London's Premier Toilet Technician Honoured with National Award
London's finest toilet cleaner has been officially recognised, with local businesses declaring his work "so vital" that they would raise concerns with authorities if he were ever reassigned. John 'Badger' Heritage from Carlisle Support Services has been crowned Individual Technician of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Loo of the Year Awards.
A Personal Triumph and Professional Pride
John, who maintains public facilities in Westminster, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, stating it "means more to him than he can explain" after never having won anything before. He elaborated: "I'm incredibly proud of what I do and to be recognised for it means more to me than I can explain. Toilets are part of everyone's everyday life and if I can help people, even in a small way, then that really matters to me."
His journey to this achievement has been particularly meaningful. After a challenging upbringing and what he describes as a "wayward" early life, John made a pivotal decision to turn his life around as an older teenager. He has maintained consistent employment ever since, dedicating just over a year to his current role where he has flourished.
Beyond Cleaning: Building Trust and Community
John's impact extends far beyond mere technical cleaning duties. His boss, Stewart Smith of Carlisle Support Services, revealed: "John's impact extends beyond his immediate duties. He has received multiple commendations from the public, including emails to the council and glowing Google reviews."
Local businesses have become so dependent on his reliable service that they have indicated they would escalate matters to Westminster City Council if he were reassigned. Smith emphasised that John's reputation is built on trust, integrity, and genuine care as much as technical excellence.
One particularly telling incident occurred when John encountered a group of youths misusing facilities. Rather than confronting them aggressively, he engaged them with empathy, sharing his own life experiences and encouraging better choices. This approach not only defused the situation but transformed it - the youths never returned to cause trouble and now greet John with respect.
The Prestigious Awards and Rigorous Standards
The Loo of the Year Awards, now in their 39th year, represent the established national standard for washroom quality and compliance. The 2025 ceremony attracted more than 1,500 entries from businesses and organisations across the UK, all subject to unannounced inspections.
Facilities are judged against 101 stringent criteria including:
- Cleanliness and hygiene standards
- Accessibility provisions
- Customer care and presentation
- Repair and maintenance quality
- Overall provision and facilities
This year's overall winner for best washroom facilities in the UK was St David's Dewi Sant shopping centre in Cardiff. Other notable category winners included:
- JD Wetherspoon for Best Corporate Provider
- Derbyshire Dales District Council for Best In-House Cleaning Team
- Imperial College London for Best Accessible Toilet
The awards ceremony took place at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, West Midlands, continuing a tradition that began in 1987 to raise standards in 'away from home' toilet provision across the nation.
A Testament to Dedication and Service
John's bosses commended his exceptional work ethic, noting he "consistently delivers immaculate, safe, and welcoming washroom environments" with meticulous attention to detail. In Westminster's fast-paced, high-demand setting, his reliability and consistency have proven truly remarkable.
This recognition highlights how essential, yet often overlooked, public service roles contribute significantly to urban life quality. John Heritage represents the dedicated professionals who maintain London's infrastructure with pride, transforming everyday necessities into experiences of dignity and care for all citizens and visitors.
