Eddie was a Mark Brittain Warehouse lorry driver. In 1974, the lorries had to use the Coronation Street entrance to the warehouse due to the loading bay in Victoria Street being worked on. As a result, the residents faced restricted access to the Street and increased noise levels. When Eddie and a fellow driver, Frank, drank at the Rovers Return, they were interrogated by Annie Walker over the noise levels of the lorries during the night. As they worked on commission, Eddie and his colleague were unapologetic for the disruption, with Frank suggesting that Annie get a set of ear plugs. Annoyed with their indifference, Annie barred them until the lorries were silenced. The drivers decided to take their custom elsewhere.
A few days later, Eddie was in the Corner Shop when Deirdre Hunt complained to him that one of her friends had been nearly knocked off her bike by one of the warehouse lorries. Sick of hearing the residents' complaints, Eddie gave Deirdre scant attention.