Brian Davis joined Staffordshire County Council on a 2 week contract

Brian hangs up his hard hat after 45 years of service

A leading light in Staffordshire Highways has hung up his hard hat after an impressive 45 years of service.

Brian Davis joined Staffordshire County Council on a two week contract when he was just 20 years old.

But his dedication and hard work saw him climb the career ladder to Construction Foreman over a team of six members of staff.

Due to recent ill health he was given the position of Storeman from which he retired on Friday (29 Jan).

Over the years the 65-year-old, from Gentleshaw, took on an array of roles which have all helped to keep Staffordshire's road network on the move.

Some of the biggest projects he was involved in include the infrastructure around King Edwards School and Beaconside Technology Park.

But Brian's last winter with the county has proved to be one of the most challenging times he has faced, with the highways teams dealing with the most severe weather conditions for 30 years.

He has also helped with routine - but important - maintenance jobs including resurfacing carriageways and footpaths as well as drainage improvement schemes.

Brian, who was based at the Lichfield depot, was presented with cut crystal wine glasses to mark his retirement after many years of service.

He said: "When I first came to work at the county council it was only meant to be for a couple of weeks but I really enjoyed the work and was kept on - although I never dreamed I would stay until I retired.

"Working on the highways is a very satisfying job and the schemes that we carry out affect everyone. A good road infrastructure, for example, can attract business to the area which creates employment and boosts the local economy. The range of projects that I have done and the dedicated people that I have worked with have made my time at the county council really interesting and enjoyable. I've got some great memories of working on the highways but I am really looking forward to a well earned rest."

County Councillor Mike Maryon, Cabinet member for Highways, praised Brian's commitment to his role.

He added: "The county council's highways engineers are an extremely dedicated group of people and, with 45 years of service under his belt, Brian is a shining example of this. His expertise and wealth of experience have had a positive impact on the people of Staffordshire over an incredible four and a half decades. It really is an impressive career and I have no doubt that his knowledge will be greatly missed."

Page Last Modified: 10/02/2010 09:26:12

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