THE only member of staff to have worked for West Wiltshire District Council since its conception in 1974 has retired after 32 years.

Richard Mantle, right, 60, of Leighton Green, Westbury, was the longest serving member of staff at the council, and has worked in local government since the mid-60s. As a housing improvement officer, Mr Mantle visited people who applied for housing grants to help them improve their homes. He started out working for Wandsworth Borough Council in London in the mid-70s.

Mr Mantle said: "Back then it was only 30 years after the war had ended so London was still rebuilding itself. "People could apply for grants just to have a new bathroom put in or to have their windows re-done."

He started work for West Wiltshire District Council in 1964 and said he has probably spent more money than most people in the council. He said: "One of the best things about the job is having built up a really good team of builders who are doing an excellent job for people in west Wiltshire," he said.

For the past 10 to 15 years the council has been adapting homes for people who are finding it hard to do things for themselves, so keeping them out of nursing homes and giving them a degree of independence.

Hywel Evans, principal housing renewal officer, said: "Richard was a valued member of the team with extensive knowledge who always impressed me with how much he cared for the customers."

Working on the Newtown conservation area in Trowbridge was one of the highlights of Mr Mantle's working life, as well as choosing the style of the bollards around Trinity Church. He said: "I like to think that's my legacy to Trowbridge." Mr Mantle was presented with a sat-nav system for his car.