AFTER three successful terms, Rob Rotchell is standing down as Camelford mayor.

Cllr Rotchell has achieved a lot during his time as mayor, including the devolution of the library, parking improvements, the development of projects such as the health hub and more.

He has been heavily involved in town events and has showed his support to local people and their own projects, such as the Camelford Clean Air Group.

But now it’s time for Cllr Rotchell to hang up the mayor’s chain, let go of his beloved gavel and let someone else lead the way for Camelford Town Council and the community.

Cllr Rotchell, also Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Camelford, is sad to be leaving the post, but is looking forward to seeing further improvements and developments take place in the town at the hands of another responsible leader.

Having lived in Camelford for approximately 20 years, Cllr Rotchell joined the town council eleven years ago. He has just finished his third, non-consecutive, term as mayor.

Although he is stepping down as mayor, he will continue to sit on the town council and looks forward to providing support for the next mayor of Camelford.

Being the Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Camelford has been part of his decision to step away from being mayor.

He said: “Obviously I am also Cornwall Councillor for Camelford, which I think is part of my decision to step away. During the Cornwall Council elections, I was chosen by the cabinet to be the portfolio holder for adult social care, which is a really busy job. So part of my reason for leaving the role is, one, I’m really busy with the other stuff I’ve got going on, but also I think three years was a good time to get things done.

“The next mayor will have a new pair of eyes, and would also have a new perspective on things and how they should be done.”

Cllr Rotchell has seen a good many achievements for the town and town council. One of the highlights for him has been the devolution of Camelford library, which was recently officially opened.

“I think the icing on the cake has got to be the opening of the library. When I joined the town council eleven years ago, one of the main things I didn’t understand was why the town council wasn’t in the town hall — so this became a goal for me.

“When the talks about the library started some years ago, I thought it was a great opportunity to continue this, and to move the town council into the town hall.”

The library is now a thriving place at the centre of the community, with extended opening hours so more services are provided to the public and also setting a base for the town council offices.

“On a more person note, I think the honorary citizens award event last year was a great highlight for me,” he continued. “Obviously I was able to present an award to Phil Lessels, who was a great friend of mine, having joined the council at the same time.”

Cllr Philip Lessels was a popular town councillor and active member of the community, having been chairman of Camelford History and Archive Trust (CHAT) and also the Camelford Old Cornwall Society. Cllr Lessels died last year.

“We’ve also been told we will receive the £35,000 grant from SITA for the skatepark — we’ve been putting quite a bit into this project, and it’s a huge step forward,” Cllr Rotchell said.

“We also got Music in the Park going again — there’s been lots of different things. There’s also the community events — how can I forget turning on the town’s Christmas lights and leading the parade for remembrance? Looking back at my first time as mayor, we brought the Gorsedh festival to Camelford. I actually did my speech in Cornish, and learnt Cornish for the occasion. That was also a highlight.”

Many people in the town believe there will be big shoes to fill, and Cllr Rotchell said: “I’m flattered people think that — I just wanted to do a good job, and represent the people of the town.

“It’s been an absolute honour to be recognised for leading Camelford in my role as mayor. In terms of whoever takes over — and we won’t know until May — whoever it is, they will have my absolute support. Stepping into the role at first can be a bit awe-inspiring — you have to attend lots of functions with other mayors — but I will support them every step of the way so that they can learn and also do their best for Camelford.”