Hereford'S impressive new courthouse is a tangible legacy of the tireless work of chairman of West Mercia Magistrates Committee, Danny Morgan, according to his colleagues.
Mr Morgan steps down from the post this week after eight years leading Magistrates Committees in Herefordshire. He will continue to add to his 25-years of service as a local magistrate.
Chief executive of West Mercia Courts Service, Nick Jones said the 'tenacity' and 'leadership' of Mr Morgan were vital to Hereford becoming a 'Pathfinder' project in private financing of new courthouses.
People skills
"It was unknown territory and in effect Danny was a trail blazer. He led West Mercia Magistrates through turbulent times. There's little doubt that if we didn't go down the PFI route we would still be in Gaol Street permanently."
In his time as chairman Mr Morgan oversaw the rationalisation of West Mercia, with Herefordshire and Worcestershire joining Shropshire.
"Danny was instrumental in the amalgamation, his skills with people overcame the enormous difficulties of bringing two organisations and cultures together to work as one," said Chairman of the Bench of Herefordshire Magistrates, Dennis Isaacs.
As chairman, Mr Morgan was responsible for leading 700 magistrates. He said: "I shall miss the many friendships I've made all around as chairman. I feel proud of what we've achieved. I'm one member of a very good team."
He is looking forward to more time on the golf course and a trip to New Zealand and Australia.
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