THE man in charge of Welwyn Hatfield Council’s finances has retired after 22 years with the authority.

Bob Jewell, finance and operations director, spoke to the WHT before he stood down from the role on Friday.

Mr Jewell began his career in private industry, working in IT, engineering and publishing and joined the council as IT manager.

He was first employed by the council in 1989 and then left for 18 months before returning.

He said: “I came here on a six month contract in 1992 and I’m still here now.

“It is different to working in the private sector, you have to work closely with the councillors.

“If you go in a different direction to them it just doesn’t work; it’s part of the job and you just need to understand that.”

While working at the council his area of responsibility has grown and grown.

He said one of the biggest challenges during his time was the discovery of chalk mines in Briars Lane, Hatfield.

“I had gone into a meeting and I had no idea what it was about.”

The challenge ahead was huge, people’s homes were collapsing and Mr Jewell needed to call in the experts and secure Government funding to pay for the work.

He said: “I’m very pleased that if you go to Briars Lane now, people are back living in their homes, the problem is solved there.

“I got to know the people and now the council has a lot of information and expertise to tackle the issues.”

Mr Jewell said he planned to spend time with his wife Cathy and their two grandchildren, play golf and take time to actually do things.

Pam Kettle has been appointed as the council’s new director of finance and operations.