COUNCILLOR Paul O'Brien was officially elected as Mayor of Launceston at the annual meeting of the town council last Thursday.

Various Mayors and Mayoresses from nearby towns, representatives of local organisations and charities, members of the business community, school children, as well as MP Dan Rogerson and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, gathered in Launceston's Town Hall for the annual mayor choosing ceremony.

Cllr Pam Davey proposed Cllr Paul O'Brien for Mayor. Since Cllr O'Brien had retired to Launceston from Sussex, with his wife Rosemary, he had "thrown himself into community life," said Cllr Davey.

A governor at St Stephens Primary School, Cllr O'Brien had also helped install the community bus. Cllr Davey added: "Since he's been on the council, he's shown great energy and commitment and a sense of humour, which he needs.

"I'm quite sure he and Rosemary will serve us well in the coming year."

Cllr Connie Geach seconded the proposal and, with no further nominations, Cllr O'Brien was officially elected as Mayor.

NEWCOMER

Cllr O'Brien referred to himself as a newcomer, having retired to the South West in 2001. After receiving some far from encouraging comments about his relocation to Cornwall from a neighbour, who described the Cornish as a "funny bunch", Cllr O'Brien admitted they moved with trepidation.

However, Cllr O'Brien said he had "never heard a more inaccurate assessment." He said the Cornish had a strong local identity, were always willing to help others and were committed to fostering community spirit. He was therefore "very proud" to be called part of the "funny bunch."

The last year had seen the completion of the re-roofing of the Town Hall and Guild Hall, said the Mayor, and the task now was to "ensure that the interior matches the exterior."

Plans were in the process of being completed which will bring the hall into the 21st century and once again make it a part of the community, with the prospect of dances and shows being held.

The restoration of the Priory Ruins had been completed, a task for which the council had worked closely with North Cornwall District Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA.

CCTV

Over the past 12 months, a great deal of discussion had taken place with the police regarding CCTV and the council had decided to fund a substantial amount of the cost for the two camera scheme. Cllr O'Brien hoped this would produce "similar improvements in behaviour to that witnessed in the castle grounds."

The council had also been in discussions with local schools and intended to produce a youth council for the town for young people up to the age of 18. The youth council would have its own budget and administrative support and would "provide young people with a platform to air their views," said Cllr O'Brien.

Taking on the role of Mayor, Cllr O'Brien said he had had the advantage of being Deputy Mayor for the past year. As understudy to retiring Mayor Cllr Eric Chapman, Cllr O'Brien thanked him for his advice and guidance. He also praised the town council for their "knowledge, experience and commitment to the principle of improvement", as well as the town clerk and her staff, "all of whom regularly go the extra mile on behalf of the town."

He added: "With their support I have a tremendous opportunity and I thank them for it."

Nominations were then received for Deputy Mayor. Cllr Mary Williams proposed Cllr Rob Tremain for the position. Cllr Tremain has been Launce­ston's Town Crier for 32 years, a "duty he performs with enormous enthusiasm," said Cllr Williams.

She also said that Cllr Tremain had been chairman of the planning committee for two years, stood on several other council committees, belonged to many organisations in the town and was a Cornish Bard. She concluded: "It gives me great pleasure to propose Rob Tremain as the next Deputy Mayor."

The nomination was seconded by Cllr Olver Harris and accepted by Cllr Tremain who thanked his fellow councillors for their confidence.

Cllr Graham Facks-Martin proposed a vote of thanks to Cllr Eric Chapman who was retiring as Mayor after two years. He said Cllr Chapman had an "outstanding record of service to this town." Along with his wife Pat, he had given great support to the very many local committees and bodies in Launceston.

MANY HOURS

Cllr Chapman had put many, many hours into Coronation Park and had been very much involved in the renovation of the Parade Ground, said Cllr Facks-Martin. He said Cllr Chapman had done a "wonderful job" as Mayor.

Cllr Colin Warne, seconding, agreed that Cllr Chapman had done an "excellent job." Cllr Warne said he was worthy of a good retirement and wished him well.

Responding, Cllr Chapman said: "It's been a great honour to serve Launceston as Mayor over the past two years." He praised the trustees of Coronation Park who had done a lot of work: "We're very proud of it."

He also mentioned other achievements in the town, including the completion of the work on the Priory Ruins and the Parade Ground.

He thanked the new Mayor for all the functions he had attended as Deputy Mayor and thanked his wife Pat for all her help and support over the past two years.

The meeting was then adjourned until the following evening.