A SPECIAL gathering has taken place to mark the fact that St Austell Town Council is now 15 years old.
Former mayors of the town joined the current mayor, Cllr Julian Young, for a chat over a cup of coffee at St Austell Library and for a group picture taken by professional photographer Paul Williams.
The former mayors present were Brian Palmer, John Keast, Tim Styles, Gary King, Graham Walker, Richard Pears, Steve Double, Andrea Lanxon, Crystal Pearce, Sandra Heyward and Jill Trewhella. Jackie Bull, another former mayor, was unable to attend the occasion.
Among the former mayors, Brian Palmer and Tim Styles both served two terms each. Steve Double served as a Conservative MP for St Austell and Newquay until the General Election this summer.
Cllr Young said: “We had a lovely couple of hours catching up at St Austell Library, reminiscing about old times.
“I wasn’t on the town council when it was formed in 2009, but it has certainly come a long way since that time.
“Fifteen years ago, we had assets totalling £100,000 and on March 31, 2024, we had assets totalling £784,000.
“As well as asset growth, we have grown into a well-respected service provider and key stakeholder in the town who can, has and will continue to make a difference to the parish of St Austell.”
A council spokesperson said: “The mayor took the opportunity of handing each former mayor a picture of themselves in the mayoral robes.
“A special thought was given to Derek Collins who was mayor in 2014-15 and has since sadly passed away.
“Since the town council was formed in 2009, it has taken on 17 parks and open spaces, the town centre CCTV monitoring service, the Priory Car Park and toilets, St Austell Library and a small number of allotments.
“The town council also administers a small grants scheme and is a planning consultee, considering on average 10 planning applications every five to six weeks, submitting a recommendation to Cornwall Council on each one.
“If you would like to find out a bit more about what we do, please visit www.staustell-tc.gov.uk”