Amber Valley Borough Councils Longest serving employee retires after 53 years of dedicated service
Amber Valley Borough Council’s longest serving employee ever has retired. Pete Barnes who was most recently employed as a member of the council’s play safety team which looks after the council’s 100 play areas, retired following more than 53 years of continuous service with the council.
Commencing work in early August 1966, just two days after England’s World Cup win, Pete has provided dedicated service to the residents of Amber Valley throughout his exceptionally long career. Pete started work with what was originally Heanor Urban District Council, which later became incorporated into Amber Valley Borough Council in the early 1970s. Pete modestly tried to retire from the council without any fanfare. However, once his colleagues became aware, a special presentation by the Mayor was organised to recognise his considerable achievement.
Councillor John Walker, Mayor of Amber Valley is pictured presenting a specially engraved crystal decanter to Pete. Councillor Walker commented: "I have known Pete myself since 1967 and so it gives me enormous pleasure to present him with this decanter from the council, as well gifts from his colleagues. If you stop to think for moment about 53 years of continuous service, you realise just how impressive Pete’s achievement is. I’m sure all within the borough, would want to join me in wishing Pete a very happy and well-deserved retirement."
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Shoplifter tracked down and caught by officers after targeting shop in Alfreton Officers tracked down and arrested a thief who stole a number of items from a shop in Alfreton. read more | |
| Up to £250 funding available to start a Amber Valley Neighbourhood Watch Residents across Amber Valley are being encouraged to help make their streets and communities safer, m read more | |
| Government Consultation on the Future of Local Government in Derby Derbyshire Goes Live Proposals for how council services could be delivered to Derbyshire’s communities in t read more | |
| Mobile speed camera locations in Derbyshire during February 2026 Derbyshire Casualty Reduction Enforcement Support Team (C.R.E.S.T) will be carrying out mobile safety camera enforce read more | |
| Amber Valley MP Praises 14-Year-Old Cricket World Champion Ahead of South Africa Bid Linsey Farnsworth, Member of Parliament for Amber Valley, has formally recognised the "extraordi read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |













