LOCAL communities' priorities and the issues that affect South East Cornwall were top of the agenda during a one-day visit to Caradon District Council by Kevin Lavery, the chief executive of the new unitary authority that starts in April.

Mr Lavery spent the day visiting key projects in South East Cornwall to learn more about Caradon's approach to tackling the economy and housing, which local residents have said are the top issues for the area. He also met with Caradon partners and staff to share his vision for the new Cornwall Council.

There was a visit to an affordable housing development in St Ann's Chapel and pasty manufacturers Ginsters at Callington — one of the district's major and growing employers — to see the bakery in action and meet the highly skilled workforce. Mr Lavery also received a presentation about the internationally recognised active workplace scheme set up by Caradon and Ginsters and met with private and community sector partners to discuss rural challenges and the benefits of partnerships.

During the day he was briefed on economic regeneration initiatives and visited industrial land sites in Callington and Liskeard that will be used to boost employment in the area.

Leader of Caradon District Council, Cllr John Turner, said: 'Cornwall as a county is made up of distinct regions, each with its own specific needs and concerns. Caradon has successfully applied a partnership approach to providing local solutions to local problems, and I am very pleased that Mr Lavery took the time to visit South East Cornwall and see some of the excellent examples of what this style of working has achieved for local people.'