At the time of World War II and the following years Archie Gibbs locally known as 'Cuckkoo', was a familiar sight in the streets of Halstead. Working for the Essex County Council he pushed his dark green barrow up and down the roads sweeping up any rubbish he could find. Fortunately litter wasn't such a problem in those days as sweets and snacks weren't enclosed in so many layers of wrapping and many smokers rolled their own cigarettes thus eliminating cardboard cartons. Archie is seen here in the 1940's near the Royal Oak in the High Street.
