ONE of Bury Council's top men has left after nearly 40 years in local government.

Mr Stan Monaghan, council solicitor and director of corporate resources, said goodbye to municipal service today on Thursday (June 27).

He leaves following the latest restructure of senior management posts at the local authority.

Mr Monaghan's long career began in 1964 as a junior admin assistant with Derbyshire County Council, and he later moved to Merseyside County Council and then to Barnsley MBC.

He arrived in Bury in 1987 to take up the post of council solicitor. While doing that, he also held key positions such as returning officer, acting chief executive and director of corporate resources. He has also played a leading role in the fight to recoup the money Bury lost in the BCCI collapse: so far, 60 per cent has been returned.

Mr Monaghan said: "My duties have been many and varied with Bury MBC and I am extremely proud of all that we have achieved over the years.

"It is now time for a change and I am happy to leave others to carry on the work of delivering high quality services to the people of Bury."

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor John Smith, paid tribute to Mr Monaghan at Wednesday's (June 26) council meeting.

"He has served the borough well since 1987, and his contribution has been greatly valued and made a lasting impression," he said.

"He is held in high regard and affection, and we wish him the best for a long and happy retirement."