Discussions have taken place over whether Porthleven town council should submit a bid to receive "quality status."

Members discussed the possibility at their last meeting, in which the suggestion was raised by councillor Andy Wallis.

Mr Wallis said that that he believed the council should aim to become to become a quality council, which would provide them with greater independence and more say in decision-making.

He added that in light of the successful unitary authority bid, the town council should prepare itself to take on more powers if required to.

Mr Wallis said: "I would like to see us actively pursue this. It's prestige for the town and if we do want to go down the road of having more powers, then it's worth having. We can say to people that we are trying to take more responsibility for ourselves and get out there and be more self-sufficient."

However, councillor Jo Wright said: "I have heard it's sometimes more trouble than it's worth, in terms of hoops to jump through and cost involved."

Members heard that in order to be given quality status the council must first fulfil certain criteria, including having a fully qualified clerk. Town clerk Corrie Thompson, who was conducting her first meeting as clerk, agreed that she would be happy to complete the training required.

Council chairman Mark Berryman suggested that Sarah Mason, the county executive officer for the Cornwall Association of Local Councils (CALC), should be invited to a future meeting of the council to give members more information and talk them through the process. This was agreed by councillors.