Alton Town Council is set to appoint a new town clerk on March 10.

An extraordinary meeting of the council will be held in the town hall at 7pm to discuss the matter.

The public will not find out who has got the job until afterwards as the decision will be made behind closed doors.

The council began the search for a new town clerk when Pat Harris - who took on the role as interim town clerk following the departure of Leah Coney in November 2023 - announced in November 2024 that she intended to retire and tendered her resignation, which will take effect at the end of May.

Pat joined Alton Town Council in October 2009 following a successful business career where she held senior management positions with NatWest and Serco.

Prior to taking on the job of town clerk Pat had been the council’ s finance and administration manager.

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.

“Pat’s achievements during her time with the council are too numerous to mention, but she deserves particular recognition for her nurturing of the town hall team and grounds staff over the years. 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 than 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.”