‘Morning Alf, it’s a nice fresh one, isn’t it? Bit nippy though. You can tell winter’s on the way.’

Alf had no interest in small talk, wasted no time in getting to the point. He jabbed his tobacco-stained finger at Donny, almost knocking the fag out of his mouth. ‘Those sodding kids have been at it again. Rubbish all over my bloody garden – you should see it. Took me over an hour to pick it up, me with my back and all. I’ve had enough. Tried having a word with them when they were walking past later on, and you should have heard the way they spoke to me. A right mouthful I got. They need a proper smacked arse they do. In my day kids were seen and not heard, not like these cheeky bastards. If I was a bit younger, I’d do it myself. I’d have had ‘em once upon a time, did a bit of boxing in the army.’ Alf made a fist and jabbed first left then right to make his point before grimacing and putting the flat of his palm on his lower back. ‘Bit rusty though, not as fit as I used to be.’

Donny sighed. ‘I’ll have a word with them. Did you get their names because I’ll send them round as soon as they get in to do some litter-picking?’

Alf’s grip on his walking stick tightened. ‘They need more than that, a good kick up the backside wouldn’t go amiss. Over twenty years I’ve lived here and since this school opened, I’ve had nothing but trouble. This needs sorting or I’ll have to go to the council. I’ll have this place closed down before you know what’s hit you. We’re decent folk round here and there’s enough going on without your lot adding to it.’

Donny patted Alf’s shoulder. ‘I’ll have a word, mate. Just leave it with me. There’s a few new kids just started and they like to take the piss. Don’t be doing anything hasty. I’ll sort it.’

Alf shook his head. He liked Donny; they had great banter discussing the horse-racing and football. Got on well when they ran into one another, usually a bit later, when Tony the postman was around too. The three of them would share tips, pick out a Yankee in the hope that they would win their fortunes.