The mayor of Falmouth, Mike Varney, attended his first Town Centre Forum meeting giving him an opportunity for a wide ranging discussion of the needs of the town. After hearing reports on progress with the Forum's Working groups on Transport, the Waterfront, Tourism and Youth, he agreed most of the issues were close to his heart.

The Forum's Transport group has been pressing hard or partial pedestrianisation of the main street and the closure of Church street car park.

Mr Varney congratulated the team on the recent number plate recognition scheme which had not only engaged many volunteers but had led to a reduction in traffic during the peak summer season. He said he was finding great support amongst traders for a reduction in traffic and he was convinced that this was essential for the economic health of the town.

The Waterfront group had proposed an elegant promenade which would, at last, provide greater pedestrian access to the harbour. He said he had no doubt about the level of community support for greater access and sympathetic development of the Church Street car park area.

He was confident funds were available to make it happen and to provide replacement shoppers' parking. But it was essential that there continued to be pedestrian access to the Church Street car park area. He was hopeful that a development contract could be let by the end of 2008.

Mr Varney pointed out that the town council, as the elected representatives, should lead on these issues but he welcomed the contribution made by the forum and was keen to involve them in the development of the Community Plan being drawn up by the town clerk.

Chris Smith, chairman of the forum said: "It is good to be working with someone who is really beating the drum for Falmouth, is prepared to take a tough and single line and is determined to make things happen. The forum is not an elected body but can act as an idea's generator free of political implications. Like the mayor, we believe in partnerships and we look forward to making our contribution to the future of this splendid town."