THE 'Welcome to Launceston' plaque at the Pennygillam roundabout has finally been completed.

A team of builders (led by Chris Emmett and co-ordinated by Adam Paynter) completed the difficult task of putting the stone in place last year with a combination of two dexterous diggers and lots of concrete.

Since then there has been some speculation as to what was going to happen next. Well the wait is now over. The plaque, which came from the De Lank Granite Quarry, St Breward is now in place. The plaque was the biggest slice the quarry were able to cut.

The engraving and fitting of the plaque was done by monumental mason David Gynn who said: "I am very pleased to have been able to help on a project for the town."

As part of the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative, Launceston Forum was given the opportunity to have a foundation project which would enhance the town. The idea to put a welcome stone at Pennygillam came from Kevin Hicks who knew of a suitable stone and he initially did the groundwork for the project.

The siting of the stone was quite difficult. The first site chosen was closer to the road, but this proved too costly due to the services in the area. The final phase of the project was co-ordinated by Adam Paynter and Chris Parsons.

Chris Parsons, chair of Launceston Forum said: "Launceston Forum are delighted to see the stone project completed which will enhance the main entrance to the town, and would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped."

Mr Parsons added: "It may seem that the welcome stones are cropping up around the town. But this is no coincidence as Launceston Forum approa­ched Cornwall County Council to put a second stone at Pages Cross as part of a community contribution while they were doing works there.

"In the end it was agreed to use the same plaque there as well. So do we have enough welcome signs now or should there be another? There is another, not quite so large, stone available if it is needed."