In a new regular feature, Mayor Steve Eva and Deputy Cllr Kirstie Edwards provide an update on the things going on at the Town Council.

Both mayors will be addressing the community weekly writing about what they have been up to, their committees/meetings, and any issues/news affecting residents in the town.

This is what the pair had to say about the events over the past week and going forward...

Cllr Kirstie Edwards - Deputy Mayor

Back to being busy, hurrah. Now first things first, did you know that being a Town Councillor and even a Mayor is entirely voluntary? We don't get paid for the role, it is simply public service.

This week on our walkabout, we had a number of people comment which made us both laugh as we both do rather unglamorous normal jobs as well.

Anyway, this week has seen lots of site visits with residents to have a chat and look at various issues. The sections of the footpath that we manage locally that are overgrown, are all being done in the next month.

It takes a long time to get around them all and the high rain for the time of year, plus covid isolations have meant it has been challenging for team gardens, but we are cracking on as best we can. I've sent off lots of emails and attended my first councillor drop in for Penwerris, which was lovely.

As with previous weeks, there has been a lot of nagging re covid support and part of our walkabout this week included dropping yet more tests off to our busy local businesses. It's always lovely to catch up with people and have a chat, it also gives residents and workers an opportunity to raise things with us, which is mutually useful.

Our walkabouts are also a great chance to show people who we are- I had lots of people fist bumping me for wearing all my bling and smart dress with my red converse and recycled marine plastic shades on.

I think being approachable and down to earth is really important- frankly, I'm doing being a Mayor my way. Just before I put my chains on, I'd been out litter picking and spraying dog poo with one of our environmental and enforcement officers, that also raised a few eyebrows when asked who I was and I said I was Deputy Mayor.

It's super important we all work together to look after Falmouth and the looks like me picking up rubbish as much as it does me representing our town more formally.

Being a community leader means walking the walk and to that end, our Labour council group all got involved with trying to prevent some mature local trees from being felled this week.

I always try to balance the whole towns diverse priorities, but many of you voted for me because I will stand up for our community and our green and blue spaces. I am proud to be working with so many members that are passionate about our environment.

Mayor Steve Eva

Another week has passed and after a Planning meeting on Monday night, it was back to catching up with local partners.

On Tuesday I met with Peter Scott, who has become the new President of Rotary and we discussed charity ideas which Rotary can help local charities in these difficult times.

The Town Council have always been well supported by Rotary

and Peter and I hope to work together during the coming year.

Wednesday was quiet, which allowed me to watch the England Team beat Demark in the semi-final of the European Cup and reach the final for the first time in our history.

On Thursday, the Deputy Mayor and I took a walk through the town handing out LFTs to shops and restaurants so their staff could carry out testing for Covid to help reduce the numbers in the Falmouth area we were very pleased with the take up and that most places pleased to receive the tests.

On Friday I was delighted to have the pleasure and honour of opening the new SEN Area at Falmouth School and to meet the Therapy Dog. The SEN Garden was designed by the Students at the school and I'm sure will become a popular and well-used area.

I met Owen, who is a student at Falmouth School who asked about the Mayor's Chain, he was delighted to have his photo taken wearing the Mayor Chain, which brought a lovely smile to his face.

The Headmaster said he has never seen Owen look smarter and he would remember this for a long time- this made me smile, to know what this meant for him.

Unfortunately, the Covid numbers in Cornwall have remained high this week and we all need to be more careful and thoughtful when around other people and remember Face, Space, Wash hands and Ventilation.

[H3] Join in on the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages. [.H2]