Archive for: Councillors

Tony has been a member of Looe Town Council since September 2020 and was elected as  Mayor in May 2023. Before moving to Looe in 2014, Tony ran his own management consultancy business in Cardiff for some 20 years, working with companies and economic development agencies across the UK. Prior to setting up this business he had a career in sales and marketing, working for companies such as 3M, Bacofoil, Johnson & Johnson, Express Foods, Brain’s Brewery and Price Waterhouse where he held a variety of roles.  As a member of Looe Town Council, Tony is particularly interested in the economic development of the town and the creation of jobs and business opportunities for its community. He worked extensively in this field whilst in Wales and is keen to bring this experience to Looe. Away from this work, Tony is a keen student of military history and, as a battlefield guide, regularly takes young people, adult, and family groups to the battlefields of France, Belgium, and Holland. He also researches military ancestors for those keen to find out their history. He is currently the membership secretary of the Guild of Battlefield Guides.

Simon has been a Town Councillor since October 2019 and is currently the Chair of the Finance Committee. Simon is also Vice –Chair of the Services and Asset Management Committee and a member of the Staffing and Policy and Strategy Committees  Simon is also a member of the Neighbourhood Plan and Millpool Steering Groups. Recently he also led the running of the Covid-19 volunteer group. Outside of the Council Simon is Chair of the Looe Environmental Group and is a Director of Looe Saves the Day charity which organises the Looe annual music festival. Simon is married with three grown sons and together with his wife runs a Bed and Breakfast in Looe.

Simon is a qualified accountant and had over 30 years in general management with a number of fast growing international businesses and was involved with a number of management buyouts. He is committed to supporting the town of Looe to thrive and prosper so that local people directly benefit from this with better quality housing for all, and good quality jobs that are secure and fairly paid. 

Martin has been a Town Councillor since 2002. He has served several terms as deputy mayor over the years and was Mayor of Looe from May 2019 to May 2022. Martin has led on environmental issues, championing an environmental crime officer. He also fought for free parking on station road and supported the devolution agenda.  This included the devolution of the library service and building to Looe Town Council and taking over the running of the toilets. He has also chaired the amenities, environment and finance committees. His hobbies include running, gig rowing and volunteering for Cornwall wildlife trust assisting the wardens on Looe island and is coordinator for the Looe seal identification group. Martin is an active member of Looe Marine Conservation Group of which he has served as vice chair. 

Chris joined the Looe Town Council team in April 2023.  Chris has lived in and around the local area for most of his working life with periods living in both East and West Looe.  Currently he resides in West Looe where he has lived with his wife since 2018.  Before retiring Chris had a full career with the Royal Navy as an Engineer Officer and later worked in industry as the lead manager co-ordinating engineering shore support to meet operational requirements for Navy Destroyers.  With a keen interest in supporting Looe and the community he is eager to bring his knowledge and experience of managing successful outcomes under challenging situations to the greater benefit of the Looe Community.

Chris is very interested in ensuring that the vibrant character of Looe and its heritage is maintained. He strives to obtain the correct balance between the needs of business, residents, and visitors across all ages of our community.  Practical and with a determination to get things done, he is keen to help wherever he can.  Willing to hold public organisations to account for the correct delivery and decisions, with the prime interests of the members of the Looe community always in mind.

Outside of Council responsibilities Chris enjoys his time living in Looe with all the great things that it has to offer.  Keen to travel and explore, particularly the many interesting places that make Cornwall such a wonderful place to live.  Other interests include maritime and steam era heritage of the local area, DIY, gardening and model engineering.

James has been a councillor since 2017, is currently co-chair of the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) Steering Group and is chair of the planning committee. He has led on the response to recent changes to Government planning rules and has championed the policies in the Looe NDP following the gathering of evidence and town wide consultations. Looe Neighbourhood Plan has now been fully adopted by the people of Looe at the referendum in May 2022 after 7 years of hard work from the steering group.

James was involved in working with the architect and contractor to oversee the development of Looe’s library building, he also designed and worked closely with the sign makers to produce the library signage. James has a BA degree in Architectural and Spatial design studying at Plymouth College of Art and Design. Professionally he produces planning design and access statement and material specifications as a freelance architectural design consultant, working mainly in London along with managing family property in Cornwall and West Sussex. James has been associated with Looe since 1997. His Interests include walking, architecture and conservation,  using his expertise in landscape architecture to shape the family woodland to ensure the area is preserved and protected for future generations.

James is a National Planning Portal delegate and attends and engages in annual conferences . Areas covered were :

• Planning and Building
• The digital future of Planning
• Climate Emergency
• Community Engagement
• Biodiversity Net Gain
• Presentation from Robert Jenerick MP – Secretary of State for Housing 2019 to 2021

James is also a member of the Liskeard and Looe Community Network Panel as a representative for Looe Town Council which gives the opportunity to engage with other councils within this part of South East Cornwall .