HART District Council has bid farewell to its longest-serving member of staff.

John Foggo, the infrastructure team manager, has worked at the council for 38 years. He started in June 1978 as a drainage engineer, working on the new council housing estate near Holt Lane in Hook.

“My most memorable experience was when we were building car parks in Odiham and Hook,” recalled John. “We found unexploded grenades buried in the ground. The bomb disposal squad closed the centre of Hook to deal with that!”

“I have worked with a wonderful team over the years and can look back at a lot of successful work for the community.”

Council leader Stephen Parker said: “As one of the longer serving members of Hart Council, I have known John for only half of his career with this community. He has had a huge impact on the development of our infrastructure. He is well-known and liked by all, and was a real asset to the council. We wish him all the best on his retirement.”