THE mayor of Launceston addressed recent criticism during the full town council meeting on Tuesday, September 17, that the public’s concerns were not being heard or acted upon by the council.

Cllr Dave Gordon read a statement during the meeting reassuring those present that the council were open to hear what members of the public had to say and to announce the addition of another means of communication.

Cllr Gordon said: “The town council has in recent months been criticised — quite wrongly in my opinion — in that we as an elected body are not available to hear the concerns of the public, as well as not giving the public the opportunity to ask questions — despite the fact that we do so every month, as we have tonight.

“All members of this council are not only contactable by all modern social media means, we are also available at our monthly markets as well as face to face meetings whilst in the town centre.

“As someone who has lived in Launceston for 65 years and served on the town council for 12 years, I like to think anyone can stop and speak to me about anything at any time, and frequently do, as I am sure many of you do as well.

“However, I have not to date been told that we as a council are not listening to the residents, and I am confident I am not alone in that statement.

“As a quality council we are, which you only achieve by being both open and democratic is something we are proud of, if we were not democratic we would not hold that title. However, despite these qualities it has been suggested in recent weeks we should hold extra meetings to allow residents the opportunity to ask council ‘un-agenda’ items.

“I am not prepared to ask or even suggest that we go down that road, when we are already available seven days a week to hear and listen to our residents’ concerns, as well as by the previously mentioned means.

“We are elected to serve our residents and make decisions we feel are necessary on behalf of those residents for the benefit of Launceston, and again I confirm we are all available seven days a week by one means or another.”

Cllr Gordon said, despite this, he had taken the decision to add another means of communicating with the public. A drop in surgery style service will be run for a three month trial period to determine whether it is effective.

He said: “I have decided to add one more opportunity for residents to contact the council by having an open surgery on the fourth Saturday of each month here in the town hall between 9am and 10.30pm for a three-month trial period starting on Saturday, October 26.

“It will be a simple drop-in session and if proven that the service is popular, I am happy to continue the surgery throughout my mayorship.

“I hope that this will eliminate the unjustified comments we have received that we are not available to listen to the people of Launceston.”

Cllr Paul O’Brien said in response: “Can I just ask, is this in addition to our attendance to the market?”

Cllr Gordon confirmed it would be in addition to councillors’ attendance at the town’s monthly market.