A NEW town clerk for Penarth has been appointed.

Following a series of interviews last week, the town council has announced the appointment of Emma Smith to replace the long serving Shan Bowden who is retiring at the end of March.

Mrs Bowden arrived at the town council in 1997, taking up the position of deputy town clerk.

In 2008, she stepped up to become town clerk but announced in November 2015 that she would be stepping down from the post.

She hopes that a smooth handover can be achieved and highlighted the fact that the role has changed and will continue to change through the coming years, given the increasing responsibilities town and community councils are looking to take on.

The new appointee is currently the business and employment officer at the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

She has already worked closely with the Penarth business community in her former roles as town centres manager for the Vale and will be known to many in the town.

The town council hopes that a handover period will happen at the end of February or early March before Mrs Smith takes over full duties at the end of March.

Mike Cuddy, leader of the town council said: "I am delighted that the Council will have the benefit of Emma's experience, both of Penarth and the wider Vale.

"Town and Community Councils will have to be ready to play a constructive part in shaping their futures as the reform of local government develops over the next few years.

"With community support and Emma's experience we should be well placed."