Hundreds of people in Hampton are demanding a beloved road sweeper be returned after he was moved across the borough.

Terry Walkington has been called an "amazing road sweeper" but was "taken away" from Hampton and allegedly moved to Ham, also in the borough of Richmond.

Resident Petra Sale started a Change.org petition that now has 212 signatures to bring Terry back to Hampton.

She claims Terry now needs to take two buses to work daily, is upset and wants to come home to Hampton.

Petra said: "So it seems that Terry Walkington, our amazing road sweeper in Hampton, has been taken away from us and sent to Ham for God know's how long – maybe even for good.

"Please let the powers that be know that he is needed here and he will be sorely missed by everybody.

"He's a local man and now needs to take two buses to work daily meaning he has to get up really early, an extra hour early! He's upset and wants to come home."

Terry has been approached for comment on the situation.

Lisa Mainwaring said on petition comments: "Terry is an integral part of the Hampton community. Community, belonging and connection are so important for the human psyche and our mental wellbeing.

"My children and I would always wave, chat and check in on on him. He is dearly loved and respected here and he lives in Hampton.

"So why move him when he's happy and so are we? I can see little logic to the management decision. We're hoping whoever made this decision will see sense."

Samantha Golden added: "Please bring him back to Hampton."

Terry is employed by Continental Landscapes who provide street cleaning services for Richmond Council.

A spokesperson from Continental Landscapes, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Staff are periodically moved and standards are monitored externally to ensure strict compliance with the contractual obligations."

Richmond Council did not wish to comment.

For more information see the petition HERE

Do you know Terry? Help us find him – email: [email protected]