COUNTY council environment chief Richard Lander is to retire after 28 years and will return to his roots in Cornwall at the end of the month.
He joined the council in 1975 as a valuation surveyor and was appointed assistant director of property services in 1987, and director in 1991.
He became director of the new environmental services depart-ment created in April 1996 for highways, property, planning, public health, trading standards and economic development.
Mr Lander's local government career started in 1965 with the Greater London Council, followed by spells with local authorities in Gloucestershire and Buckinghamshire.
He said: "I have worked with talented people at Wiltshire County Council over the last 28 years. Wiltshire is a beautiful county and I will remember my time here with great affection."
George Batten takes over as the county council's director of environmental services from April 1.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article