A major project to improve the coastal resilience in Mounts Bay has been completed, with a 350 metre length of the coast at Long Rock now open for the general public. Over 12,500 tonnes of locally sourced rock has been used to protect the most vulnerable section of this coast from eroding and being breached during storm conditions, flooding the railway and the area behind it. 

The works are part of a wider £3.7 million strategic project to improve coastal resilience in Mount’s Bay and will also include environmental improvements to Marazion Marsh. The works are being wholly funded by grants from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Environment Agency Flood Defence Grant-in-Aid (FDGiA).

Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, Rob Nolan, said:  “The work which has been done here is an important element of protecting this particular stretch of coastline, along with businesses and homes behind it. The construction which has been done also creates a better public space, with improvements for the users of the coast path and cycleway, who will now be able to stop and admire this stunning view.”

The project reduces the level of flood risk to the community of Long Rock as the impacts of climate change, storm surges and sea level rise increase. 

The coast defence scheme:

• Provides increased coastal protection to the Great Western Railway mainline and A30 serving strategic transport links in and out of Penzance and access to the Isles of Scilly.
• Protects domestic and commercial assets and infrastructure including 295 residential properties and 65 commercial properties.
• Creates better conditions for sustained economic growth by reducing obstacles to local investment, complementing new development and allowing greater connection with customers.

Councillor Simon Elliott said: “I welcome this coastal defence work and have given it my full support since the plans were first released. It has been clear from the storms over the last few years that this area is particularly vulnerable and the rock armour represents the best solution in the short term to protecting the businesses and community of Long Rock.

“With the beautiful views across the bay that the coastal path provides, and the area being created by the defences, I was pleased to make £1,000 of my Community Chest fund available to provide picnic benches to hopefully create a great spot to stop and take in our wonderful environment.”

The development, along with creating a new sea defence and public amenity space; has also created two new ramps onto the beach, to allow for greater public access to the water.

Council Lead on Flooding and Coastal Change, Dr Dave Watkins, added:  “To maximise the environmental benefits of the works the rock armour has been placed further forward than is normal to allow the natural backshore dunes to grow in the shadow of the rock armour, reversing the current erosion. This was a necessary step to allow a margin of safety while we develop long term plans for the sustainability of this coast under pressure.”

Story posted 16 August 2019

This summer Cornwall is saying a polite but firm ‘no more rubbish excuses’ to the minority of people who litter in our beautiful Duchy and is inviting residents, tourists and visitors alike to help get the message across by going to www.cornwall.gov.uk/litterless.

Each year, Cornwall Council’s street cleaning contractor works round the clock to keep our roads, town centres and beaches tidy with more than 200 workers covering 40,000 miles annually – almost twice the distance around the world.

And over the last year, Cornwall’s community groups volunteered more than 48,066 hours of their time to picking up after litterbugs, according to data collated by Cornish Plastic Pollution Coalition and Clean Cornwall. If those volunteers were paid, at the very least it would cost Cornwall around £376,000-a-year.

During the busy holiday periods when visitors and residents are out and about more enjoying Cornwall’s coastal environment, the Council’s  contractor steps up its cleaning and bin emptying in anticipation of a rise in the volume of rubbish, recycling and litter.

Visit Cornwall figures suggest that the Duchy hosts 40 million day trips a year. Twenty-two million of those trips are made by visitors who stay overnight in Cornwall, while 19 million are made by locals and visitors who live in - or close enough to - Cornwall to enjoy a day out here before returning home for the night.

Across the peak season Cornwall sees a 45% rise in the amount of rubbish and litter created during the spring and summer seasons. Litter is a risk to human health, as well as the health of Cornwall’s wildlife and environment. Barbeques left in the sand can cause burns and other injuries, while plastic litter in particular poses a choking threat to birds and sea life.

The Council has teamed up with Visit Cornwall, Clean Cornwall and Cornish Plastic Pollution Coalition as part of its #LitterlessCornwall campaign to issue a reminder to residents and visitors alike: no more rubbish excuses - leave only your footprints and take your litter with you if the bins are full.

The campaign asks the majority of people who don’t litter to sign a ‘#LitterlessCornwall’ pledge so that the Council can prove to litterlouts that there really is no excuse for rubbish behaviour.

Cllr Rob Nolan, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection, said: “Litter is a blight on Cornwall but it’s not something the Council can tackle alone and we are grateful to Cornwall’s voluntary groups who do so much. But they shouldn’t have to.

“Responsibility for not dropping litter and making sure it ends up in a bin lies with each of us as individuals. If you can’t find a bin please take your rubbish away with you and dispose of it at home.  It’s that simple.

 “Our contractor clears litter wherever and whenever it can, but it shouldn’t be dropped in the first place.

“Unfortunately a minority of people still haven’t got the message that littering is unacceptable. “What we say to their carelessness is ‘no more rubbish excuses’.

“This summer make sure your rubbish goes in a bin and leave only your footprints.”

Posted on 14 August

The number of car journeys at Berrycoombe Primary School in Bodmin dropped by 80% to mark Clean Air Day in June.  The figures from Sustrans, the Sustainable Transport charity, show that more than 58 families left the car at home and walked, cycled or scooted to school instead.

Studies have shown that air pollution concentrates around the areas where it is formed; so places that have lots of traffic can have higher levels of pollution.

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Rob Nolan, said: “It’s fantastic to see this kind of data, which demonstrates the commitment of the school staff, the children and the parents at the school.  Leaving the car at home, or if you have to drive, going the last few hundred yards or so on foot can make a huge difference to the air quality at the school gate and I hope that other schools could be inspired to follow in their footsteps.”

Other feedback from the event showed that 98% of the parents and residents questioned would like to see the event repeated and that 78% were worried or very worried about the health impacts of car exhaust fumes at school drop-off and pick-up times. 

During the event cycling levels have increased by 40%, scooting levels have increased by 53% and ‘Park & Stride’ levels have doubled.

Cllr Nolan continued: “We know that car exhaust fumes are a major contributor to air pollution and it’s great to see schools like Berrycoombe taking the initiative and working with Sustrans to improve the quality of the air the pupils are breathing.  Changes like this can make a big difference to the quality of our air and to our children’s health.”

It’s predicted that up to 36,000 deaths each year in the UK are caused by air pollution. The World Health Organisation (WHO) sets maximum limits for air pollution, these limits look at daily and annual averages. Almost 2,000 locations in the UK are above these limits and there are places in the UK where the air pollution is three times as high as the WHO limits.

James Cleeton, Sustrans Director for the South said: “The children, families and staff at Berrycoombe Primary School have shown how we can dramatically improve the school neighbourhood, by replacing cars with human power and by opening school streets for people.

“As so many of us witnessed on the day of the school street closure there was a surprising sense of calm to the start of the day which is in complete contrast to what can normally be expected as cars back up and children dodge car doors to get through the school gate.

“By choosing to restrict vehicles and open their school street for people the school didn’t just reduce congestion in their neighbourhood and prevent the emission of dangerous, invisible pollutants around their schools, but also gave pupils and staff a better start to the school day.” 

Some of Cornwall’s finest produce will be showcased at a special event on Lemon Quay in Truro this week.  The first ever Made in Cornwall Summer Fair will build on the success of the Easter and Christmas events and will feature some of Cornwall’s best produce from Wednesday 14 until Saturday 17 August.

Over 40 local traders from across Cornwall will be selling their goods from Cornish glass to jewellery, crafts, handmade accessories and specialty food and drink, all of which have been assessed by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards Officers as being genuinely Cornish.

Jane Tomlinson, Trading Standards Manager for Cornwall Council, said: “We’re really looking forward to staging our first ever Made in Cornwall Summer Fair; this will be a real showcase of some of the best products made right here in the duchy.”

The Made in Cornwall logo was established 28 years ago in response to a call from businesses for recognition of genuine Cornish products. It now boasts around 230 members and is the largest regional origin scheme in the UK, reflecting the public’s love of genuine Cornish goods.

The rigorous scheme ensures that only authentic Cornish products are approved and can show the MIC logo.

Made in Cornwall members benefit from:

• Use of the distinctive engine house logo on their approved products, stationery, websites and social media profiles;
• Certificate of membership guaranteeing authenticity of products;
• Opportunities to attend fairs and events;
• Newsletter keeping members up to date with changes in legislation, codes of practice and other useful information;
• Entry into the online Cornish Lines Directory of Members;
• Networking opportunities with other members;
• Increased reputational benefit showing that they are responsible businesses working in partnership with Cornwall Council Trading Standards Service 

Jane continued:  “We all know that Cornwall is a special place and has a distinct culture that is different from any other part of the UK, a rich creative heritage and outstanding natural beauty. Cornwall’s reputation for the production of quality creative goods is deep-rooted and certainly worth protecting.

“We are proud to be home to a vibrant business community many of who produce artistic and hand crafted items, speciality food and drink and highly specialist technical products which are all inspired by Cornwall’s unique environment and culture – this event will celebrate all of this.”

Any business wishing to join the scheme is assessed by a Trading Standards Officer to ensure that they, and their products, meet the minimum criteria. Not only is it vital that the goods are actually made in Cornwall, emphasis is placed on sourcing materials or ingredients from other Cornish businesses.

The goods must also comply with all relevant UK and EU legislation and undergo sufficient processes involving a certain level of creativity or professional skill.

 Jane concluded: “Come along and see just what Cornwall has to offer and pick up a gift or two which is truly unique.”

The Made in Cornwall Summer Fair will be held on Truro's Lemon Quay, from 14 to 17 August 9am - 5pm.

 

People in Cornwall are being encouraged to talk more about their feelings to support good mental health with the help of a photography exhibition that has just launched in Newquay, Cornwall.

This is a joint project between photographer Jon Mackenzie and Cornwall Council, Wavelength and the male suicide prevention charity CALM, who want to use the powerful stories and images of others to enable people to explore their own mental health and open up to others about their feelings. In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly approximately 80 people each year take their own lives, and there is a high proportion number which are middle aged men.

The exhibition features some well-known community heroes who have been captured beautifully by photographer Jon Mackenzie. The subjects chosen represent the fact that the proportion of suicides amongst men and women are 75% male and 25% female, which is in line with the national average.

In a series of interactive installations in the Newquay Harbour area, the photos of the subjects, alongside their stories aim to trigger emotions and conversations from those who see them.

Interim Director of Wellbeing and Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Steve Brown said: “In Cornwall we have higher suicide rates than the national average. This could be due to a number of factors, including higher numbers among people in certain trades such as agricultural workers that can have high rates of stress. This could be avoided if they were able to talk to someone.

“In reality, almost every family or community will have been affected in some way at some time by suicide. It is often wrongly believed that nothing can be done but by bringing organisations and communities together, each person can potentially contribute to prevention or intervening to save a life. Learning how to talk about emotional health issues, making helplines and support easy to find, and ensuring that families and carers know how to recognise the signs could all make a difference."

Photographer and project lead Jon Mackenzie said: “I hope that when people see the exhibition and interact with the stories that it will make people feel more comfortable about talking about mental health.  Having had my own mental health problems I know how much easier things can become once you open up to someone.”

The exhibition will be in Newquay Harbour until 15th August and then it will move to other places in Cornwall, the next site confirmed is at Wheal Kitty, St Agnes on 16th August. Tickets are available for free via Eventbrite.

Alongside the exhibition, Jon Mackenzie will also be setting up a number of  Camera Clubs supported by CALM, similar in idea to the man shed projects, where men can turn up to discuss photography, take photos and have a chat if they wish.

If you have concerns about your mental health and wellbeing it is recommended that you first contact your GP to talk over your concerns. They will be able to direct you to the most appropriate support for your needs.

There are a variety of services available to support mental health conditions.  You can find out more about these on the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust website.

A new website has been launched which allows people to anonymously report the sale of illegal tobacco.

The website has been launched by Trading Standards South West and is intended to encourage public reporting of concerns and suspicions about illegal tobacco sales across the whole of the South West region.  

As well as offering people the chance to report illegal sales, the site also includes comprehensive information about the different types of illegal tobacco and the negative impact it has on society.

Many illegal cigarettes are unlikely to comply with safety standards and they will often not self-extinguish when not continually smoked, greatly increasing the fire safety risk at home. They are also likely to exceed the legally permitted carbon monoxide and tar levels (in some cases by up to 80%) while not containing the amount of nicotine stated on the pack.

Profits made from the sale of illegal tobacco, often fund other serious and organised crime such as modern slavery, people trafficking and drugs.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, Councillor Rob Nolan, said: “It is important that members of the public know how and where they can report information about illegal tobacco. It is also important that they understand the true extent of the damage illegal tobacco has on society.

“Here in Cornwall, and across the rest of the South West region, we receive information regarding the sale and supply of illegal tobacco from a variety of sources.  One of the most important and valuable comes from members of the public, who may hold key information, crucial to an investigation.”

In addition to its connection to organised criminal groups, illegal tobacco is available at pocket money prices, sold to children and often fails other vital safety standards.

To find out more information, please visit the Trading Standards South West website.

The main access to Whipsiderry Beach in Newquay remains closed after concerns of possible rock falls in the area.

Cormac’s Geo Environmental Engineer is currently inspecting the cliff face.

We are advising residents to stay away from the area for their own safety until further notice.

We are reviewing access to Whipsiderry from adjoining beaches Watergate Bay, Porth and Great Western.

The steps to Whipsiderry have been closed since March after a previous landslip in the area.

Plans for cliff stabilisation works are currently being developed.

Posted on August 9, 2019.

Better use of existing technology in schools could help children who have difficulties with reading and writing make progress and work more independently.   Alison Greenwood from Cornwall Council Educational Psychology Service says: “Tablet computers have opened up a world of possibilities for people with literacy difficulties.”

Since the Equalities Act was amended in 2012 schools have a legal duty to provide children with disabilities or learning difficulties with access to the right technology if not doing so would put them at disadvantage compared to other pupils.

Evidence has shown that using tablet computers can help all children learn to read but they particularly help boys and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.  

Cornwall Council is launching a specialist online course to help teachers to be more confident about using iPads to support pupils with literacy difficulties.  Alison Greenwood is one of the course authors and wants to empower teachers, to have the right level of expertise to support young people. 

“The online course provides an overview of school’s statutory duties, up to date research findings and good practice when using technology to help children learn.  There is also a step by step video guide which shows how different settings and iPad apps can be used to support pupils with literacy difficulties.”

Alison continued: “Tablet computers are already used in 70% of primary and secondary schools.  However some reports have questioned if the way they are being used is helping pupils to make progress with their learning.

“This course is based on research which shows how using apps and iPads can improve reading, writing and spelling.  Research shows that pupils spend more time on tasks when using computers and are more confident about attempting more difficult questions.”

Tablets computers can be used to deliver individually tailored reading, writing and spelling lessons for pupils on a daily basis.  In lessons students can have text books read out load using text to speech and tablet computers also allow pupils to record work using a variety of methods.  This enables students to be able to complete the same work as other children in their class and they need less adult support in order to do so.”

Cabinet Member for Children and Wellbeing, Sally Hawken, said: “Research shows using the right technology in the right way boosts pupils’ confidence and independence in class. It also empowers young people to learn with their peers and to develop news skills.”

More information about this course is available on our Educational Psychology Service website.

If you are interested in buying this course and you are a school which is maintained by Cornwall Council, please contact the team via email at togetherforfamilies@cornwall.gov.uk to arrange a VAT free course purchase.

Statement from Councillor for Newquay Central, Geoff Brown:

"I understand the disappointment of the thousands of people who were looking forward to the Boardmasters event this weekend.

"Public safety is at the forefront of the event organisers’ decision to cancel, which was informed by independent safety advisers and partner agencies, including the Met Office.

"The Met Office yellow weather warning at lunchtime on Tuesday forecast gusts of wind up to 60 miles per hour, in excess of safe operating limits for the staging and other structures. We support the organisers’ decision to put the safety of festival-goers, performers and staff first.

"We would urge anyone without booked accommodation not to travel to Newquay – but for those that have booked accommodation, rest assured Newquay still has lots to offer this weekend, including the annual lifeboat day."

With other events planned across Cornwall this weekend, organisers are being advised to pay particular attention to any temporary structures such as stalls, gazebos and marquees and ensure they are safely anchored or dismantled where appropriate. 

Further weather updates can be found on the Met Office website.

 

 

Cornwall’s first transit stopping site for Gypsies and Travellers will be completed and open later this month (August 2019).

Cormac Solutions Ltd carried out the works to build and install the facilities and Cornwall Housing will manage and maintain the site.

The new transit site at South Treviddo near Liskeard, which can be used by Gypsy and Travellers for stays of up to three months in a year, provides pitches to accommodate up to 15 caravans at any one time.

Once open, the stopping place means that Cornwall Council can guide Gypsy and Traveller families away from unauthorised encampments, such as those recently seen in Bodmin and St Ives.  Instead, if appropriate, families can stay on the purpose built site which provides access to basic amenities in a secure environment. 

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council Cabinet portfolio holder for climate change and neighbourhoods, said: “Cornwall Council has a legal duty to provide these sites.  It’s really important for us to provide more emergency stopping places and transit sites across Cornwall.  Emergency stopping places and transit sites ensure that Gypsies and Travellers have access to basic amenities that our settled communities take for granted.  These amenities make a huge difference to the health and quality of life of Gypsies and Travellers.”

A successful Council bid for £825,000 from Homes England has gone towards funding the £1.75 million project, with the remainder of the cost being met by Cornwall Council.

Nick Cross, managing director for Cornwall Housing, said: “We manage and maintain the South Treviddo site located on the A38 two miles north of Liskeard. We work with Gypsies and Travellers from all over the country to organise a short stay, of up to 12 weeks, when there is nowhere else for them to legally set up camp and while they are en-route to another place.

“We also manage three other Gypsy and Traveller sites which provide 66 pitches for travellers who prefer to stay in one location for a longer period of time.”

Cormac have been appointed to carry out the design and construction of the facility at South Treviddo and ensure it’s a safe encampment for the group during their stay. The site comprises of 15 transit pitches, each with its own electrical hook-up, water supply and ablution room.  The site also includes a wardens office for managing the day to day operations of the site, a holding area for new arrivals, CCTV and security fencing.

Those staying there will be charged just over £50.00 per pitch per week, which is based on social rent levels, plus an additional charge for electricity and water used. 

Andrew Mitchell, Cornwall Council Cabinet portfolio holder for homes said: “Our Local Plan has identified a need for 60 transit pitches by 2030.  The 15 soon to be available at South Treviddo give us a quarter of what is required. We aim to provide those additional 45 pitches by building a number of new transit sites at locations across the whole of Cornwall.”

The new site will be open and available later this month.

As the countdown begins to this year’s GCSE and A-Level results day, a celebration event has been held at Lys Kernow to recognise the achievements of people studying with Cornwall Adult Education.  Over 5000 learners a year study with the service, which is run by Cornwall Council, across a range of qualifications and leisure courses.

The annual awards ceremony celebrates the learners who have stood out for the quality and extent of their achievements, the notable obstacles they have overcome to succeed, or both.  Adult Education governors in addition make a specific award for persistence.

Head of Cornwall Adult Education, Rob Sweetzer- Sturt, said: “This is all about celebrating the achievements of our learners.  People come to learn with Cornwall Adult Education for a variety of reasons; perhaps they didn’t get on at school or they didn’t achieve the grades they wanted to, but we give them an opportunity to develop new skills, change career or build their own self confidence.”

Students from across Cornwall were invited to the event and a number of learners were presented with certificates recognising their hard work, in front of a gathered audience of Cornwall Councillors, tutors, friends and family. 

Skills for Life Tutor Tamzine Middleton said: “This evening celebrated those that have achieved more than they expected or those that went above and beyond, overcoming diversity to go on and succeed and I’m really proud of all my students.”

Cornwall Adult Education has 18 centres across Cornwall, to include Falmouth, Newquay, Helston, Liskeard and Bude.  With a massive range of courses for learners to choose from, there is something for everyone. 

Whether you want to improve your maths and English qualifications, learn new computer skills, start a university access course or you want to just try something like painting with acrylics, just for fun, there is something for everyone with Cornwall Adult Education.

Tamzine added: “Come along it is a lot of fun and isn’t like school, because the learning experience is so different and it’s very rewarding.  You don’t only gain the qualification, but you learn with a group of like-minded people; you will certainly make new friends and it also helps people to discover their self-confidence and self-esteem.” 

Courses vary in length and are open to adults, young people, families, community organisations or businesses; everyone is a welcome.  Enrolment is open now for courses starting in September.

Chair of Governors for Adult Education, Councillor Malcolm Brown, concluded: “People come back into learning for a variety of reasons; whether that is to further their career or to simply try something new and to make new friends.  It was an honour and a pleasure to be involved in the awards ceremony and there were so many stories of courage and determination; it’s really quite humbling and I would like to congratulate everyone on achieving this year.”

The safety and wellbeing of thirty three of Cornwall’s most vulnerable residents has been secured, following the unprecedented decision by Cornwall Council to step in and purchase a nursing home in St Day. The Corserv Group will take on operational responsibility for the home.

Trefula House provides vital nursing and residential care for up to 44 people with complex needs and dementia.

Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Adult Social Care, in consultation with Cornwall Council portfolio holder for adults, Rob Rotchell at Cabinet on 19 June, to allow for a financial viability process to take place, prior to confirming the transfer of the home to Cornwall Council.

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for adults Rob Rotchell said: “This is the right decision for the council to make under these extreme circumstances. Our priority, first and foremost,  is the welfare and care of those vulnerable individuals who currently live there, who otherwise would have had their lives disrupted with very little notice. They would more than likely have been taken to homes outside of Cornwall, away from their family, friends and all that is familiar to them.”

“We are working with residents, their families and staff to make sure that everyone is reassured and confident in the care they receive and in the ongoing management of the home.”

Local member for Carharrack, Gwennap and St Day, Mark Kaczmarek said: “I’m very pleased that action has been taken to immediately secure the home so that residents will not face any disruption and that staff can continue to work to support them..

Corserv’s community care business, which includes care services STEPS and Corcare, will be managing Trefula House in partnership with Cornwall Council. They bring expertise in providing care and support for people with a mix of different needs and are best placed to improve the standards and quality of care to residents.

Damian McGowan, interim managing director at Cormac community care services said: “Working together with Cornwall Council gives us the opportunity to bring in our dedicated and highly-trained team to increase the quality of care that the residents will receive. It also means that they can continue to live in a place that they are familiar with and which is close to friends and family. Taking over the management in this instance reflects our commitment to the care sector and our shared values with the Council.”

The Corserv Group, as an arms-length body, is able to work quickly, safeguarding vulnerable adults when the care market finds itself in difficulties, as it did with Allied Healthcare’s Cornish business recently.

Cornwall Council states that this decision does not set a precedent for any future failing care homes. This is an extraordinary case where the impact on the people living there and the financial viability of the health and care system as a whole would have been severely affected.

The council is working with the previous home owners and partners to plan the ongoing management of the home.

 

Story posted 02 August 2019

Residents are invited to come along to see the latest plans for four schemes to improve the lives of communities by creating an off road network for walkers and cyclists linking Truro, St Agnes, Perranporth and Newquay.

Spanning more than 30 kilometres, the ‘Saints Trails’ will significantly improve the cycle network to encourage cycling as a way of getting to work and for fun.

The success of the Camel Trail shows that cycling and walking is something that residents and tourists want to do as a way of keeping healthy as well as being able to enjoy the Cornish countryside.

The exhibitions and feedback events are being held from 12 noon to 8pm at venues along the proposed routes which will link

• St Agnes to Threemilestone (via Chiverton Cross),
• Trispen to Idless,
• St Newlyn East to Carland Cross 
• Perranporth to Newquay.

Also on show will be details of cycle friendly proposals for the existing section of the A30 between Carland Cross and Chiverton if the new dual carriageway scheme goes ahead.

Everyone is welcome to come along and meet members of the project team who will be there to explain the proposed routes in more detail and answer any questions you may have.

Here’s the list of events.  Drop in anytime between 12 noon and 8pm.

Wednesday 7 August Goonhavern Community Centre, TR4 9NW Friday 9 August   St Agnes Miners & Mechanics Institute, Vicarage Road, TR5 0TL Tuesday 13 August  Concho Lounge, Bank Street, Newquay, TR7 1AY Wednesday 14 August  Perranporth Rugby Club, Budnic Hill, TR6 0DB Monday 19 August  Hawkins Arms, Zelah, TR4 9HU Tuesday 20 August   St Newlyn East Village Hall, Neeham Road, TR8 5LE Wednesday 21 August St Erme Community Hall, Castle Fields, TR4 9BD

 

Feedback from the exhibitions will be taken forward as planning permission and other statutory approvals are sought later this year. The works on building the trails, which will make use of forestry tracks, old railway track beds, bridges and disused paths and will connect to existing routes, could potentially start in 2020. 

The schemes are being funded by £2 million from Cornwall Council and £17 million invested from Highways England’s Cycling, Safety and Integration Designated Fund towards comprehensive, high-quality off-road walking and cycling routes.

Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council Cabinet Portfolio holder for Transport said: ‘We have a wonderful opportunity to provide some great opportunities for cycling and walking.

“The routes will complement other cycle routes and trails across Cornwall. The cycle network will reach out to towns and villages and link with where residents live and work, connecting our communities and joining up access to the services that people want and need.

“Cycling also helps address congestion and air quality issues and plays a key role in promoting a healthy life for our residents.  This is the first step as we work with local communities to deliver these exciting schemes.”

Karl Sullivan, Highways England’s project manager, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Cornwall Council to realise these new cycling projects. Our designated funds programme was developed so that we can invest in projects beyond our traditional road build and maintenance, and the Saints Trails are a glowing example of how this funding can have a positive impact on people and communities.”

“It’s pleasing to see the progress made and we hope communities play a full part in the forthcoming exhibitions, to have their say and help shape the proposed routes towards a working reality next year.”

We look forward to seeing you at one of the exhibitions. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the project team on Email: saintstrails@cornwall.gov.uk or call us on 01872 322684.

 

Story posted 01 August 2019

Social housing tenants marked the centenary of the 1919 Housing Act  at a special event at Chy Trevail in Bodmin.

Also known as the Addison Act after its author Dr Christopher Addison, the 1919 Housing Act was a highly significant step forward in providing homes built through the public purse or as Lloyd George phrased it, 'Homes fit for heroes’.

It made housing a national responsibility and local authorities were given the task of developing new housing and rented accommodation where it was needed for working people.

Cornwall Council owns 10,500 homes and recognises the importance of Council and social housing to our communities. 

The tenants from across Cornwall joined representatives from Cornwall Council, Cornwall Housing and registered providers Coastline Housing, LiveWest and Ocean Housing (who own properties from former district councils in Cornwall) to see how we work together to provide social housing in Cornwall. 

Martin Emery, tenant representative on Cornwall Housing’s board said:  “I’m proud that I live in a council house.  It’s security.  It’s not a house it’s our home. It’s affordable rent for low paid people. We have tenant involvement and so we have our say and we are listened to.

Hazel Tearne who has lived in a Council house since 2002 said: “We were in privately rented accommodation but the house was then put up for sale.  We moved again and the rent was put up by 50% after 6 months.  We were then provided with a council house and we had peace of mind.  Our home wasn’t going to be sold from under us and we had security that the rent was not going to go up by an unmanageable amount.  Council housing should be available to everybody who needs it.”

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for homes Andrew Mitchell said:  “It’s important to celebrate this anniversary and hear from our tenants the importance to them of their council or social home and what it means to live in one of these homes.”

“It’s also an opportunity to talk about what modern, affordable, council and social housing is planned and the range of services available to tenants today.” 

“The need for affordable, high-quality homes is as real today as it was 100 years ago. The government’s Right to Buy policy led to more than 10,400 council homes being sold since 1979 (a similar number to the homes the Council owns today) which substantially reduced the pool of social homes available to meet the needs of local people.

Now, we are able to seriously plan for a resurgence in building new social housing.  We’re taking advantage of the lifting of the Housing Revenue Account borrowing cap to provide 400 new homes for social rent at a cost of £85m- with plans being worked up for many more.  We also recognise that other types of homes are required in the modern world which is why we are investing £200m in a programme to deliver 1,000 homes – some affordable homes for local residents to buy or rent, and some to buy or rent at market value.”

“We are committed to delivering good quality homes in the right places to meet local needs.”

Two pilot projects built under the Council’s Contemporary Cornish Living banner and funded through the Council’s Housing Development Programme are nearing completion in Bodmin and Tolvaddon with many of these homes earmarked for social rent or for shared ownership.

Other sites in Launceston, Newquay, Liskeard, Torpoint and Redruth are also earmarked to provide a mix of homes for social and affordable rent, shared ownership, private market rent and private market ownership.

Andrew Mitchell adds:  “Cornwall needs more homes – both to rent and to buy – and the Council is seizing the initiative to provide a range of homes to improve choice for local residents and to meet their housing needs.” 

“This need is real with more than 10,000 households registered looking for housing on Cornwall Homechoice.”

“We are working with partners and the community to build high-quality, energy efficient homes that are less expensive to run.”

“People wishing to rent or buy one of the affordable homes that are being built as part of the programme must have a connection to Cornwall and already be living here. We don’t build homes for other local authorities to house their residents.”

Much has changed in terms of council housing over the last 100 years – and the Council’s Housing Service has been counting down over the last 100 days to the 100 years of council housing celebration by describing some of the major changes that have happened.

Nick Cross, Managing Director, Cornwall Housing Ltd, said “Council Housing has helped shape the landscape and society of the UK for the last 100 years.  From Dr Addison and David Lloyd-George’s vision of ‘Homes fit for heroes’ in 1919 to modern, high quality, energy efficient homes for local people in Cornwall in 2019.”

“We were set up to help bring in more investment into Council Housing to improve the housing standards of hard-working families and individuals, and help support those who need it most from the frail and elderly in our towns and villages to those who find their homes on the street.”

“We are proud to stand alongside our tenants and colleagues to celebrate 100 years of Council Housing and are working together to bring much needed new homes to Cornwall for the next generation of tenants.”

Louise Beard, Director of Housing, Assets and Communities at Coastline Housing said: “We are delighted to be a part of this event and look forward to celebrating the anniversary alongside some of our customers. We hear on a daily basis about the vital role that social housing plays in the lives of people living in our houses today, and we also delight in hearing stories of the important role it has played in the generations before them. It’s humbling to hear the many ways in which social housing has changed the course of people’s lives, and how it plays a key part in their family histories.”

Bev Bassett from Ocean Housing Group said: “Ocean Housing Group is proud to be associated with Cornwall Council’s celebration to recognise the 100 year anniversary of the Addison Act. Ocean owns and manages over 4,700 homes in Cornwall and since its creation in February 2000 it has provided over 1,200 new affordable homes for local Cornish people and communities, in addition to achieving the decent homes standard across all of its housing stock. Ocean looks forward to remaining an important partner for the Council and will continue to put all of its efforts into being an excellent landlord and a provider of new affordable homes.”

LiveWest Resident Engagement Adviser Debbie Sims said: “LiveWest is pleased to be supporting Cornwall Housing’s celebration day in recognition of 100 years of the Addison Act, which paved the way to large scale Council housing. Residents who live in our homes in the area have been invited along and it looks to be a day full of celebrations, where we can find out more about the act, what it meant to society and how it has evolved over the years, as well as seeing some of Cornwall Council’s brand new homes’. 

 

 Story posted 01 August 2019

A call out has been made for people in Saltash, Camborne and Liskeard who have some spare time to help an older person learn how to use their new Echo Spot device.

The devices have been allocated to people as part of an initiative led by Age UK Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (CIoS), who were awarded funding from the Cornwall Council Technology Enabled Care grant.

There have been 32 Echo Spot Devices made available and the aim of the initiative is to see how the technology could support people to feel less isolated and there are already some very positive stories emerging on how people are benefitting.

Age UK CIoS said: “There are a number of people on the waiting list to receive their Echo Spot who require support to set up the device. Set-up requires several accounts and apps that can be quite daunting for someone very new to technology, to tackle on their own.”

“This is a new and different sort of volunteering role. I’m sure there are lots of people who are experienced in using these pieces of technology that have some spare time and would enjoy helping older people set them up. It’s a very rewarding role and we’re really eager to hear from people who are able to help.”           

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for adults Rob Rotchell said: “I’m very pleased to see that people are already enjoying new experiences with their technology. It’s clear that this is having a really positive effect on those people already using the devices.”

“This is a great example of how technology is supporting people with their care and support needs. There may have been fears that technology could further isolate people but the results so far are proving the opposite with one person who has found her friends staying longer and chatting more, with Alexa proving a real talking point for them.”

The role would involve visiting someone in their own home, helping them install the new technology and providing individuals with some helpful tips to get them off to the best possible start. Follow up support is then regularly provided for further advice and guidance. This exciting volunteer role has proven to be a very rewarding and interesting one and can be completed at a time mutually suited to the volunteer and the person receiving the device.

To find out more about how you can volunteer with Age UK on this, and other available roles you can call on 01872 266383 or by email email@ageukcornwall.org.uk

You can also find full details on their website https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cornwall/get-involved/volunteer/echo-spot-volunteers/

Posted July 31, 2019

Cornwall’s most inspiring over 60’s have been selected after a call out for nominations went out across the region.

The campaign was launched by Cornwall Council in April this year and its aim was to find people who were ageing and living well across Cornwall.

The panel, comprised of Councillor Rob Rotchell, Nigel Clark from Age UK Cornwall and Helen Tite from community organisation iCareiMove, met and agreed the final 60 last month and they all enjoyed reading about these inspiring people.  

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for adults Rob Rotchell said: “I’d like to thank everyone wholeheartedly for taking the time to nominate themselves or someone they know in their community. It was very difficult for us to narrow it down as everyone nominated went above and beyond in their daily activities to keep active, healthy and support others.

“In the end we tried to focus on those people who perhaps had found themselves in a particularly low point in their life but somehow found the strength to take that first step to make a small change which then led to much bigger and better things for them. We felt this would help inspire others to know that making just one small change can really help transform your life.”

Panel member Helen Tite said: “We received a number of nominations for people who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to participating in a sport, working as a volunteer or taking an active role in their local community, which they have carried on with into their 60’s and beyond. By recognising their achievements, we hope that we can help to inspire others to take steps to live happily and healthily in their later years.”

The finalists have now been allocated a category that fits with their nomination, these are:

• Cultural Contributors
• Volunteer Superstars
• Community Champions
• Health Crusaders
• Everyday Heroes

The final 60 will have a profile set up on Cornwall Council’s website in the weeks to come with stories released over the next few months on the council’s social media pages. They have also been invited to attend an event in Truro in October to receive a certificate to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

Lynn Bartrip-Kay from Newquay is one of the finalists. She has worked tirelessly to support businesses in Newquay to be dementia friendly through the Purple Angel Dementia Awareness Programme and says: “I just really enjoy doing what I’m doing, I don’t really think about being inspiring, however, for anyone out there who is lonely I’d recommend taking that first step to tell someone how you feel. You will then have some support to find out how you can meet more people or do that one thing you’ve been thinking about for a while but not had the courage to do.

“For me, volunteering just gives me a reason to get up in the morning and one really good benefit of that is how active I am. I walk miles around Newquay, supporting businesses to join the Purple Angels programme.”

You can view a list of all the successful 60 over 60 on the council’s website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/60over60nominees

Taxi drivers have been warned to ensure they keep their licences up to date after an unlicensed driver was ordered to pay more than £1,100 in fines and costs after a hearing at Truro Magistrates Court.

Anthony Downer, 59, of Mevagissey, pleaded guilty to charges of driving a private hire vehicle whilst not holding the required private hire vehicle driver’s licence at a hearing last week.

He was handed a fine of £80, an order to pay £1,000 towards the Council’s prosecutions costs plus a £30 victim surcharge.

Cornwall Council had been contacted by Mr Downer’s employer requesting confirmation of the expiry date of his driver’s licence.  However, the licence had expired and Mr Downer had continued to drive private hire vehicles without the required driver’s licence.

Mr Downer stated in interview and told Magistrates that he hadn’t realised that his licence had expired and also stated that he had mislaid his old licence and had not contacted the council for a replacement.

Councillor Rob Nolan, Cornwall’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Public Protection, said, “What many people may not realise is that driving a private hire vehicle without the legally required driver licence plates members of the travelling public at risk."

“I am pleased with the outcome of this investigation which highlights the need for both drivers and operators to be vigilant in regard to the validity of their licences.”

Cornwall Council has been awarded a £487,200 funding boost to help homes and businesses become more resilient to flooding.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey has announced the funding for the new South West Partnership's Pathfinder project to create a demonstration hub, web portal and other measures to make it easier for residents and businesses to adopt measures like flood doors, hard floors and electrics raised off ground level.

The partnership is led by Cornwall Council and will benefit homes and businesses in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and Devon.

The projects will be delivered with support from the Environment Agency and representatives of the insurance and construction industries, technical experts and community groups.

The Environment Agency will also monitor the projects to highlight successes and identify lessons that can be used to foster greater use of property flood resilience measures elsewhere across the country.

Rob Nolan, Cornwall’s Cabinet Member for the environment and public protection, said: “We are pleased to be working with the Environment Agency and lead local flood authorities from the South West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee on this innovative new project.

“The South West Partnership's Pathfinder project will enable us to create a foundation for change for residents and businesses across the region to improve their flood resilience.

“We will be supporting the existing community networks Cornwall Community Flood Forum and Devon Community Resilience Forum who, in turn, will be working with communities to demonstrate the benefits of being proactive in protecting homes and businesses from flooding. 

“We look forward to sharing our expertise on flood resilience to bring positive benefits to communities across the South West.”

Dr Dave Watkins, Cornwall Council lead on flooding and coastal change, who developed the application on behalf of Cornwall and Devon, said: “I am really pleased that we have been awarded this project against strong national competition. It will strengthen the ability of the community groups in Devon and Cornwall to help those who need to be more resilient to flooding and also lower their insurance costs.

“We will also work with the Eden Project to provide a location to showcase the techniques available and with other local companies to deliver these methods. Over the next 18 months we will provide regular updates through these Community Flood and Resilience Forums”.

Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: “This new funding is a welcome step forwards for our efforts to boost the uptake of property-level resilience measures in homes and businesses across the country. The Environment Agency will work closely with the local authorities and organisations taking forward the Pathfinder projects to support their work and share lessons learnt. 

“Our experience shows that making these small changes in the home can make a huge difference to people’s lives when flooding takes place.”

Environment Minister Coffey said: “I am delighted to award funding to the Pathfinder flood resilience projects in the Oxford-Cambridge arc, Yorkshire and the South West. 

“I expect the councils and organisations involved will increase the take up of property resilience measures by home owners and businesses, making their properties safer, and quicker to return to if flooding does happen.”

Building greater resilience into homes, businesses and infrastructure forms is one of the core themes of the Environment Agency’s Draft Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy, looking at residents and businesses can prepare for increased climate risk over the next 100 years.

The South West Partnership is comprised of five local authorities: Cornwall Council, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly.

A bypass for Camelford has moved a step closer after Cornwall Council’s Cabinet agreed last week (24 July 2019) to contribute £6.5 million to support a bid for Department for Transport Major Road Network funding to deliver the £42.5million scheme.

A new bypass has long been requested by Camelford residents to tackle issues around traffic congestion and air pollution on the busy A39 which is currently funnelled on a single lane through the town centre.  The issues are brought even more to the fore during the summer months when traffic levels increase.

The Council’s bid to the Department for Transport will focus on the need to ‘unblock’ the A39, which is the main route from north Cornwall to north Devon, and provide the catalyst for improving Camelford town centre.

A previous design for a proposed bypass will be reviewed and brought up to date to meet modern standards as well as fully considering the needs of cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders along and across the bypass.

There will be consultation with the public and stakeholders later this year to feed into the preferred routes and design which will influence any future planning application.

If the Department of Transport recognise that a bypass at Camelford will help economic development as well as improve air quality for residents, work on the £42.5 million scheme could start at the end of 2021 and be open in 2023.

Cabinet portfolio holder for transport Geoff Brown said:  “This scheme is our next major ask of the Department for Transport.  It already has the support of the Peninsula Sub National Transport Body and this latest commitment from the Council to provide funding to progress the bid is a major boost.”   

“We have been monitoring nitrogen dioxide levels in Camelford for several years. The biggest source of nitrogen dioxide is the exhaust gases from traffic passing through the town on the A39.  We have a duty to local residents to push for this bypass to improve their lives and transform the town. A similar scheme which provided the A39 bypass of Wadebridge in the 1990’s allowed that town to blossom and improve the environment for residents and visitors alike.”

Cornwall Councillor for Camelford Rob Rotchell spoke in support of the proposal and welcomed the Cabinet decision: “One of the important things is to have the support of residents as well as Cornwall Council. It sends a powerful message to the Department for Transport that residents want this bypass and that the Council is willing to provide financial support and expertise to progress the bid for government funding.”

Mayor of Camelford Claire Hewlett was at the Cabinet meeting and said: “Camelford has suffered from excessive traffic movement and increasingly bad air quality for many years.  The A39 bypass is essential for the health and well-being of the people of Camelford and the future sustainability of Camelford and its environs.”

Scott Mann MP for North Cornwall said:  “I'd like to thank Cornwall Council's Cabinet for their approval of funding for the Camelford bypass. The £6.5m is a significant contribution to the total funding needed to make the project a reality.

The new road has been at the top of my agenda since I was first elected in 2015 and I will be continuing to lobby the Department for Transport to ensure the Government supports North Cornwall in delivering this vital piece of infrastructure.”

 

Story posted 29 July 2019 

Cornwall Council is pledging to improve air quality for residents in a new clean air strategy which includes plans to speed up the switch to ultra-low emission vehicles, cut pollution from wood burners and plant more trees.

The new Clean Air for Cornwall Strategy 2019-2024 also outlines proposals to provide more public electric car charging points and replace the Council’s fleet of diesel vehicles to run on electric-powered or alternative lower emission fuels.

Plans are linked to the Council’s emerging climate change plan which received unanimous backing from its Cabinet last week.

Among the proposals to help Cornwall strive towards becoming carbon neutral ahead of the Government's national target of 2050 are a Forest for Cornwall which would see carbon-absorbing woodlands being planted across the Duchy.

The Council has recently launched a new interactive map www.cornwall.gov.uk/airquality making the results of air quality monitoring more accessible to residents.

It shows that Cornwall’s air quality in residential areas is very good but traffic-related pollution is high along busy stretches of road close to the roadside.

The Council is already taking action in the nine, designated Air Quality Management Areas such as in Bodmin where major roads scheme have improved traffic flow in the town.

The new air strategy highlights issues facing air quality in Cornwall as a whole, for example how vehicles are older than the UK average and likely to be more polluting. 

Diesel cars which emit more polluting nitrogen dioxide causing pollution are also more commonplace in Cornwall than in other parts of the country.

The new Clean Air Strategy outlines:

• Cornwall Council’s plans to reduce emissions from its own activities and group of companies. This includes looking at how more zero and low emissions can be incorporated into the vehicles fleet, implementing the Council’s vision for 100% of its energy to be provided from renewable sources and introducing energy storage at construction welfare sites rather than running generators.
• How work to improve air quality will also reduce the impacts of the climate emergency, for example through prioritising the need to consider alternative fuel options such as hydrogen, gas or electric, improving access to public transport and increasing the number of public electric vehicle charging points
• Health risks to motorists as car drivers can be exposed to twice as much air pollution as pedestrians and nine times more than a cyclist. The report suggests measures that drivers can take to cut pollution, for example, switching off their engine whilst stationery which reduces exposure to pollution for the people in the vehicle behind and closing windows and turning the air intake to recirculate to reduce pollution exposure inside your car.
• Advice on reducing emissions from solid fuel burners which are considered to be the biggest contributor to particulate pollution in the UK. Tips include only using dry wood and not burning waste.
• Information on sources of indoor air pollution in homes and workplaces and how to reduce it, for example from cleaning products, furniture and cooking all of which can affect health.
• Guidance on how plants and trees can be part of the solution to air pollution, for example through the Council’s Green Infrastructure for Growth scheme bringing wildlife-rich spaces to urban areas.

A public consultation on the new air quality strategy is due to be launched later this year.

Rob Nolan, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection, said: “The health of Cornwall residents is of paramount importance to Cornwall Council and improving local air quality is a key priority.  Air quality in Cornwall is generally very good but there are areas where traffic-related levels of pollution need to be improved. 

“The Clean Air Strategy is an essential document for Cornwall Council, our community and our partners. It offers a range of interventions and policies that will contribute to tackling poor air quality and ensure future activities and developments help to continually improve air quality and the wellbeing and sustainability for residents and visitors.

“It is worth noting that traffic pollution hangs in tight pockets on busy roads but reduces considerably with distance away from the road. Our new air quality interactive map can help pedestrians and cyclists find alternative routes away from busy traffic.”

Up-to-date details of air quality monitoring and the interactive map can be found on the Council’s website. 

Posted 29 July, 2019