A senior North Herts District Council officer who played a big role in the ongoing Hitchin Town Hall and museum project has taken early retirement.

A senior North Herts District Council officer who played a big role in the ongoing Hitchin Town Hall and museum project has taken early retirement.

John Robinson is strategic director of customer services and announced the decision on Monday.

The 57-year-old – who has worked for nearly 40 years in local government and has spent 17 years at the North Herts authority – turns 58 in November and was due to retire at 60 under the Local Government Pension Scheme.

As well as the Hitchin Town Hall and North Herts Museum project, Mr Robinson has been responsible for the renovation of the award-winning Howard Park and Gardens in Letchworth, helped North Herts become one of the top recycling authorities in the UK after implementing a new kerbside recycling service in 2013, and led the way for the three leisure centres in the district to become Quest accredited.

District council chief executive David Scholes said: “In preparation for the senior management restructure scheduled to commence in November, I sought applications for voluntary redundancy/early retirement from directors, heads of service and corporate managers in accordance with the council’s reorganisation policy.

“I can confirm on Monday two applications for early retirement were considered and agreed. One of the applications was from John Robinson.

“Mr Robinson has had a hugely successful career, implementing many of its most significant projects and services.

“We wish him well for his retirement.”

Mr Robinson is still in post at the present time and a date for his departure is yet to be announced.