THE FORMER chief executive of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council was thanked for his efforts by councillors at the full council meeting.

As previously reported by The Gazette, Tony Curtis announced in July last year that he was to step down from his position after more than seven years at the helm.

During his 16 years at the borough council, Mr Curtis – whose local authority career spanned 40 years – has been director of planning and transport, and he spent five years as deputy chief executive before he was promoted to the role of chief executive in September 2007.

Mr Curtis left the council in November last year.

But the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner, presented Mr Curtis with a gift on behalf of councillors at a full council meeting last Thursday.

Speaking on his return to the borough council, Mr Curtis said: “I am pleased to be here for a number of reasons. I have worked with some fantastic, committed people in council members and officers and within the community.

“At the top of the tree are the staff here. They are fantastic and are the greatest asset and deserve support and respect at all times. Thank you for the gifts and to everyone for their guidance, and support, and friendship over the years.”

In December, councillors agreed to the appointment of current executive director of housing and regeneration at the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Melbourne Barrett. He is set to start in April.