Local resident Vivian Hall has been welcomed by the Conservative Group at Cornwall Council as the new representative on Cornwall Council for the Altarnun Division.
Educated locally and at Oxford University and Cirencester, he is by profession an agricultural journalist with wide experience. He also has been a charitable volunteer for local charities and a church warden.
In his election address he stressed, "I am standing in this election because I believe Altarnun, Lewannick, North Hill and Laneast all need proper representation in Truro. As a moorland area we have our own specific needs and I promise to address them to my utmost ability should I be elected for this division in May."
His election priorities are:
Housing - Affordable housing is a very important issue across the four parishes of the division and must be properly sited, so that the needs of local inhabitants are balanced between conservation of landscape and social and economic investment. This does not mean all proposals should be welcomed.
Energy and Transport - I do not believe wind farms offer value for money and will oppose any new ones for the division. Other forms of renewable energy should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. I believe that rural communities must have a satisfactory bus service, both for those without their own transport and those who want a safe, clean, regular and reasonably priced link to Launceston and further afield. I shall fight for this.
Healthcare - I wish to ensure that Launceston Hospital is maintained as a functioning community hospital.
Schools and Community - With schools in Altarnun, Lewannick and Coad's Green, I believe it is vital to keep small schools going if at all possible. Village halls and parish churches are essential centres of community life alongside Methodist Chapels at Polyphant and Coad's Green and should be supported by innovative schemes for renewal.
Business and Agriculture - We must establish and maintain sustainable agriculture, tourism and commerce and attempt to find solutions when problems arise. Agriculture is a key component of life in the division and I shall struggle tooth and nail to gain the industry's best interests here. Village shops and post offices are a critical part of social and economic sustainability in the area and must be supported as much as possible.
He joins fellow Cornwall Councillor Scott Mann who represents Wadebridge West.