The man who manages Swansea Market is retiring after 31 years in the role.
John Burns became market supervisor in January 1990 after a number of other jobs with Swansea’s local authority.
He leaves it this month as a venue that, in non-pandemic times, attracts around five million shoppers a year.
Last year it was named Britain’s best large indoor market by the National Association of British Market Authorities.
Managed by Swansea Council, it is the permanent home to more than 100 businesses, hosts casual traders and puts on regular events.
John was at the forefront of successful efforts to keep the market’s essential businesses operating and delivering to customers through the pandemic’s most extreme months.
He said: “It’s been good to have daily chats and a bit of fun with our stallholders through the decades – whilst maintaining a professional approach.
“Being able to help them and customers through the pandemic has been a privilege.
“One of the ongoing sources of pleasure for me has been the thanks from customers after my staff and I have helped them at the times they or relatives have needed us to call an ambulance.”
Swansea Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Our market is a beating heart of the city centre and John has had a major role to play in that.
“I thank him for his hard work, dedication and expertise through three decades of change and improvement.”
John was born in Swansea and was educated at Penlan Comprehensive School.
His first job – in 1983 – was as an audit clerk with the former Swansea City Council. He became a market inspector four years later.
John lives in Manselton with partner Debra. He has an adult daughter, Anna, and adult sons Joel and Daniel.
