Linda Beatty is a Senior Parking Officer in the Parking Services team and is still going strong after four decades of valuable service. She shared some memories of the Council after being recognised as part of the Long Service award.
Hi Linda – you've recently hit a major milestone with Sefton Council, haven’t you?
That’s right – in June, I reached 40 years with the Council.
My first role was as a Clerk/Typist in Housing in 1985, then a year later the same role within the Admin Office of the Borough Engineers. When Parking was established in about 1990 with just myself and the Admin Manager, I became a Parking Admin Officer, with my current role now being the Senior Parking Officer.
If we can rewind back to 1985 for a moment – what was working life like back then?
My earliest memory would have been starting within the Housing section on a Community Refurbishment Scheme based in a portacabin in Seaforth Vale. It certainly was not as luxurious as Magdalen House, where I am now based. Although through the years there have been many office moves being at Balliol House, Crown Buildings and Pavilion Buildings.
The role involved working with and looking after mainly a male workforce covering all trades, which for a 20-year-old seemed quite scary at the time!!
As well as the rise in female leadership across the Council, there have been a lot of positive changes since then. Do any in particular come to mind?
I would say in general terms the regeneration and investment of areas in Bootle and Southport, and the recent ‘Good’ Ofsted report for children’s services.
Also, over the years I think there has been more engagement/consultation with residents about issues they have and what improvements they want in their community areas, and the Council having a better understanding of their needs.
From getting your start in Housing to your current senior role in Parking, you must have worked with a lot of inspiring people!
Over the years, I’ve worked with many lovely staff, who have all given me so much support. In Parking we don’t tend to have a big turn-over of staff, which I think is a testament of what a great team we are.
Some staff have worked alongside me for at least 25 years. We are very much a work family, looking out for each other and having a few laughs along the way, whilst still being committed to what we do on a daily basis.
And now you’ve been recognised for your long service – how does that feel?
To be honest, it feels strange as the years have flown so quickly and doesn’t feel like 40 years. However, at the same time I am very proud of the achievement.
We don’t seek accolades for doing our job, but it is appreciated and lovely to be recognised and for that I must thank my Team Leader Liz Morris for the shout out!!