CORNWALL councillor for Launceston North and North Petherwin, Adam Paynter, has given an update on what he’s been up to in his role in early 2022.

Cllr Paynter, who lives in Clubworthy and is a former deputy leader of Cornwall Council, told the Post: “I’ve been working on a lot of the usual things such as planning applications and potholes as well as the work in and around the eight parishes and their communities.

“There’s been a load of different projects over probably the last six or seven years that I’ve been working hard on to get investment into Launceston.

“The library hub project is ongoing to replace the library with a new build on Exeter Street. The plans are currently going through the planning system and will provide a hub for council services which includes a library, family services, registrars, adult day services and hot desk spaces for council staff, and that’s a £5-million project.

“The bridges project to the footpath which is a new trail from the bottom of Ridgegrove through to the new footbridge at Co-op. The new bridge at Newport is due to be installed on Wednesday [today, February 2]. It’s been a long-term project that’s been held up by a lot of problems including planning, COVID and utilities. But it will be a great impact as the road bridge will be widened for traffic and the new footbridge is safe for pedestrians.”

One of the big issues around Launceston in recent months has been trying to keep the leisure centre open, while some much-needed work in the town centre has taken place with more to follow. Current operators GLL, who operate under the Better brand, are looking to cut costs, and Cllr Paynter expects it to remain open.

He said: “With the leisure centre we are working to find a new operator to start in January 2023. The resurfacing of the town centre has been done overnight within the last couple of weeks and is looking really good, and more works will be carried out over the next few weeks.

“The town planning group are looking at various improvements to the town including pop-up bollards that will sink into the road and will be on Westgate Street, High Street and Church Street. This will make those three streets more pedestrian-friendly during peak hours.

“We are also looking at other funding to improve the town centre which would include events during early spring.

“The car park walls are still being worked on for the Pannier Market Car Park while the repairs to the Walk House Car Park will be made in the next few months.”

Cllr Paynter finally gave an update on the new primary school at Hay Common and the development of the new building within the grounds of Launceston College.

He said: “There has been a delay to the work of the new Hay Common Primary School, but the Department for Education hope to get the school opened by the start of the new school year in September, while the new facility at Launceston College, which will help accommodate around 300 new pupils, is also expected to be ready by September.”

He added: “Overall I’m delighted that there’s been some much-needed investment into Launceston and the surrounding areas, and I’m hopeful there will be more in the coming months.

“If you would like to contact me then please email [email protected]”