THE chief executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is to stand down at the end of March after 20 years at the helm.

Rodney Stone, 58, says it has been a privilege to serve the borough in which he was born but that it was time to pursue other interests.

He stressed: “Even when there have been setbacks I have always been strengthened by the loyalty, professionalism and friendliness of the council’s staff. I wish the council well and will retain a close interest as a resident.”

Mr Stone, who has steered the council through a critical review of its performance last year, said his time as chief executive had been a period of solid achievement.

He said: “When I became chief executive, the council was heavily in debt and now it has reserves which many much larger councils would envy.

“The town centre, which was losing business heavily to other towns, has been revitalised by the creation of Royal Victoria Place and other town centre developments yet Royal Tunbridge Wells has retained its unique character unlike so much of the Home Counties.”

He said he was particularly proud of his role in changing the council’s attitude to environmental issues and of his part in recent improvements to the Assembly Hall Theatre and Dunorlan Park.

He also cited the successful transfer of council housing to the High Weald Housing Association, which he said had created greater affordable housing.

Cllr Melvyn Howell (Con), leader of the council, paid tribute to Mr Stone’s “long and distinguished service to the Borough of Tunbridge Wells”.

He said: “He has seen us through many challenges and major changes, achieving excellent working relationships with a succession of political leaders and administrations.

“My colleagues join me in wishing Rodney all success in the future.”

An interim executive, who has not yet been recruited, will be appointed for six months.