A MEMORIAL to a Watchet unsung hero was unveiled at the weekend by family and friends of the late Nigel Bridger.

Mr Bridger, who died suddenly in February, was recognised as a ‘hard-working and conscientious’ street cleaner.

An online fund-raising appeal saw £1,000 given by local people to help pay for a memorial in a shelter on the Esplanade, where Mr Bridger liked to take his lunch.

Mr Bridger’s widow Verity and his step-son Nigel Bremner attended a short ceremony on Saturday (April 5) with friends Don Jones and Elizabeth Fletcher, idverde work colleague Scotty Duffy, and Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor.

Cllr Whetlor said: “Watchet Town Council were pleased to be able to support the idea of a memorial for Nigel, and helped to secure approval from Somerset Council, owners of the shelter, to install within the shelter where Nigel enjoyed his breaks.

“Nigel went far above the job he was paid to do.

“I was honoured to be asked to attend and say a few words.

The memorial to late Watchet street cleaner Nigel Bridger. PHOTO: Terry Walker.
The memorial to late Watchet street cleaner Nigel Bridger. PHOTO: Terry Walker. ( )

“The town council and the people of Watchet owe a debt of gratitude to Nigel for his conscientious work and he is sorely missed.

“The best tribute we as a town can make to him would be for each of us to pick up a piece of litter when we see it and place it in the bin.

“In this way, we will be honouring his memory.”

Mr Jones said: “It was appreciated by the family. So it is now in pride of place on the Esplanade for all to see and to remind them of a wonderful man.

“May he never be forgotten.”

He thanked Linda Bulpin for organising fund-raising, Elizabeth Fletcher for her photograph of Mr Fletcher, Tracy Clark, from Albert’s Ardware, for suggesting the shelter, and town clerk Jo Grellier for her support.