WHITEHILL Town Council has announced that, following a period of illness, town clerk Chris Youngs will be taking early retirement to coincide with the end of his sick leave.

Mr Youngs joined the town council as its eco coordinator in August 2008 and in January 2013 took on the role of acting town clerk. He oversaw a review of council finances and in August 2013 was formally promoted to the position of town clerk.

The council said that Mr Youngs had made a “substantial contribution” to the smooth running of the council offices and had been heavily involved in a variety of local events during his time. Mayor David Cooper said: “Chris took over the running of the council offices at a difficult time but rapidly got things on the right track. He has also played a major role in the council-supported activities leading up to the departure of the Garrison.

“We will be sorry to see Chris go and wish him well in his retirement.”