THE mayor of Launceston wishes to see more infrastructure for the town as more housing is built, he told those gathered at the mayor choosing ceremony last week.

Cllr Brian Hogan, who was formally elected to be mayor for a second term, told the mayor choosing ceremony, which took place at Launceston Town Hall on Thursday, May 12: “We live in challenging times full of change and sometimes uncertainty.”

Adding that he moved to Cornwall in the 1980s, and to Launceston ten years later, he said: “Since that time I would think that there has been at least a 30% increase in houses in the town, however, there has been very little increase in infrastructure, i.e. employment, education, health services.

“Housing and infrastructure have been piecemeal and with little thought for the future. Together with the community I feel there are opportunities to redress this imbalance.

“Devolution seems to be the word of the moment, so let us all test the will behind it.

“With a positive attitude and hard work I am sure that we can all work together to achieve our aspirations for the town and its future. It may be a difficult journey but it is definitely worth our best efforts.”

Cllr Paul O’Brien proposed and Cllr John Harris seconded that Cllr Hogan be elected mayor for the ensuing year, which was agreed by fellow councillors.

Cllr O’Brien, who said Cllr Hogan had ‘succeeded admirably’ in the last year as mayor, added: “As the leader of the town he will be called on to attend countless functions organised by any of a large number of organisations that exist in Launceston — bearing in mind he is a family man and still in employment. For the last year he has been one of the busiest people you will ever meet.

“I have no hesitation in formally nominating him for the role of being our mayor for a second successive year.”

Cllr Harris added: “One more year of being mayor to carry on the really good work he has been doing, and I hope you are as successful in this coming year.”

Cllr Hogan expressed his thanks to deputy mayor Margaret Young, his fellow councillors, town clerk, deputy town clerk, town crier, and all staff affiliated with the town council.

He also extended thanks to mayoress, Anita White, to his family for their continued support, and presented town clerk Rita Skinner, deputy mayor Margaret Young and mayoress Anita White with bouquets of flowers.

He gave special thanks to Ms Skinner, who will be retiring from her role as town clerk in August, after eight years.

Cllr Hogan presented a cheque to Peter Cooper of Launceston Voluntary First Aid Service — the mayor’s charity 2015/16. The organisation was set up in 2013 to serve Launceston and the surrounding villages.

Mr Cooper, on accepting the donation, said: “The cost of running this organisation is very very high, something like this is really appreciated.”

It was then proposed by Cllr Brian Keighley, seconded by Cllr Tony Sandercock, that Cllr Young be elected deputy mayor for a successive year.

Cllr Keighley said: “What you have done for this town over the last two to three years since you have been on the council has been brilliant and you fully deserve this honour.”

Cllr Young, who will again be supported in her role by her sister, Nicola Gilbert, said: “I should be delighted to accept the position as deputy mayor for the forthcoming year.

“It will be a pleasure to support Brian and Anita in the forthcoming year and I look forward to all the events I will be invited to.”

Cllr Hogan then appointed the Rev Mary Williamson as his chaplain for the year, and announced the appointment of Andrew Statton and Andrew Dunning as mace bearers, Josh Mannino as mayor’s cadet, and Cllr Rob Tremain as town crier.