Neighbours who raised almost £3,000 to give their beloved street cleaner the holiday of a lifetime have been left outraged after he was told he couldn’t have the money.

Elvis-loving Paul Spiers, who turned 63 last week, has been cleaning the roads of Beckenham in south-east London since 2017 – often playing music as he goes.

He is ‘adored by all’ in the local community, according to his friend Lisa Knight, who hailed him for ‘lifting everyone’s spirits’ with his ‘positive presence’.

When Paul told her recently he’d only been abroad once, to Portugal, and that he dreamed of visiting again, a fundraising campaign was set up to help the humble cleaner enjoy a well-earned break.

But in a cruel twist, his employer Veolia said he can’t have the money, as strict rules prohibit staff from accepting any monetary gifts or incentives beyond their regular salary.

Paul Spiers, who turned 63 last week, has been cleaning the streets of Beckenham since 2017

Paul and Lisa (pictured) became friends over their shared love for Elvis Presley

The gofundme page has raised almost £3,000 for Paul through kind donations from people in the community 

Ms Knight wrote on the gofundme page: ‘As an integral part of our Beckenham village, Paul is adored by all. 

‘Giving him this incredible gift would be a heartfelt way to show our appreciation for everything he does. Let’s come together to make this dream happen for someone who truly deserves it.’

Paul and Ms Knight became friends over their shared love of Elvis Presley.

This week she wrote: ‘Unfortunately, we have received news that Paul is unable to accept the donations due to restrictions set by his employer, Veolia, in accordance with their contract with Bromley Council. These rules prohibit staff from accepting any monetary gifts or incentives beyond their regular salary.

‘We’re deeply disappointed that this decision prevents Paul from enjoying this well-deserved holiday as a recognition for all of his hard work for the Beckenham community.

‘We have expressed our disappointment to both the council and Veolia and intend to continue to push on this, but please be rest assured, if we are unsuccessful in doing so you will all be refunded

‘Once again, thank you for your incredible support and for being part of this fundraiser.’

Paul (left) has only been abroad once, to Portugal, and has dreamed of going back ever since 

Beckenham High Street (pictured) where Paul can be found working and playing music as he goes

Knight has said she has taken the matter up with both the Council and Veolia.  

Social media users have been left outraged by the update. They wrote on the Beckenham Appreciation Facebook group to express their anger.

One person wrote: ‘Gift it to him, you purchase it and add his name. The world has bloody gone mad!!!’

Another said: ‘How on earth can his employee stop him from receiving a gift from the community? The donated money isn’t a “bonus” or a “tip” it’s a gift totally separate from him work. What the hell am I reading? 

‘This also implies you couldn’t even give him a pat on the back at Christmas and give him a fiver for a pint? God I hate these vile corporations.’

‘There is NO WAY the money can be given to a charity when it was meant for Paul, he HAS to get that holiday. It would just be the worst thing if he didn’t go now. Veolia needs to review their utterly senseless decision,’ said another.

Another person added: ‘If he’s retiring soon can the gift be given to him after he retires? Then he has no obligations to Veolia.’

Veolia and Bromley Council have been contacted by MailOnline for comment.