Dave Burrows

Dave Morris

Blog: Normally I waffle on about something in the news. Usually, I take the mick. But this week is a bit different, writes Dave Burrows.

I cannot let the end of an era pass without comment.

So I won’t.

This week a man who has been keeping a watchful eye on all that has happened at the Shirehall, while keeping his other one on what was going on at the Royal Shrewsbury (and Princess Royal) Hospital, retired (on the grounds of being cross-eyed and losing his marbles, no doubt).

My colleague Dave Morris was a legend in these parts. One of those rare journalists that could write a knocking story about job losses, funding crises or just plain incompetence and still keep the powers that be on-side by his fair handed approach.

Dave was based in Shrewsbury for years, and was a great help to me when I arrived there as deputy chief reporter.

In 1987 he became news editor/chief reporter of the Shrewsbury Chronicle.

In 1996 he became the Shropshire Star’s municipal correspondent.

You only have to look at the comments that came from councillors when Dave attended his last meeting to see what they thought of him.

Amid applause, chairman Malcolm Pate described him as a “well respected and liked figure in Shropshire”, while council leader Keith Barrow said he had always found Dave “fair, honest and straightforward.”

Given what is happening in the world of the national newspapers at the moment it is nice to know that we are not all tarred with the same brush. That local journalism can still be respected and the people responsible for it still recognised for doing an important job.

But I can’t help thinking the man we all referentially referred to as “Mr Morris” knew something we didn’t. A couple of days after he sailed off into the sunset (of Llangollen) all 6,500 employees at Shropshire Council received a letter telling them they would be dismissed on September 30, but could keep their jobs if they agree to a 5.4 per cent pay cut and new terms and conditions.

Just how good were Dave’s contacts, I wonder? Did he know this was coming and cut a dash so he could, for once, relax and watch the drama play out from afar? Doubt it. Not his style.

But there is no doubt the people trying to fill the void he left will be busy. There is talk, unsurprisingly, of strike action.

In these times of austerity, savings, reforms and out and out cuts, those reporting on the dealings of Shirehall and the RSH will have their hands full.

Enjoy your retirement, Mr Morris!