Statement from Chair on Resignation of the Parish Clerk and the Parish Administrative Officer

As many residents of Downton Parish will already know, the Parish Clerk, Mrs Bev Cornish, has given her resignation for the post that she has held for over 17 years.  This was followed with the resignation of the Parish Administrative Officer, Mrs Alison McGowan, who has been in post since April 2020.  Although this is clearly disappointing, the Council accepts the decisions which they have each made.

During her employment, Mrs Cornish has gained nationally recognised qualifications and a high level of experience which has bought many benefits to the Council and Downton residents and she will be missed.  We wish her well in her future endeavours.

Although with the Council for significantly less time, the Council has also appreciated the experience and contribution of Mrs McGowan and similarly wishes her well in the future.

The Parish Council is now taking urgent steps to appoint to the vacant posts in order to ensure the continued operation of the Council. It is recognised that there will probably be some disruption to the level of services provided, and that the priorities for local developments may need to be reconsidered, until such time that the new staff members have been appointed and are fully up to speed. We ask residents for their patience over the coming months of this period of transition.

Jane Brentor  – Chair of Downton Parish Council