'Bin lorries... roll out!' Torridge Vehicle Naming Competition winners including Optimus Grime hit the road!

Earlier this summer, Torridge District Council launched a competition to name four brand-new vehicles entering service with their Waste and Recycling fleet. The fun competition formed part of the Council's ongoing recycling awareness campaign and was open to all Torridge residents.

Hundreds of entries were received with many unique and comic name suggestions. After a rigorous selection process, the winning names were chosen by the Council's Waste and Recycling supervisors and crews. The names were then turned into stylised graphic designs and printed onto templates which have been applied to the vehicles for everyone to see.

The four selected winners beat off strong competition and the winning vehicle names and submitters were announced by the council as:

Optimus Grime - Nikki Jarvis

Bindiana Jones - Joel Baker

Bagatha Christie - Lee Kerr

The Grim Sweeper - Sadie Barnes

The supervisors and crews had a great time looking through the name suggestions and ultimately decided on names that were not only applicable but also had a strong connection to the local area. Crews are still yet to witness Optimus Grime actually transform! Local connections were emphasised with the inclusion of "Bagatha Christie" inspired by Agatha Christie, the world-renowned author known for her mystery novels, who was born in Torquay, Devon. Her famous book, "And Then There Were None," was also set in Devon.

The vehicles are all now in service and will be making their way around towns and villages so residents are being encouraged to watch out for the branded vehicles in their own streets in the coming months.

Torridge Councillor Chris Leather, Lead Member for Waste and Recycling said:
"I would like to express my thanks to everyone who took part in the competition and send my congratulations to the four winners who can now proudly see their name suggestions emblazoned on the lorry cabs for all to see.
The Waste and Recycling Team's task of selecting the four winners was daunting, given the sheer quality and quantity of name submissions. I am pleased to note that the campaign also raised awareness spotlighting the importance of recycling and reducing waste with big calendar events such as Halloween and Christmas just around the corner. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the crews for their dedication and commitment to delivering an exceptional service to the residents of Torridge, their hard work and efforts are greatly appreciated!".