Selection interviews

Following the absence of calls for an election to fill a current vacancy on Liskeard town council, a new member has been selected through interview.

The interviews took place yesterday evening (Thursday) in the mayor's parlour.

The three candidates were Brian Gilbert, Jo Landrigan and Roger Jones. The results will be reported in next week's paper.

Property study

Liskeard town councillors have decided that a select working party should make a comprehensive study of council-owned buildings to analyse each property's future and determine whether new uses can be found for them in terms of community projects.

In the past councillors have raised the subject of the potential value of the buildings, and whether their sites are applicable for possible redevelopment, or sale.

It was thought that if sale etc was probable resulting funds raised could be channelled into council schemes involving other agencies. This could relate to Option One matching funds, or even any joint venture involving Webb's Hotel.

The working party comprises Tony Powell, David Rowe, Chris Ferguson

and Jeanne Rees, plus the mayor and his deputy. Up for study are the Public Hall, the Guildhall, the Arcade and recently acquired Forester's Hall.

Remembering the Morcoms

In a bid to commemorate Liskeard's Morcom family and business, and their life in the town, the town council has proposed that the old Coal Yard site off Lanchard Lane is named 'Morcom Way'.

The property is being developed into housing by Hoskin Homes. If the name is adopted the link access road will remain as a reminder of the past owners of the coal yard.

Going organic?

Liskeard town councillors have been told of the possibility of a farmers' market being set up in the town.

An address on the issue was given to the town forum recently by James Moon.

The proposal is for such a market being held regularly within the Liskeard cattle market site.

The matter has been addressed by Caradon council, whose cattle market working party has been looking at future initiatives.

Mr Moon added that 12 local farmers have shown interest in changing to totally organic production. However the timescale needed to set up such an enterprise is costly, and so there is a need for financial assistance, perhaps through Option One funding.

In January the town councillors decided to oppose the introduction of GM farming experiments in Cornwall.

Members were told this month that the county council is to discuss the problem on March 3, and debate whether or not to ban such experiments throughout the county.

A 'Go Organic South West' project is to be sponsored by the county which could be funded through Option One to benefit Cornish farmers.