TEARS have been shed in Derby city centre at the news that a popular car parking attendant is being made redundant.
Pete Carter has been doing his job at the car park beside Derby Cathedral for more than 21 years and says he "absolutely loves it".
But the 52-year-old, known as Car Park Pete, said that the car park had been sold and the new owners were planning to replace him with a ticket machine.
Pete, who lives in Mickleover, said: "I've been here for more than 21 years and I've got a good relationship with the people who use this car park. But I'm leaving in a few weeks.
"When I told one lady I was leaving, she burst into tears and was incredibly upset.
"I think she was heartbroken because I was leaving. Often car park attendants are not well liked but it seems I am.
"It was very sad to see her crying because I have really got to know a lot of people while I've been doing this job over the years.
"I've become quite well-known in the area and I think people like to see a personal touch when they are parking their car.
"You see people from all different kinds of walks of life here.
"They all really value what I do."
The life of a car parking attendant does not always scream out with excitement.
But Pete said his job had never been boring because he got to see the comings and goings of ordinary life, and had been paid for it at the same time.
The relationships he has formed with those people has sometimes come in handy.
He said: "I've seen a lot of people who have been shopping for birthday or Christmas presents and it's my job to keep that a secret.
"In a few days, I might see them with their partner, so I always remember never to say anything which is important."
Now Pete faces an uncertain future without a job.
He said: "I've worked outside all of my life and I love it, so I can't imagine working inside an office – I just don't think it's me.
"I've never got bored in this job but I might be if I was in an office.
"I don't know what I'll do now, I've not really given it much thought. I've never had to worry about it.
"But I think I'll be OK because I know so many people from doing this job over the years."
