An era has ended at Alton Town Hall as a councillor and clerk have bid the council chamber farewell – although in true ATC fashion, there was room for a departing dig.

Retiring town clerk Pat Harris was presented with a large bouquet and an even bigger ‘thank you’ last Wednesday in an evening of mixed feelings and emotions.

Re-elected Alton town mayor, Cllr Annette Eyre, led the tributes with the clerk being lauded for her “significant contribution to the council and town” over 16 years.

But there was also a sideswipe with the clerk being praised for her ongoing professionalism and duty despite the “appalling behaviour” of an unnamed councillor.

The above comment was made by Cllr John Chubb, who also announced his resignation from ATC in a letter primarily because of work commitments.

He also felt his continued presence on ATC would be too “much of a burden on other councillors” and believed he would be “letting down” Whitedown ward residents.

Cllr Chubb also praised Cllr Eyre’s “exemplary leadership” given the “significant town events and incredibly testing circumstances” that ATC has recently “grappled” with.

He said: “I would also like to express my sincerest thanks to Pat as she has been outstanding.

“Having been on the receiving end of one or two of Pat’s ‘looks’, it has always been clear to me when to ‘behave’ better.”

He added: “The fact that she has continued in office despite the appalling behaviour of one particular councillor is a real commitment to duty.”

Mrs Harris was also thanked by Cllr Graham Hill, and county councillor Andrew Joy with the latter apologising for all the “grief” HCC has given Pat over the years.

There were also messages of thanks from councillors Suzie Burns and Matthew Bayliss, who cited Pat’s presence in staying on the council for so long.