A COTSWOLD council chief has been wished a speedy recovery after he suffered a serious road accident while holidaying in Italy.

Cotswold District Council’s economy and transformation cabinet member Tony Dale is on the mend and recovering in hospital after a lorry shunted the back of the car he was travelling in with his wife and youngest son in July.

Council leader Joe Harris told the full council meeting yesterday (September 25) that the Northleach councillor is on the mend and is determined to resume his council duties as soon as possible.

He said his Liberal Democrat colleague retains “all of his intellect and determination, mental resilience and humour”.

He said Cllr Dale is approaching his physical and mental recovery in typical style as a series of project goals to be attained rather like the Publica transformation.

“Some of you will know that, unfortunately, Cllr Tony Dale was involved in a serious road traffic accident while on holiday in Italy back in July with his wife and youngest son,” Cllr Harris said.

“A HGV shunted the rear of their car in queuing traffic.

"Tony remains in hospital and is in the early stages of a lengthy period of recovery and rehabilitation but he is on the mend.

“He retains all of his intellect and determination, mental resilience and humour and he is approaching his physical and mental recovery in typical style, charming the nurses and treating recovery as a series of project goals to be attained rather like the Publica transformation.

“Tony is making impressive progress and anticipates a hospital move to a specialised rehab unit later in the autumn.

“It’s too early to say when Tony might resume his council duties but he is looking forward to doing so as soon as possible.

“Tony’s family appreciate all of the support and good wishes sent to them.

"I’m hoping to visit Tony next week so I’ll pass on all of our best wishes.”

Chief executive Rob Weaver wished Cllr Dale a speedy recovery on behalf of all of the officers at Cotswold District Council.