The nomination shines a spotlight on brothers Ilidio and Augustine, who have delivered Croydon BID’s contracted cleansing service for the past 14 years. Together, they have become familiar and much-loved faces across the town centre, known for their professionalism, positivity and unwavering commitment to improving Croydon’s streets.
Since 2012, Croydon BID has operated a dedicated cleansing service designed to support local businesses and tackle the challenges associated with maintaining a busy town centre environment. From graffiti removal and chewing gum cleaning to washing pavements, bins, benches and street furniture, the team works tirelessly to improve the look and feel of Croydon for businesses, workers, residents and visitors alike.
Operating four days a week, the brothers begin work from 4:30am in all weather conditions, often before most people have started their day. Despite each commuting more than three hours daily to reach Croydon, their commitment has never wavered.
Over the years, Ilidio and Augustine have developed specialist expertise in tackling some of the town centre’s most difficult cleansing challenges, particularly the ongoing battle against graffiti and tagging. During 2025/26 alone, the team removed more than 1,700 pieces of graffiti and fly posters across the town centre.
Their impact goes far beyond statistics. Widely recognised by local businesses and stakeholders, the pair have become part of the fabric of Croydon town centre, always willing to help and always delivering their work with pride and a smile.
In the past year alone, the brothers have delivered over 2,500 hours of additional cleansing, cleaned more than 3,200 street items, deep cleaned 60,000 square metres of public space and supported over 200 businesses with specialist cleansing requests.
They are and have always been our unsung heroes. Diligently delivering while most of us are still asleep. Improving the look and feel of our town centre with a warm, welcoming smile that dispels the myths we all read and hear about Croydon.
After 14 years of unyielding dedication, we desperately want to acknowledge and recognise Ilidio and Augustine for all that they give. It’s not just a job to them. It is a vocation and our town and city centres need more people like them.
The award is for them. They have been with me right from the beginning and we love them both so very much.
The Town & City Management Industry Awards, hosted by the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM), will take place on the evening of Wednesday 10 June 2026.
Everyone at Croydon BID wishes Ilidio and Augustine the very best of luck and congratulates them on this well-deserved recognition.
