Tributes paid to former Council Chief Executive  

Mr Dinsdale joined Hartlepool Borough Council in 1988 from Cleveland County Council where he held a senior financial position.

He was Chief Executive at Hartlepool for almost 15 years before moving on to become Chief Executive at Middlesbrough Borough Council in 2003.

During his time at Hartlepool Borough Council, he played a key role in a number of significant developments including the Hartlepool Marina, refurbishment of the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre and City Challenge regeneration projects.

He was also instrumental in Hartlepool becoming a unitary authority in 1996 which resulted in the abolition of Cleveland County Council. This saw major services such as education and social services transfer to local level.

Brian Dinsdale

Councillor Brenda Harrison, the Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Brian Dinsdale was Chief Executive during a critical period in the Council’s long and proud history.

“During his time in Hartlepool, he played a pivotal role in a number of major developments, including the town’s battle for unitary council status which we won. His legacy will live on for decades to come.

“Everyone I speak to who knew Brian Dinsdale hold him in the highest regard and our condolences go out to his family at this sad time.”

Denise McGuckin, the Council’s Managing Director, commented: “Brian was a fantastic Chief Executive and it was a pleasure to work for him.

“He was a very focussed individual who went about his work with the minimum of fuss and was hugely popular with staff and everyone who knew him.”

Brian leaves his wife Gillian, daughter Sarah and two grandchildren.