Alan White; Mobile Locality Officer - South Hams Council
What is a mobile locality officer?
We are the eyes and ears of the council - always out and about in our vans armed with our iPads. We deal with anything that pops up on screen. It could be putting up planning notices, dealing with fly-tipping, taking meter readings, water quality testing, reporting abandoned vehicles or giving out fines for dog fouling.
Do you enjoy the job?
Yes - it really is so varied. You have a rough idea of what you might be doing each week but things can change at any moment. I don’t just work in Dartmouth; I also cover Ashprington, Stoke Gabriel, Harberton and Dittisham, so I’m always travelling.
What’s the best part?
Exploring. The planning notices could be anywhere someone is having work done, so I’m always discovering hidden lanes and new views. A new part of my job is testing the water quality around shellfish beds in the River Dart. I love walking through the quiet forests to get to the correct part of the water’s edge. Another perk of the job is easy parking. When people see me driving past in my van they often think I’m a parking inspector and move off quickly - I hardly ever have trouble finding a space!
What is the worst job that pops up on your iPad?
Fly-tipping certainly has its disadvantages. We have to rummage through the black bags to find any evidence of who it belongs to so we can prosecute them. You can find dirty nappies, rotting food - all sorts. But it is very satisfying when you discover something that links the waste to the culprit. It makes me feel a bit like Sherlock Holmes!
How long have you worked for the council?
In this role, about a year but I used to work on the grounds maintenance team.
And before that?
I started my working life as a builder. My first council post was in Wales as a gravedigger. The job came with a four-bedroom house on site. My children loved it, they had lots of outdoor space to play and the neighbours were very quiet! It was great for Halloween too – we used to go for a midnight walk!
What do you do in your spare time?
I have four children so they take up a lot of my time. I play rugby and am pleased to say I have got my youngest three into the game. I live in Totnes and play for the town team. I also play darts every Thursday. It’s not too serious and I’m not brilliant, it’s more about the patter and the pints! We play other pub teams around the town.
Where do you like to eat out in the area?
I do enjoy taking the family to the Anchorstone Cafe in Dittisham, especially on a sunny day. I also like the odd drink in the Seale Arms.
What is on your Christmas list?
A bit of peace and quiet……not easy with four children!
First published By The Dart magazine December 2016
