LISKEARD'S new mayor has pledged to 'raise the bar' in the town. Seven years since his last spell as mayor, Tony Powell has been sworn in, taking over from Anne Purdon, who was in the role for two years.

Tony said he hoped he had not been too controversial in his speech at the mayor making ceremony, after expressing his ideas about developing the town, especially the cattle market, which he said could be regenerated with a new supermarket and leisure facilities, such as a bowling alley.

He also said that the loss of Woolworths in the town had caused a downturn in sales for local retailers and that it's important that the premises are taken over by another high street retailer to get people spending in the town.

Around 130 guests attended the event in the Public Hall, including the mayors of Bodmin and Saltash.

All enjoyed refreshments after the ceremony.