Liam’s way with canine friends

Liam Thorley, the gatekeeper at Bellway Yorkshire’s Spofforth Park development in Wetherby, has become a much-loved attraction for dog walkers.

Liam Thorley, the gatekeeper at Bellway Yorkshire’s Spofforth Park development in Wetherby, has become a much-loved attraction for dog walkers.

He gives treats to their dogs while they wait to cross the vehicle access route that bisects the site’s public bridleway.

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The construction traffic access route cuts across the popular bridleway, and Liam, who is 32 and autistic, is currently employed as a gatekeeper; operating barriers that protect members of the public from construction traffic.

Local resident, Anthony Kelbrick, walks his dog via the site virtually every day and was so taken with Liam’s kindness and initiative, that he felt compelled to write a letter to CEO of the entire Bellway Group, commending Liam for his wonderful act of kindness during such turbulent times.

Liam said: “This is the best thing to happen to me in 32 years. When I saw the letter, I couldn’t wait to be able to tell my parents.”

Liam’s positive attitude and openness has helped to build a community spirit around the development. Many residents are now on first name terms with him.

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One couple living at Spofforth Park recently made him a sign with ‘Liam’s Way’ written on it, along with a picture of a dog, because of his reputation for providing dog treats.

Liam loves dogs and knows the name of every single one that is walked via his gatekeeper’s cabin each day.

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