town and various different car-parks.

“I also tackle Oakfield High Street and the School Street estate which is a very challenging area to keep tidy.”

Noel has received a ‘Community Champion Award’ and a thank you letter from the town Mayor for his efforts and added: ” It now has grown into a very busy job as I have increased my days collecting and it sometimes feels I’m doing eight days a week!

“But it’s extremely rewarding. So many people have come up to me by saying that I’m doing a great job for Ryde and its wider community. I’d told how clean the town and the many areas I concentrate on, are looking.”

And he keeps an eye out at other parts of the area saying: “I lots of emails to Island Roads concerning fly-tipping and many other antisocial behaviour issues, which are problematic around various spots in the town and this has also been of benefit to the area.”

In any spare time, Noel helps and supports brother Dale, who runs the Veterans Pub, Veterans Hub and Veterans Craft Lounge in the town. Noel added: “I have overcome many difficulties in my life and I am now turning them into many positive actions, which benefits both myself and others.”