Council public servants of 120 years retire

Four senior officers from the City of Lincoln Council, with a combined working history of 120 years, will be retiring on April 5.

Kevin Scott (Head of Housing), Pete Boswell (Head of Planning Services), Tony Gray (Head of Environmental Sustainability) and Mike Roberts (Head of Economic Sustainability and Tourism) (pictured L-R) were dedicated to help transform the city.

Between them, each have seen the erection of the Waterside Shopping Centre to the University of Lincoln, as well as the introduction of technology to council offices.

Chief Executive Andrew Taylor said: “Their dedication and hard work has directly improved the quality of life for the people who live here and they will be sorely missed.”

However, the retirements will also see a reduction of staff in second tier management.

By the summer, instead of 11 Heads of Service, the council will have seven, now called Assistant Director posts.

Pete Boswell

Pete Boswell started on July 22, 1974 as a Trainee Planning Assistant.

He said: “I have many fond memories here at City Hall. In particular I’ll remember all of the fantastic people I’ve worked with who have shown great commitment to the council, the city and its people.

“I have always worked as part of a team and any achievements are the council’s, not mine. The growth, regeneration and development of the city whist protecting its unique history is something we should all be proud of, Lincoln is a fantastic place.”

Kevin Scott

Kevin Scott began work at the council on September 22, 1975 as a Trainee Housing Manager.

He said: “I take great pride in the work we did to introduce the warden alarm call system, and helping to secure the future of council housing in Lincoln, when the aim nationally was to try and encourage the use of arms length companies to manage council housing.”

Mike Roberts

Mike Roberts started on July 18, 1988 as a Senior Economic Development Officer.

He said: “I think my greatest achievement has been to help some of these people realise their ambitions and deliver great projects for the city.

“Our greatest achievement as a team has been to help put Lincoln on the map as a university city within 20 years… some going!”

Tony Gray

Tony Gray began work on August 2, 1991 as a Principle Environmental Health Officer.

He said: “The achievement that gives me the greatest satisfaction is the change from black sacks to wheelie bins in 2006.

“Things had gone very badly wrong elsewhere in the region, but through careful planning and great teamwork we delivered the change without a hitch.

“We also saw the council’s recycling rate rise from 17% to nearly 50 per cent – one of the highest in the country.”

Source: City of Lincoln Council