FOREST Heath District Council's flag is flying at
half mast as a mark of respect for two members of staff who died
within days of each other. Chief Executive, Mr David Burnip, has
paid tribute to two men.
Audit Manager, Mr Jim Harris, died at his Mildenhall
home. Mr Burnip said: "Jim joined us in December of 1990 as Senior
Audit Assistant. During his 17 years here Jim became Principal
Internal Auditor and then Audit Manager in charge of the internal
audit team.
"Jim was very well liked and greatly respected by
his colleagues at Forest Heath, and across Suffolk, for his
considerable professional ability which he combined with a
wonderful sense of humour.
"I shall miss Jim
greatly. He was not only a colleague, but someone who gave me his
friendship, advice and support. We will all miss him"
On Monday (26 November) Mr Jeremy Bird, a driver
with the council's Waste Collection Team, died in a road accident.
Mr Burnip paid this tribute: “Jeremy Bird, whom we all knew as Jez,
was a highly valued colleague and friend. He was a great character
with a cheerful word for everyone.
"As a member of our Waste Collection Team, he
served the community well for 28 years. Typically, he also devoted
much of his spare time to helping and promoting youth football in
Newmarket.
"Here at Forest Heath District Council, we are
all shocked, distressed and greatly saddened by these appalling
tragedies. We send our deepest sympathies to both Jim and Jez's
families.”