Alton Town Council clerk Pat Harris has announced she will be leaving her role in May 2025.

Pat joined the town council in October 2009 following a successful business career including senior management positions with NatWest Bank and Serco.

A town council statement said: “Throughout her 16 years with Alton Town Council, Pat has been a loyal, hardworking member of staff, responsible for delivering countless projects for our community.

“Pat took on the role of Town Clerk following the departure of Leah Coney and has provided the council with steady and professional stewardship, drawing on her wealth of experience.”

Alton town mayor Cllr Annette Eyre said: “While there are many excellent members of staff at Alton Town Council, none are finer than Pat.

“Her warm but no-nonsense approach has endeared her to everyone she works with. We have seen many changes over the last 16 years and throughout that time Pat has been the person that people turn to for sound advice and support.”

She said Pat’s achievements were “too numerous to mention”, but particularly highlighted her nurturing of the town hall team and ground staff.

“We would not be where we are today without her. Pat will leave some big shoes to fill, but in her typical style she has given more that her required notice period to help us do, so this will also give us time to ensure she has the send-off she so richly deserves,” added Cllr Eyre.

Recruitment for Pat’s successor will begin shortly.