A COUNCIL’S retiring Chief Executive and Town Clerk has been awarded Freedom of the Borough.

Rob Tinlin was awarded the honour and was presented with a ceremonial scroll at a special meeting of Full Council.

Leader of the Council, John Lamb, said: “Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour that Southend Council can bestow upon an individual.

“It recognises the outstanding contribution an individual has made to the lives of people in Southend.

“It is with great pride that the Council bestows this honour on our outgoing Chief Executive and Town Clerk.  It is very well deserved and is testament to the eminent and outstanding public service he has rendered to the Borough from 2005 to 2017.”

Rob Tinlin, Chief Executive of the Council, said: “I am honoured to be awarded Freedom of the Borough of Southend. I am joining a respected group of people who have done so much for the town, which in itself is very humbling.

“I have had a wonderful twelve years and it has been an absolute privilege to serve as the Borough’s ninth Town Clerk, and to serve for almost a tenth of the life of the Borough Council. I have had the pleasure of working alongside some really talented colleagues and to help them deliver some excellent service and improvements for the town.

“Receiving Freedom of the Borough is a great end to my time in Southend.”

Mr Tinlin, who took up his Southend post in March 2005, has led a distinguished career in local government spanning 40 years.

He has overseen a major transformation of the Council which has included being named ‘LGC Council of the Year’ in 2012, and winning Senior Leadership Team of the Year at the MJ Achievement Awards earlier this year. Rob leaves the Council on 31st March 2017.