HIGH Ongar Parish Council clerk Dr Peter Boshier is retiring on April 8 after eight years with the council.

His replacement is Aimi Middlehurst, who is parish clerk for neighbouring Stondon Massey Parish Council.

High Ongar Parish Council chairman Richard Berry said: "The parish council would like to thank Peter for his dedication and commitment.

"The parish clerk combines the roles of business manager of the council, responsible financial officer, and proper officer for legal purposes. During his eight years, Peter Boshier has brought a very high standard of professionalism to the council and its members, and has ensured it has kept up-to-date with the ever-changing requirements of local councils and councillors for which they will always be immensely grateful."

He added: "These changes come at an exciting time for the parish council. Local elections on May 1 will bring a new council to serve the local community for four years, during which time there may be significant changes to the roles and responsibilities of parish councils.

"In High Ongar we celebrate the opening of our new village hall, and hope to have in place by the summer a new children's play area."