FOLLOWING the first staging of a Meet the Mayor event in St Austell, it has been agreed the event will become an ongoing venture. 

The first event took place at St Austell Library and was hosted by mayor Ethan Stephens who said: “The purpose was simple: to give residents an opportunity to come along, have a conversation, raise concerns, ask questions and share ideas directly with me. 

“Although the first event was quieter than I had anticipated, I was really pleased with the conversations we had.  

“Some were about current issues, while others related to concerns that residents have been living with for many years. It reinforced for me just how important it is to provide opportunities for people to be heard. 

“I was also joined by Cornwall Councillors Jack Yelland and Paul Ashton, and we had some really positive discussions about local projects and some of the issues that matter to residents across St Austell. 

“For me, listening is only the beginning. Talking about issues is important, but it needs to be followed by action wherever possible. I will be following up on the matters raised and sharing further information as we make progress. 

“I am also pleased that we have agreed for Meet the Mayor to become an ongoing venture, providing residents with further opportunities to come along, speak with me and share their views about our town. 

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to come along and speak with us. I listened. Now it's time to get to work." 

Meanwhile, an exhibition featuring then and now pictures of St Austell is running at the library until mid-October. Images from the 1950s have been placed alongside current pictures taken by St Austell photographer Paul Williams.  

A visitor said: “It’s amazing how much has not changed, just as much as how much has.”