ONE of Worcester's chief engineers and founding members of the City Centre Forum has retired after 34 years at the city council.

John Day joined the former City Engineer's Department on his 25th birthday - in June, 1969 - eventually becoming the council's head of engineering and transportation.

During his time in the job, he was extensively involved in the CrownGate centre, Quayhead scheme and the High Street redevelopment, which should be finished next year.

And tributes flooded in from colleagues after Mr Day's decision to take early retirement at the age of 59.

"He has earned a really high degree of respect from everyone he worked with," said Andy Walford, who has been his deputy since 1987.

"John was an extremely capable businessman but, from my point of view, his best asset was he kept his sense of humour throughout the job.

"He interviewed me 16 years ago and I have continued to work alongside him since then. A lot of his personality has rubbed off on others here and he has promised that he will pop back in for the occasional pint so we will still be in touch."

Portfolio

Mr Day, who was district commissioner of the Scouts for a number of years, was given a Royal Worcester dinner service at a special presentation dinner, held earlier this week.

He told guests at the leaving party - held in the Guildhall - that he had looked forward to, and enjoyed, every single day of his work.

Stuart McNidder, director of development services, completed the evening by presenting the portfolio Mr Day had carried for most of his 34 years at the city council.

"Day-in, day-out - no pun intended - where John went, that battered old portfolio went, and long may it continue," said Mr McNidder.

Mr Day has now taken a well-earned family holiday to Cornwall, and Mr Walford, the city's principal engineer, has taken over as transportation manager at the city council.