UP CLOSE: Nick Barrett, owner of Nick's Waste and Rubbish in Street

Street Nub News aims to be supportive to every element of the village's community from business and shops to people and charities, clubs and sports organisations.

We will be profiling some of these businesses and organisations regularly in a feature called 'Up Close in Street'.

Nick's Waste and Rubbish in Street has had a busy year, continuing to help villagers dispose of and recycle their waste in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.

In a spare moment, we caught up with owner Nick Barrett to find out how he has found business during and after the pandemic lockdowns, and how he came to do the job that he does.

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Have you always lived in the Street area and, if not, what were the key considerations about moving here?

Yes, I have always lived in the area. I was born in Ashcott, lived for a short time in Glastonbury and for the last 30-plus years have lived in Street. I have always worked in and around the local area.

Tell us a bit about your personal business background Nick and how you ended up running Nick's Waste and Rubbish?

I have had many different jobs over the years, varying from construction to working in factories, lorry driving, and now my current business. I fell into my business by accident really.

After needing to remove waste from an extension I was having built, and not having the room for skips, I needed to find a way to remove and dispose of the waste, in a responsibly, cost-effectively and environmentally-friendly way. So I bought a van and a waste carrier's licence from the Environment Agency to be able to dispose legally of my waste.

It soon became apparent at that time, after several people locally enquired if I would be able to help them to dispose of their waste as well, that there was a need for someone to remove waste and rubbish in the local area, where a skip was inappropriate or someone was not able to load their own waste into one due to various reasons.

This was the beginning of Nick's Waste and Rubbish. I have now been running the business for 12 years.

What do you like about Street? How are you involved in the local community?

I like the fact that Street is a friendly large village/town. We are very lucky to have the amenities that we have, such as swimming pools, theatre/cinema, sports clubs, etc, and a good shopping centre in Clarks Village on our doorstep.

The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on many businesses and organisations - what are your plans?

The pandemic has caused many problems for most. I have been reasonably lucky.

Apart from the first six weeks of the first lockdown I have been able to continue my business, with obvious safety measures for both myself and customers put in place. My plan is to continue to assist and advise my customers on the best way to dispose and recycle their waste, in the most environmentally-friendly way, making sure that all waste is traceable.

What other businesses do you like and use in Street?

Where possible I like to use local small shops and businesses. I try to support as many independent local businesses as possible.

The lockdown was very difficult for many people - how do you think that Street as a village coped?

I believe as a village, Street has coped quite well. Most people have adapted easily, followed the guidelines, and rallied around each other where and when needed.

If there was one thing in the village you would change, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about Street it would be to have more small units for business and industry.

If you had one message for local residents, what would it be?

Support your local and independent traders and shops. These are the people that keep jobs local.

If you could choose one famous person to play you in a movie about your life, who would it be and why?

Honestly? Harold from Steptoe and Son comes to mind. But without the horse.