LIAM Bradley, vice chairman of the Gateway to Cornwall, spoke at the Community Consultation at Saltash Guildhall on Saturday May 14, when members of the public were invited to help shape the vision of Saltash for the future. Mr Bradley said: 'We are keen to influence the sub-regional spatial strategy to make sure that regional government is aware that we in Saltash should not be seen as a suburb of Plymouth, but as a distinct and valuable part of Cornwall.' Mr Bradley welcomed the new Mayor of Saltash, councillor David Carter, and continued by saying that the group of local people, groups and agencies from Saltash and the surrounding parishes are working to improve the area in which they live and work. He said: 'We pride ourselves on our community spirit and the ability to get things done.' Plans include celebrating and encouraging the activities that are already going on, often undertaken by unsung heroes working tirelessly in the town and in the surrounding villages, as well as to lever new funding for the priorities that the local community have decided are important for regeneration. This includes improving Fore Street shopping, and providing better transport links between villages and Saltash. The group has consulted organisations and found out that their intentions are to meet the needs in areas such as employment, business development, transport, leisure, and health issues. Mr Bradley said that, so far, the whole process had been community-led by volunteers from Saltash and surrounding villages. It has been supported by partner agencies such as Caradon District Council and the MCTI Association. The process now is to involve as many people as possible before the plan is written and he invited people to give their views and ideas. Boards around the room showed the plan of PL12 issues and the priorities, with members of the various steering groups were present to answer questions. The mayor said that the town council and partnership had worked hard to bring the MCTI and Gateway to Cornwall steering group together. 'Saltash is an expanding town with many challenges ahead and we need to think how Saltash should develop in the future. 'In particular, we need to think how we relate to Plymouth as our neighbouring city, completely different in character, yet it influences much of what we do. 'We need to agree how we can link together in Saltash with surrounding villages to make our collective voices heard for how we think we should develop.' ' David Carter said that the plan of action will help. Several organisations had set up stalls in the Guildhall and in the street Saltash Town band entertained before the meeting. Refreshments were served by Ashtorre Rock Centre and more than 200 people attended giving their written comments and talking to members of the Gateway to Cornwall.