A STALWART of the South Lakeland property world is fast approaching retirement.

Peter Thomas has been Chief Executive of South Lakes Housing for 21 years but is due to hang up his keys at the end of this month (May).

A particular highlight of Peter's 37 year property career was winning £21million of funding to bring homes up to the decent homes standard.

Peter went on to lead the transfer of the council’s housing stock to South Lakes Housing in March 2012, resulting in another huge investment in the housing stock of £38million and the development of a programme of new affordable homes.

Peter said: "I feel privileged to have been part of such a fantastic team doing vital work in our community and in an organisation which people feel proud to work for. Naturally I will miss everyone at SLH but I love the Lakes so I will now be making the most of living in the best part of the country and watching SLH continue to go from strength to strength."

Peter Thornton, Leader of South Lakeland District Council, said: “Peter Thomas has been an outstanding CEO of South Lakes Housing and has been at the helm during big changes in the organisation and in its relationship with the council. It’s a tribute to Peter and all his staff that these changes went smoothly and to a demanding schedule. Peter has steered SLH to a position where I believe that it’s one of the best small housing associations in the UK. I’d like to wish him a very happy and fulfilling retirement.”