The people of Penryn are going to the polls today to choose two new town councillors, with the issue of development at College Valley formost in some voters minds.

Voters in the town’s two wards will each have a choice between two candidates: Jim Lloyd-Davies and Chaz Wenmoth in the West Ward, and Margaret Harrison and Rich Mitchell in the East Ward.

Independent candidate Margaret Harrison, a retiree living in Bronescombe Close, described herself as “Penryn born and bred”: having been born in Chapel Lane in 1944, she has worked with eight community organisations in the town helped with Fair Days, Christmas lights, and other events, and is currently the vice chair of the Penryn Federation.

She said: “It was always my wish to be on Penryn Town Council.

“I love Penryn, and I’m always very proud to be a Penrynner.”

“If I win I will do my best to serve the people of Penryn.”

Independent candidate Rich Mitchell, a boat builder and supply teacher from Broad Street, said he decided to stand after he started going to council meetings due to his concern over development in College Valley, although he stresses he is not a one issue candidate.

He said: “I felt that they weren’t really voicing what the town were asking |them to do.

“I talk to a lot of people and I’m quite involved within the local community.

“I felt that I would really like to stand for what the people of Penryn are asking me.

Former boat builder Jim Lloyd-Davies, is a Labour Party candidate and BT worker, who joined the Merchant Navy at 16, and has lived in Penryn for 20 years, including 13 at his Lower Market Street home.

He said: “My main purpose for standing is to ensure that Penryn benefits fully from the devolved services from Cornwall Council.

“I am passionate that Penryn continues to develop as a vibrant and pleasant place for us all to live.

He added: “There's nothing I enjoy more than spending my free time on my boat, a Sea-Dog moored in Falmouth.”

Chaz Wenmoth, an independent candidate from Trekeen Road, has lived in Penryn for over 60 years, working as a coalman, postman, chimney sweep and landlord at the Anchor Hotel before retiring.

He said: “I owe a lot to Penryn: my family, home, employment and lots of friends.

“The reason I decided to run was because it was suggested by two or three people who felt that the ordinary person was being forgotten in the town.

“I’m in town, at the museum and various places, all the time and I ask people what they think.”

Voting will take place on Thursday, March 26, between 7am and 10pm, with polling stations at The Temperance Hall, the Highway Community Centre, and The Space at Penryn Rugby Club. Voters should use the polling station indicated on their poll card.