JOAN Heaton is the new Launceston Town Councillor for the Central Ward, gaining 74% of the vote.

Electors went to the polls on Thursday, August 8.

The result was Joan Heaton — 212 votes and Darrall Alexander — 75 votes. The turn-out was 10.15%.

Cllr Heaton said she was ‘truly surprised to win’ by such a healthy majority.

She added: “I want the council to represent the residents as fully as it can and to be seen to do so. That way, council and residents would be working together for the greater good of the town. I also would like to see more residents sitting on council committees if they can offer councillors expert advice on issues.

“They couldn’t vote but they could certainly take part in debate. Again that would be a healthy and democratic collaboration.”

Cllr Heaton is chairperson of the Launceston Medical Centre Patient Participation Group; chairperson of St Stephen by Launceston Rural Parish Council, and an independent custody visitor with Devon and Cornwall Police.

She has been a resident of the town since 2002.