A KEY figure in Hartley Wintney village life has resigned.

Leah Coney, the executive clerk at Hartley Wintney Parish Council, has resigned and will leave her post in July, to take up a position as the new town clerk at Alton Town Council.

Mrs Coney has been in the post since 2008, and has been involved in a range of projects, including the creation of the community bus service and working with local developers to secure funding for new tennis courts, an allotment, youth football and cricket facilities.

She has also developed the council’s social media presence, including the parish council’s Facebook account.

In her resignation letter, Mrs Coney thanked councillors for their support. The council has begun the search for her successor immediately.