CONCERN was raised during the Launceston full town council meeting on Tuesday, November 20, over the lack of a report from the area’s Cornwall councillors — who have since assured the Post they are in regular contact with the town and parish councils and have since provided the council with an update.

During the meeting the mayor Margaret Young noted that no reports had been received from the area’s three Liberal Democrat Cornwall councillors, who she added ‘are sadly not in attendance’.

It is not the first time in recent months that there has not been a Cornwall Councillor present.

Council leader and member for Launceston North and North Petherwin Adam Paynter, member for Launceston Central Gemma Massey and member for Launceston South Jade Farrington sent their apologies ahead of the meeting but were unable to produce a written report in time. Cllr Paynter has made assurances that the councillors have since been in contact with the town council in lieu of a written update.

Cllr Paynter said: “It was unfortunate that we weren’t able to send a representative this time but usually we take the time to make sure at least one councillor is present during these meetings, but it can often be difficult to fit this in with our other responsibilities.

“Due to circumstances the person who had agreed to go couldn’t make it and there wasn’t time to supply a report. Lately, however, we have been meeting regularly with the town council to talk about things like the library devolution plans and remembrance parade organisation etc.

“I always try my best to keep in contact and speak at least once a month on the telephone with the various parish councils in my area and do try to get there when I can, but myself as [Cornwall] council leader and with six other parishes I need to get to, it can be hard to find the time. Once a quarter I do commit to get there but otherwise we speak on the telephone.”

He added: “Things have changed over time and we all have a lot more work on but we do all try and get reports to the council members when we can.”

Cllr Massey was scheduled to attend the meeting on behalf of the three Cornwall councillors but was taken ill before the meeting. She said: “Sadly I was unwell so unable to attend the last full town council meeting. I did, of course, send my apologies. I enjoy working closely with the town council and was only in the town hall the day before the meeting, attending another informal meeting about the parish boundaries.”

Cllr Farrington added: “I was unwell and sent my apologies. Gemma was intending to go but was taken ill on the day and also sent her apologies. We regularly see town councillors at other meetings and events, and they can and do contact us any time they like — just like members of the public.”