2 days ago
Tributes paid to engineer who shaped growth of North East town
Tributes have been paid to a long-serving council officer who played a 'central role' in shaping a North East town's growth and modernisation.
Terry Ratcliffe, who served as borough engineer for Middlesbrough from 1972 until the abolition of Cleveland County Council in 1996, died recently at the age of 87.
During his career, Mr Ratcliffe helped deliver major projects including the development of Coulby Newham and Hemlington, new retail areas, and pollution reduction schemes for the River Tees.
He was also responsible for two multistorey car parks, the construction of Middlesbrough Bus Station, and the town's cycleway system.
Terry Ratcliffe (Image: Middlesbrough Council)
Brian Glover, former head of transport and design at Middlesbrough Council, said: "Terry played an absolutely central role in all of these initiatives, offering his management and engineering expertise to all these projects.
"He was an excellent chief officer and a very good boss who was well respected by staff and members alike, and he had a wicked sense of humour."
A keen cyclist, Mr Ratcliffe often built his own bikes and championed the development of cycling infrastructure across the town.
Mr Glover said: "Terry was rightly very proud of his beloved cycleway system throughout the borough which was very innovative for the day.
"He was especially proud of the joint cycle and pedestrian crossing on Keith Road which was a national first and opened by the then transport minister."
Mike Robinson, former chief executive of Middlesbrough Council and a fellow engineer, said: "My abiding memory of Terry is that he was totally unflappable and had a fantastic sense of humour.
"He always greeted people with a smile, even when he was telling you off."
Mr Ratcliffe is survived by his wife Judith, their son, and two daughters.
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A celebration of his life will be held at St Bede's Chapel in Teesside Crematorium at 11am on Thursday, August 14.
Donations in lieu of flowers are requested for Cycling UK.
A collection box will be available following the service, and donations can also be made online at www.
