HYTHE town councillor Zhanna Harris will not stand for re-election next year as she is now working in Milton Keynes.

The Conservative member for Hythe North will continue to attend "as many meetings as possible". Local party spokesman Gordon Williams hopes to avoid a by-election before all town and district councillors stand again in May 2011 but will hold one if necessary.

He said: "She's working away. She's just got her degree and is a young girl who has got to make her way in life.

"She's been a great asset to the Hythe community and it's her every intention to attend as many council meetings as possible but she won't be standing in May.

"We want to help her as much as we can, as she's doing her best by being an unpaid Hythe councillor. There are 15 others and all of them miss meetings now and again.

"If we can avoid a by-election in Hythe north we will, because it will save taxpayers' money. But if we do have to hold one, we will."