Bill, 80, is ‘world’s best neighbour’

BILL BOOTH

CHADDERTON good neighbour Bill Booth has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

The 80-year-old is revered in his road for the little tasks he carries out to make his neighbours’ lives easier, but the modest pensioner shrugged off the accolade, saying he just liked to keep busy.

He was nominated by Michael Robinson, who said that despite his neighbour being twice his age, Bill had no hesitation in rushing over to help when he saw him struggling to paint an upstairs window.

“I’m not too good with heights, so Bill came over, scaled up the ladder and did a fantastic job,” said Michael.

“He’s an absolutely brilliant neighbour and is held in such high regard within the community — he must be the best neighbour in the world. He’s unbelievable for a man of 80. He keeps an eye on everyone’s property, he provided tea and coffee at his own expense for builders we had in to build an extension, then decorated the room and insisted on not being paid.”

Bill always has refreshments at the ready for the binmen, sets up his pasteboard for local children for charity toy sales, takes delivery of post for neighbours who are at work, waters gardens when people are away on holiday, and helps out in any way he can.

“He’s phenomenal, and winning a Pride in Oldham award would be a fitting reward for his kindness and unselfishness,” said Michael, of Shayfield Avenue, Firwood Park.

A modest Bill said of his nomination: “This a big surprise, I’m shocked. I like pottering about and doing things for people is no trouble, I enjoy it and it keeps me busy.” He said his wife, Dorothy, was just the same: “If she can do something for someone, she will.”

The couple have four children and six grandchildren.