Bury Council man to leave after 45 years

Alan Freer, assistant director for environmental services at Bury Council, is taking early retirement at Christmas after 45 years of service.

Originally from Monton, near Eccles, 63–year old Freer began his career in 1965 at Salford City Council as a trainee weights and measures inspector, and qualified as a trading standards officer in 1970.

He went to work for Greater Manchester Council in 1974 until its abolition in 1986, when he came to Bury Council as principal consumer services officer for environmental health, becoming assistant director of housing and environmental services in 1989.

In 1998 he progressed to borough environmental services officer before taking up his current post in 2007.

He said: “It’s the right time to go and let the younger officers take over the reins.

“I plan to do some travelling, and spend time with family and grandchildren.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in Bury, and the members, officers and staff have been superb. I wish them all the best for the future.”

Graham Atkinson, executive director of environment and development services, commented: “Alan has been a tremendous servant to Bury Council for many years.

“His skills, experience and technical knowledge will be sorely missed and it has been a pleasure working alongside him. I cannot imagine anyone having a negative word to say about him and we wish him all the very best for a long and happy retirement."