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The owner of a cleaning company has taken upon himself to disinfect and clean areas for free in order to reduce the risk and spread of coronavirus.

Neil Marsh, 41, owner of Cleansec, has been waking up early every morning to clean areas in Weston-super-Mare, Nailsea, Clevedon, Portishead and Bristol.

Armed with Dettol anti-bacterial spray and kitchen roll, Mr Marsh cleans anything that others many have touched, namely cash machines, parking peters and shop entrances, such as frames and door handles.

The Bristol resident carries out this work for free and refuses any payments as he enjoys "helping people".

The business owner started cleaning these areas after he was left shocked by how an elderly man avoided directly touching a cash point with his fingers.

Mr Marsh said: "I saw an elderly person who appeared to be unsure using a cash point machine by tucking his hands into his top and then press the buttons.

"So I thought outside the box and came up with a few areas that could do with cleaning as they come into contact with hands on a daily basis.

(Image: Neil Marsh)

"So I now try and do as many cash machines as I can in Bristol, Weston-Super-Mare, Nailsea, Clevedon, Portishead and smaller areas in between."

He usually cleans more than 20 cash machines per morning in Weston-super-Mare and offers to clean doorways and handles of businesses that remain open.

Given social distancing measures amid the coronavirus lockdown, he wears gloves and uses kitchen roll "to limit cross-contamination."

Mr Marsh also carries out this volunteer work alone, doesn't come into contact with the public and cleans during "silent hours" when no one else is around.

(Image: Neil Marsh)

He added: "I'm also doing elderly peoples' shopping.

"I'm contacted by phone from people who attend local churches after offering my services to the local pastors and reverends."

Mr Marsh was personally affected by the coronavirus outbreak after he was forced to temporary close CleanSec and had to furlough his staff.

But he paid tribute to their professionalism and how "amazing" staff members have been during a stressful and emotional time.

He added: "I can't fault Donna, Kym, Louisa, Marianne and Hayley. They work hard at all times, always professional and give 110 per cent for the business.

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"My clients are also amazing with their kind words and messages of support during this difficult time."

Mr Marsh will continue his cleaning for the foreseeable future and has been left touched by encouraging comments made in public and on social media.

He added: "Peoples' reactions so far are 100 per cent positive on social media and I have even had people driving past shouting out ''fair play mate'.

"I also do a lot of work with helping the homeless with a charity I created called FoodSentials.

"We give donations to the night shelter in Weston-super-Mare and also Help Bristol's Homeless Charity based in Spring Street in Bristol."