KINGSTEIGNTON Town Council’s longstanding town clerk Mrs Carol Lakin has retired after serving the town and former parish council for 27 years.

Carol joined the council in 1995 as assistant clerk, becoming parish clerk in 2008 and then town clerk when Kingsteignton became a town in January 2009.

Carol held a ‘Certificate in Higher Education in Local Policy’ having graduated from the University of Gloucestershire in 2005.

This qualification allowed the Council to maintain their ‘Quality Status’, a proud recognition for Carol and the Council.

Kingsteignton were the first local council in the Teignbridge district to gain this status. Carol was a member of the Society of Local Council Clerks which ensured that all policies and local government requirements for the council were adhered to.

Mayor Councillor Ron Peart held his Mayor’s Christmas Dinner at the Rydon Inn, where he congratulated Carol on her retirement.

He thanked her for everything she has done for Kingsteignton and its residents over the last 27 years and wished her well for a long, happy, healthy retirement.

Carol was presented with retirement gifts from all her colleagues and town councillors, including one of her favourite pieces of art (a Laura Wall Picture).

Retiring town clerk Carol Lakin receiving her picture from Mayor Cllr Ron Peart
Retiring town clerk Carol Lakin receiving her picture from Mayor Cllr Ron Peart (-)

Carol is looking forward to fulfilling her retirement by doing her many varied hobbies and spending time with her family and friends.

Mrs Michelle Lewis-Clarke has been appointed as Kingsteignton town clerk having served as deputy clerk for the past five years, she has a wealth of local knowledge already.

Mrs Jacqui Rees has been appointed as the new Kingsteignton deputy clerk.