LEIGHTON Penhale has been elected back on to Launceston Town Council.

Cllr Penhale stood for co-option last month, but missed out on a place on the 16-seat council.

After Sandy Cooper, who was co-opted last month, stood down as she was unable to fulfill the necessary eligibility criteria, Mr Penhale stood for co-option for the south ward at the meeting last Tuesday, June 20.

Also standing was Jennifer Falkenstein, and councillors cast their vote in favour of Cllr Penhale.

Cllr Penhale had been on the town council for five years. Born at Old Tree, Trebursye, he went to agricultural college and married before taking on the tenancy of a farm at Lewannick. He and his wife have farmed for 32 years and have three children.

A former chairman of the Launceston branch of the NFU and past president of the Rotary Club, he told councillors: “I have tried to represent the people of the community. I spend a lot of my time helping my family, which is very dear to me.”

The town clerk, Christopher Drake, expressed his gratitude to those who stand as councillors for their hard work and commitment. After the meeting he told the Post: “Mrs Cooper had to stand down as a town councillor purely because she was unable to fulfill the necessary eligibility criteria. This was of course vey disappointing for both the council and Mrs Cooper, but we would look to welcome her onto the council in the future if she wishes.

“The town council is extremely grateful to the likes of Mrs Cooper who put themselves forward to stand as a member of the town council and for the hard work and commitment they give.”