AN increased amount of complaints and concerns raised within an area of Launceston prompted a Cornwall Councillor to call a meeting.

Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Launceston Central division, Gemma Massey, held a meeting for residents of Kensey Valley Meadow on Monday, March 26.

In an invite which was shared on both social media and also in a flyer which she delivered to all homes within the area, Cllr Massey said: “I have been working behind the scenes on some of the neighbourhood issues you have been experiencing lately. Facebook is a fantastic sounding board to share information and get help and support, however, I strongly believe actions speak louder than words. There are some incredible, passionate, positive residents in Kensey Valley Meadow and I feel we need a platform to move forward as a community, to help tackle some of the issues you are facing, but more importantly make actual, positive actions as a group.”

The meeting at The Bell Inn was for anyone interested in building a community action group or residents’ association.

The meeting was well attended with a handful of members from the previous residents’ association also in attendance.

Issues discussed during the meeting included dog fouling, the Cornwall Council Site Allocations Development Plan Document, highlighting the section, which includes Kensey Valley, anti social behaviour, speeding and parking issues. However, Cllr Massey stressed the meeting’s objective ‘was to create a focus group which will allow for one voice to help tackle such issues: to assist us to arrange local informal meetings with the police, town council and other organisations and get proactive with community projects’.

Attendees at the meeting voted in favour of creating a residents’ action group.

A meeting will now follow on Tuesday, April 24 at 6pm at The Bell Inn to put together a group and discuss priority projects.

Cllr Massey said: “I was encouraged to see the amount of residents in attendance and it was terrific to witness the passion they shared for the area in which they live and Launceston as a whole. It is clear they wish to push forward as a collective group to help their community tackle issues, which currently challenge them, but also look at more positive projects within the area. I will definitely support them as they progress and facilitate, where possible, these meetings to create a more formal group. I hope more residents are able to come along and hear more about it at our next meeting.”