John Reynard, who manages the contracts for repairs and maintenance of council housing in the Ripon area is one of a team of five officers who are on stand-by during out of office hours to man the council's E-team that annually receives over 3000 calls.

 

John has carried out this extra role for the past twenty years but has decided it is time for him to step down.

 

Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for Resources and Chair of the Human Resources Committee, said:  "The council's emergency team is on stand-by 365 days a year.  They are available from 5.00pm when the offices close through to the following morning when they re-open at 8.30 am.  We are grateful to John and the rest of the team because we couldn't offer this emergency service without them. 

 

"One Christmas not that long ago, John received 47 calls on Christmas Eve and a further 93 calls on Christmas Day.  Among many genuine calls, he has also had his fair share of others including his family's sleep being disturbed in the early hours by one angry resident complaining about the taxi fare to Summerbridge.   John has a lot of experience and we will miss his knowledge.  If the council can't help then John and the team certainly will know someone who can."

 

John says he has dealt with many callers who should not have been calling this E-team service including those ringing from Haringey, Harrow and Leeds but that helping people in real need has made it all worthwhile.  "It is distressing when you need help and you don't know where to turn.  Most of these calls are nothing to do with council services but it is the council's way of helping those whose problem falls outside the help offered by the full-time emergency services.  I'll miss it but feel that I have done long enough as far as my family is concerned."  ENDs

 

MEDIA CONTACT:  Lynne Mee, Communications and Media Manager, Harrogate Borough Council on 01423 556022 or email lynne.mee@harrogate.gov.uk