FELIXSTOWE: The enjoyment of working at the seaside – with one of the best office window views in the county – was just one the factors which brought new town clerk Caroline Barrett to the coast.

She has taken over the role of clerk to Felixstowe Town Council from Susan Robinson, who has just retired after 29 years in the post.

Mrs Barrett, a qualified solicitor who for the past seven years has been head of contracts and property at Mid Suffolk District Council, is settling into her new post at the seafront Town Hall and the change of role.

“The geographic location was one of the reasons I decided to go for the job here at Felixstowe – it’s such a lovely place – but also the diversity of the job and the challenge,” she said.

“I think on my first day I was dealing with the skatepark, cemetery, allotments, planning – it’s really interesting and great to be involved in so many different things. I didn’t know you had to know so much about so much.

“It’s a real team effort here, too – the staff are absolutely super and I have been warmly welcomed by everyone.”

Married with two children, aged seven and 10, Mrs Barrett trained with Eversheds and worked for a while with Eastern Electricity.

She decided to move from her district council role during the prolonged uncertainty over the future of local government.

She has considerable expertise in partnership working – of which Felixstowe is involved heavily, especially on highways and libraries and engaging with the town’s young people.

“I am really enjoying it and I very much enjoy being in public service because I think there are core values which it is important to respect and cherish and I cannot imagine now going back to the private sector,” she said.