RESIDENTS have launched a campaign to save the job of a man who has become their Street Scene hero.

People living in Cockerton, Darlington, have gained over 150 signatures since they started a petition last week to save Bobby Lamb’s job as a street cleaner with Darlington Borough Council.

Phyllis Hewitt, who is spearheading the campaign, said Mr Lamb is a big part of the community and had been keeping the village clean for more than 11 years.

She said villagers are devastated that he is facing redundancy.

“Nothing is too much trouble for him. This place will be a mess if he goes,’’ she said.

Fellow resident Lily Gowling said petitions had been put in the local newsagents and the village café and people were happy to sign.

Darlington Borough Council said it could not comment on individual cases but reductions in funding from central Government meant it had to cut £10m from its budget.

A spokesperson said: “The financial situation means there will be changes to services, which include reduced levels of street cleaning, and regrettably this does mean there will be job losses.”