THE senior Poole council officer responsible for delivering Poole’s Twin Sails Bridge, Jim Bright, has had his contract terminated due to ongoing ill health.

Mr Bright, 54, has worked at the council for 23 years and was on a salary of £94,903 in the last financial year.

He is currently signed off work and has been given three months’ notice by Borough of Poole. One of three strategic directors, he will not be replaced in the short term, and this will be reviewed in a year.

Full council approved the measures in an item on staffing matters, held after members of the public had been excluded from the meeting.

John McBride, chief executive, said: “I have worked with Jim for 16 years and have enormous respect for him as a colleague and liking for him as a friend, so his departure is a great sadness to me and his many colleagues here.”

Paying tribute to him, council leader Cllr Elaine Atkinson said: “Jim has given long and exemplary service to the council and he can take great pride in his work, especially the important role he played in delivering the Twin Sails Bridge,. Everyone at the council wishes Jim a speedy recovery.”

Mr Bright said: “This is not how I would have chosen to end my career with Poole. However I am really proud to have worked with such a talented and committed group of people on a number of important projects, culminating in the Twin Sails Bridge.

“I wish all those who continue to grapple with the town’s challenges and opportunities the very best for the future.”

Remaining strategic director Andrew Flockhart will lead both the Place and Business Improvement themes for the next year while Jan Thurgood has responsibility for People.

The council has also decided not to replace Chris Owens, head of communications and customer service, who left three months ago for another job.

Comments are closed on this story. If you would like to comment, please email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk