Saltash Town Council - Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Councillor Richard Bickford - Mayor of Saltash

Tel: 07737390151

r.bickford@saltash.gov.uk

Councillor Julia Peggs - Deputy Mayor of Saltash

j.peggs@saltash.gov.uk

The Mayor of Saltash

The Mayor is elected by fellow councillors and takes office in May. As Chairman of the Council the Mayor presides over the Town Council meetings and attends all committee meetings in an ex-officio role. During the term of office the Mayor is a familiar face in the town attending many events and supporting local organisations. If you would like to invite the Mayor to attend an event please complete the Mayor's attendance request form and submit your request to mayors-secretary@saltash.gov.uk or post it to Saltash Town Council, The Guildhall, 12 Lower Fore Street, Saltash PL12 6JX.

The Civic Awards are held annually to celebrate and award achievements within the community and those who continually go the extra mile for the town. Nominations are normally open in January of each year. All nominations must be made on the nominations form. Further details of the awards can be found here

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Councillor Richard Bickford, Mayor of Saltash 2023-24.

I have spent most of my life living in Saltash having moved here at the age of 2. I did move away for a period during and after studying Computing at University. After spending a couple of years competitively sailing I moved back to Plymouth, and then Saltash where Sarah and I wanted to return to bring up our daughter Sophie. My wife, Sarah hails from a Waterside family and feels as strongly about Saltash as I do.

I spent over 25 years working for the University of Plymouth in various IT related roles, and hope that some of the skills learnt are put to good effect in our Town Council.

It was whilst on my daily commute to Plymouth by train, that I started to understand that other people shared my frustration about the sadly neglected station building. Joining the council in 2007, I wanted to not only try and do something about the rapidly decaying building, but do much more for the town I love.

I have served on most committees and chaired a few, including our Devolution Sub Committee, Services Committee, as well the Station Sub Committee.
It has been a real pleasure to lead on the refurbishment of what we now call Isambard House, and it gives me even more pleasure to see it starting to become a well used venue for a wide variety of events. The project needed a clear vision, and with some great partners and overwhelming support form councillors and the community, we made it happen.

Now though, I need to chair our council and carry out mayoral duties with Sarah. I am looking forward to some lively debate and hope the council can make some great decisions for Saltash. We need to work strongly with Cornwall Council who control so many of our assets and ensure we deliver for the town.
I very much hope that Saltash Town Council can move to a ‘greener’ way of doing business and carefully considers its impact on Saltash and its residents. Doing so, will undoubtedly be better for our environment, as well as our budget.

We are looking forward to meeting many organisations and individuals over the coming months and supporting as many events as possible.

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Councillor Julia Peggs, Deputy Mayor of Saltash 2023-24.

I became a Town Councillor three years ago after retiring from business management and running my own business. I am very passionate about Saltash and its residents.

During the pandemic I volunteered throughout the town, delivering goods to those isolating and ensuring no-one was forgotten. In addition I organised the recycling community bunting which was proudly displayed in the summer in the town centre. I regularly volunteer with Livewire and Abbeyfield Cresta.

I have a passion for the environment and have led on work to gain the town plastic free status. I championed for the Service Delivery Department to not use chemicals but to use mechanical methods of weed removal, a process that has started in 2022.

I am looking forward to working with the Mayor to ensure Saltash thrives and leads the way for environmental projects for the benefit of Saltash and its community!