OKEHAMPTON Mayor Christine Marsh began her fifth term of office last week, by describing Okehampton as a ?growth town which knows where it?s going?.

Speaking at the Mayor Choosing Ceremony in the town hall last Wednesday, (May 14) Cllr Marsh said the previous year had been an exciting one which had seen the completion of some major projects and the start of others.

Cllr Marsh told the gathered civic dignitaries: ?There is a confidence in the town, you only have to look around.

?People investing can see what is happening and know this is a growth town that knows where it is going. People are envious of our town.?

She said work had now started on the long-awaited sports complex and swimming pool in Simmons Park and she thanked those who had worked together to achieve a successful result.

She said Simmons Park had been recognised with Registered Park Status, which meant the park itself and also the surrounding area were protected like a listed building.

Cllr Marsh urged those who had attended to take the opportunity to visit the recently opened community garden at the Ockment Centre. ?What was once a playground and overgrown river bank is transformed into a garden with so much,? she said.

?We now have an area for people just to sit, reflect or just enjoy. I hope the mindless vandalism/vendetta which has marred its success has now come to an end because not only has so much hard work gone into it, but it spoils the pleasure of so many people.?

Cllr Marsh also focussed on the new Okehampton Community Hospital. ?Our hospital will be receiving patients by the end of the month. It?s been a long and torturous journey but we have Dr Paul Nielson?s drive and determination to thank for this,? she said.

?It is a beautiful building, so light and spacious. A flagship of community patient care, when completed the garden area will play as important a role as the building itself,? she added.

Cllr Marsh said the hospital would be equipped with the most up-to-date equipment and would provide integrated health care.

She said the museum was receiving a face lift thanks to Heritage Lottery funding. She also praised the railway station which was bringing visitors to the town.

Cllr Marsh said Okehampton College had nearly completed its new technology block.

?The future of our students is so very important and we have so much more to offer now and more to come,? she said.

?I had a fundraising evening at the beginning of the year.

?The college band played and students did the catering. The standard was unbelievable,? she added.

However, the Mayor said there were still areas which could be improved, the Mill site for example presented a great opportunity.

And Cllr Marsh said it was important for the town to work together with the surrounding areas. ?The rural way of life is our way of life,? she said.

Cllr Marsh made a presentation to Jill Lower, for her support as mayoress, this year?s mayoress will be Frances Luxton and the deputy mayor is Cllr Tony Leech.

A presentation was also made to Anthony Sempreni, who picks up litter to keep the town clean and tidy.

Cllr Marsh?s chosen charity of the year was Okehampton College and she presented a cheque for £2,300 for the college?s music department to principal Chris Powell.