Residents of the Helston and South Kerrier Community Network Panel area are invited to discuss both local and force-wide policing issues with a representative from the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and the local Acting Inspector at the October Community Network Panel meeting.

All are invited to attend the Helston and South Kerrier Community Network Panel meeting which takes place on Wednesday 4 October between 6pm and 8pm at Cury Village Hall, Helston.

Acting Inspector Mark Cooper, Devon and Cornwall Police, and Lisa Vango, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, will be attending the meeting to provide a policing update to the Panel. Following the presentation there will be an opportunity for local residents to ask any questions they may have about policing in their local area.

Also on the agenda is a briefing on the decisions made by Cornwall Council’s Cabinet on 6 September to strengthen engagement with local communities and give them a greater voice through Community Network Panels. This includes empowering panels by giving them more of a say on important local issues.

Cornwall Councillor Carolyn Rule, Chair of Helston and South Kerrier Community Network Panel said: “I do hope that as many of you as are able will attend this meeting on 4 October, these network panels are the opportunity for communities to come together and input into the work that your local councillors do on your behalf. we welcome everyone to come along and take part in the debate.”

The Helston and South Kerrier Community Network Panel meets quarterly to discuss matters that affect the local area and to progress these by working in partnership with Cornwall Council and its partners, including town & parish councils, the voluntary and community sector, and the police and health services.

The panel comprises all seven Cornwall Councillors for the area and representatives from the 18 parishes in the Helston and South Kerrier Community Network - Breage, Crowan, Cury, Germoe, Grade-Ruan, Gunwalloe, Gweek, Helston, Landewednack, Manaccan, Mawgan-in-Meneage, Mullion, Porthleven, Sithney, St. Anthony-in-Meneage, St. Keverne, St. Martin-in-Meneage and Wendron.

More information about the Community Network Panels and dates for future meetings  can be found on the Cornwall Council Community Networks webpage.

Story posted 22 September 2017

A special service to remember those who have died from drug-related deaths will be held in Truro this weekend. 

Last year in Cornwall there were 32 drug related deaths. The stigma often attached to drug-related deaths can leave those mourning feeling different from other mourners, with the special Acorn service providing a way to bring people together. 

In addition to the 32 people who lost their lives to substance misuse last year, there were a further 216 incidents per year where South West Ambulance Service administered naloxone to save the lives of those in opiate overdose. 

This years’ service will be once again held at Truro Cathedral at 4pm on Saturday 23 September.  The service will include personal reflections, music and readings from service users and drug treatment workers, a tailored service of remembrance and a tree of remembrance where messages can be written on paper shaped oak leaves. 

Gary Hales used heroin for six years and is now celebrating his 5th-year of not using Heroin. In that 5 years he’s completed a diploma and a degree as well as working with Addaction as a volunteer and now a full employee. Gary will be giving a reading during the service. 

He said “I've made some bad decisions in my life however, I am very fortunate to be in a position where I can share my experiences. My curiosity and naivety to drugs is what started my addiction - two deadly behaviours when combined and there are drugs around. 

“I lost six years of my life to a heroin addiction. I am the lucky one as others I’ve witnessed lost their lives. I spent years chasing the dragon when I could have been chasing my dreams and aspirations. Eventually, I became a lost soul and on many occasions wished I would never wake up however, chasing death, led me to life. 

“The problem with drugs is that they work, right up until the moment that they decimate your life. What I have recognised is it does not matter if you’re young, old, rich or poor addiction does not discriminate. 

“Three months ago, I celebrated my fifth year of not using heroin. In that time I've completed a diploma and a degree alongside working as a practitioner at Truro’s residential rehab. I fell 10,000 feet to raise money for those families affected by substance misuse. 

“I have seen many friends lose their lives to addiction. I have seen many people turn their lives around. I have been blessed to witness such positive changes and saddened to see so many deaths. All these experiences could have easily been taken away from me however, chasing death, led me to life.” 

Sid Willet, Drug Related Death Prevention Co-ordinator, Cornwall Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) said “I am proud to work in Cornwall with so many people that care about these issues and our communication between Police, drug treatment, pharmacy, HM Coroner and her staff, RCHT, SWAST and many others is second to none. The DAAT now being part of Community Safety within Cornwall Council allows us an even wider platform to prevent future deaths. 

“This is a different approach to what is usually expected, as we seek to remember and to raise awareness at the same time. Our work is all about partnership working often with marginalised groups. Although sadly too late for some, the Acorn service seeks to remember, reflect and use the legacy of those who have died to change processes or whatever needs to be done to prevent future deaths.” 

The service is organised in partnership between Cornwall Council, DAAT, Boscence Farm Community Ltd, Addaction and Truro Cathedral.

Story posted 21 September.

New Stoptober campaign urges even more to take the plunge

Fewer people in Cornwall are smoking with new data published today by the University College of London (UCL) showing a drop of almost 7% in smoking prevalence.

Ten years ago 21% of people in Cornwall smoked, but this has now fallen to 15.7%. In the last year alone, smoking prevalence fell by 2.5% and whilst still slightly higher than the national average, it has fallen by a greater percentage. In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly approximately 80,000 people are smokers.

The report has been released as Cornwall Council and Public Health England launch the Stoptober quit smoking campaign which aims to encourage even more people to quit. 

Robert West, Professor of Health Psychology and Director of Tobacco Studies at University College London, said: 

“Quitting success rates this year are soaring. The advances and wider choice in effective quitting options, and stronger anti-smoking culture are fuelling this acceleration.

“Thinking about giving up may be daunting, but all the evidence shows there has never been an easier to time to stop. Quitting needn’t be the painful journey it used to be and the support you’ll get from Stoptober will increase your chances of succeeding. 

“And for the first time, any smoker - no matter their sex, age, where they live, their background or type of job they do - has virtually the same chance of quitting successfully as the next person.”

The Stoptober quit smoking challenge has inspired over one and a half million quit attempts across England since 2012. The campaign is based on research that if you stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stop for good. 

With Stoptober now in its sixth year, the UCL report reinforces that there has never been a better time to quit with:

• better and more quitting aid options, with e-cigarettes now the most popular
• more restrictions on smoking
• the introduction of plain tobacco packaging
• a stronger anti-smoking culture in England
• supportive stop smoking campaigns such as Stoptober. 

To support more people to quit, Cornwall Stop Smoking Service is offering anyone wishing to use vaping as a method of quitting support from a stop smoking adviser. Although the service cannot provide e-cigarettes, they can provide additional support to help people change their behaviours and habits. 

Last year over half (53%) of all those taking part in the Stoptober campaign opted to use e-cigarettes as a quitting aid. This year the campaign will feature e-cigarettes in the TV ad and will do more to encourage and support smokers who are keen to try e-cigarettes to help them stop smoking. 

Miriam Brenton, Stop Smoking team lead for Cornwall’s Health Promotion Service said: “With more and more people choosing vaping as a means to quitting we are really excited to extend our service to meet their needs by offering behavioural support alongside their use. We know that people are up to four times more likely to successfully quit with specialist help and support from services like ours. We want our service to be accessible for everyone wishing to make the change to improve their health.”

Russ Moody, Tobacco Control lead for PHE South West said:

“E-cigarettes are now the most popular way to quit in the country with half of all those taking part in Stoptober last year using an e-cigarette. The evidence is clear - vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking – a fraction of the risk. So if you’ve struggled with quitting before, an e-cigarette may be the best option for you.

“Don’t be put off if you’ve already made several attempts. Join up with Stoptober and benefit from free support direct to your phone, laptop or tablet via the Stoptober app, a daily email giving support or Facebook Message, free face-to-face support plus a raft of advice and information on the website. Search ‘Stoptober’ online and join the thousands of others who go smokefree once and for all this year.” 

The Stoptober campaign starts on 1 October. Search ‘Stoptober’ online for all the support you need to quit.

Story posted 21st September.

Residents of the West Penwith Community Network Panel area are invited to the September meeting of the West Penwith Community Network Panel. Items on the agenda will include waste collection, Sports England and an update of the Neighbourhood plan and local devolution.

This meeting will also host the Annual General Meeting (AGM) when a new Chair and Vice-Chair for the West Penwith Community Network Panel will be elected.

The meeting will take place on Thursday 21 September 2017, between 7.00pm and 8.30pm, in St John's Hall, Alverton Street, Penzance.

Officers from Cornwall Council’s Neighbourhoods Overview & Scrutiny Committee will be attending the meeting as part of their inquiry into waste collection and cleansing. The inquiry will make recommendations for future service design and delivery, with the new contract for the collection of household waste and recycling due for renewal in 2020.

Cornwall Sports Partnership will also be attending the panel to discuss the work they do in partnership with local organisations to make sport and physical activity a part of everyday life throughout the county.

James Hardy, Cornwall Council Community Link Officer for West Penwith, will also be providing an update on the local Neighbourhood Plan and devolution projects.

In addition there will also be a briefing on the decisions made by Cornwall Council’s Cabinet on 6 September to strengthen engagement with local communities and give them a greater voice through Community Network Panels. This includes empowering panels by giving them more of a say on important local issues.

The Panel will have an opportunity to ask any questions and give feedback. 

Cornwall Councillor Nicholas, Vice-Chair and Acting Chair of the West Penwith Community Network Panel, said: “This meeting is a good opportunity to find out more, ask questions and comment about local issues which will impact on the Town and Parish Councils of the area, such as the proposals for the waste collection service and an update on Neighbourhood Plans. It is not the forum for individual issues that should be dealt with at Town and Parish levels in the first instance, it is for addressing issues that are common to the network panel area. I encourage everyone to come along and be part of the discussion.”

The West Penwith Community Network Panel meets bi-monthly to discuss matters that affect the local area and to progress these by working in partnership with Cornwall Council and its partners, including town & parish councils, the voluntary and community sector, and the police and health services.

The panel comprises all nine Cornwall Councillors for the area and representatives of the 15 Town and Parish Councils in the West Penwith Community Network - Ludgvan, Madron, Marazion, Morvah, Paul, Penzance, Perranuthnoe, Sancreed, Sennen, St. Buryan, St. Hilary, St. Just In Penwith, St. Levan, St. Michael's Mount and Zennor.

More information about the Community Network Panels and dates for future meetings  can be found on the Cornwall Council Community Networks webpage.

Story posted 19 September 2017

The Cornwall Park Home Forum Committee are inviting park home residents to join their committee and represent other residents living in Cornwall’s park homes. Cornwall Council helped set up the Forum to support residents living in park homes; which are usually permanent, detached-bungalows style homes on a private site. There are over 70 park home sites across Cornwall and the forum aims to help inform residents of their rights, keep them updated on matters and help new and existing park home residents associations.

Residents interested in becoming a committee member should be willing to meet every six to eight weeks, talk about specific matters and help plan and publicise activities; including sorting out venues, speakers and refreshments for open meetings. These open meetings take place once or twice a year and are a good opportunity for residents across Cornwall to get together. Committee members would also be involved in continuing to develop its good relationship with Cornwall Council.

While there’s a natural turn-over of members some committee members have step-downed so the forum has postponed their Annual General Meeting scheduled for 28 September while they look to attract more members.

Liz Grant, one of the volunteer committee members, said: “We would welcome any park home resident in Cornwall to join our small, dedicated team as a committee member and help us form a new committee. You don’t need any specialist experience or knowledge, enthusiasm and fresh ideas are more important. However it would be helpful to have organisational and computer skills, and experience in accounting and finance, event planning, media and communications or website design and management.”

Committee member Ken Washbrook said: “We have officers from Cornwall Council’s Localism Team there to support us and provide advice which really helps us to form links and to be able to speak to the right people in Cornwall Council should we need to.”

Liz Grant added “We are also pleased to have the continued support of our sponsor Community Warmth who has provided funding to help us with our activities as well as ongoing opportunities to take ideas forward.”

If you live in a park home in Cornwall and would like to find out more about the Forum and have a chat about becoming a committee member you can contact Liz Grant by emailing Liz.Grant24@hotmail.com

<p">Posted 18 September 2017

Residents of the Truro and Rosleand Community Network area are being invited to attend the September meeting of the Truro and Roseland Community Network Panel. Items on the agenda include the health initiative ‘social prescribing’ and highway improvements.

The Network Panel meeting will take place on Tuesday 26 September 2017 between 7pm and 9pm in the Trelawny Room, New County Hall, Truro, TR1 3AY.

Donna Chapman from NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group will be attending with other representatives from Public Health including Lander Practice, Truro Health Park and the Chaos Group. They will be explaining the benefits of ‘social prescribing’ for those with mild or long-term mental health problems, or who are vulnerable or socially isolated. To help meet social and emotional needs GPs and nurses refer individuals to non-clinical services, which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations and can include volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.

Highways England will provide an update on plans to transform the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross by creating a dual carriageway and helping to improve journey times for many residents, businesses and visitors. Josh Hodder, the Project Manager for the scheme, will talk about the preferred route and what happens before the construction phase.

There will also be a briefing on Cornwall Council’s Cabinet decision on 6 September to strengthen engagement with local communities and give them a greater voice through Community Network Panels. This includes empowering panels by giving them more of a say on important local issues.

At the meeting there will be an opportunity for local residents to ask any questions they may have.

Chris Wells Chairman of the Truro and Roseland Community Network Panel and a Truro City Councillor said: “Everyone is invited to attend the meeting of the Truro and Roseland Community Network Panel. These panel meetings are a key way for local residents to find out more about what’s happening in their local community and to have a say. I strongly encourage people to come along and find out more.”

The Truro and Roseland Network Panel meets bi-monthly to discuss matters that affect the local area and progress these by working in partnership with Cornwall Council and its partners; including town and parish councils, the voluntary and community sector, and the police and health services. Some of the areas that community networks focus on include anti-social behaviour, economic development, the environment, community planning, regeneration, conservation, community safety, transport and highway issues.

The Truro and Roseland Community Network Panel includes all ten Cornwall Councillors for the area, representatives of Truro City Council and the 18 Parish Councils in the community network: Chacewater, Cuby, Feock, Gerrans, Grampound with Creed, Kea, Kenwyn, Ladock, Philleigh, Probus, Ruan Lanihorne, St Clement, St Erme, St Just-in-Roseland, St Michael Caerhays, St Michael Penkevil, Tregony and Veryan.

People can keep up to date with what’s happening in this area by joining the Truro and Roseland Community Network Area page: www.facebook.com/TruroRoselandCNA .

More information about the Community Network Panels and dates for future meetings can be found on the Cornwall Council Community Networks webpage. 

18 September 2017

A road closure has been put in place today on a section of the North East bound lane of the A3047 between Avers roundabout (adjacent to Aldi) and the following roundabout at the entrance to Treleigh industrial estate in Redruth. A diversion route has been put in place which is clearly signed. 

The closure is necessary for further essential investigatory works to assess a historical mining feature, following a hole becoming apparent in the carriageway last week. Initial works revealed that the feature was significant and in order to ensure the safety of the highway it has become necessary to extend the investigations further into the carriageway.

We are unsure of the duration of the closure until the results of the investigation are clear, however we will be doing our very best to complete the works and reinstate the highway to full use as soon as it is both safe and practicable for us to do so.

Story posted 14 September 2017

Rame Framing Gallery and Gifts will become the first Made in Cornwall Official Stockist when it officially opens on Friday 15 September.

Run by local entrepreneur Mike Ferguson and located in the village of Antony near Torpoint on the beautiful Rame Peninsula, the gallery supports and promotes local artists and suppliers as well as providing a specialist bespoke picture framing service.  Part of the gallery is dedicated to an eclectic mix of Made in Cornwall scheme members’ products which are handmade in Cornwall with locally sourced ingredients.

In May 2017 Mike joined 230 members of Cornwall Council’s approved origin Made in Cornwall scheme with his handmade bespoke and ready-made picture frames. Many Cornish businesses that are part of the Made in Cornwall scheme are supporting his venture with stockists including Fosspots, Hudson Crafts, Baileys Pewter, Sapooni, Jo Downs glass, Rock Cottage pottery and Liz of Cornish Clayton Crafts.

Made in Cornwall member Mike says: “I have always wanted to run my own business and the gallery encourages local residents to shop locally and support the local economy. We are really proud to sell local Cornish goods. My wife and I have been members of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply for over 30 years and as such we understand the importance of excellent customer service, meeting customer requirements and dealing fairly with suppliers to develop ongoing and long lasting business. When I met my wife I remember saying that my ideal job would be doing woodwork in my shed! We have now taken our businesses further than I ever imagined.”

Sue James, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, said: “The Made in Cornwall scheme is designed to support local businesses selling Cornish-made products. This Rame Framing Gallery and Gifts business is becoming our first Made in Cornwall Official Stockist. This is great news for the public who will be able to shop with confidence knowing they are supporting the local economy.”

Rame Framing Gallery and Gifts is open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm and out of hours by arrangement.

Details of the Made in Cornwall scheme are available on our Made in Cornwall page.

Story posted 13 September 2017

Rame Framing Gallery and Gifts will become the first Made in Cornwall approved picture framer and the first Made in Cornwall Official Stockist when it officially opens on Friday 15 September.

Run by local entrepreneur Mike Ferguson and located in the village of Antony near Torpoint on the beautiful Rame Peninsula, the gallery supports and promotes local artists and suppliers as well as providing a specialist bespoke picture framing service.  Part of the gallery is dedicated to an eclectic mix of Made in Cornwall scheme members’ products which are handmade in Cornwall with locally sourced ingredients.

In May 2017 Mike joined 230 members of Cornwall Council’s approved origin Made in Cornwall scheme with his handmade bespoke and ready-made picture frames. Many Cornish businesses that are part of the Made in Cornwall scheme are supporting his venture with stockists including Fosspots, Hudson Crafts, Baileys Pewter, Sapooni, Jo Downs glass, Rock Cottage pottery and Liz of Cornish Clayton Crafts.

Made in Cornwall member Mike says: “I have always wanted to run my own business and the gallery encourages local residents to shop locally and support the local economy. We are really proud to sell local Cornish goods. My wife and I have been members of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply for over 30 years and as such we understand the importance of excellent customer service, meeting customer requirements and dealing fairly with suppliers to develop ongoing and long lasting business. When I met my wife I remember saying that my ideal job would be doing woodwork in my shed! We have now taken our businesses further than I ever imagined.”

Sue James, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, said: “The Made in Cornwall scheme is designed to support local businesses selling Cornish-made products. This Rame Framing Gallery and Gifts business is becoming our first Made in Cornwall Official Stockist. This is great news for the public who will be able to shop with confidence knowing they are supporting the local economy.”

Rame Framing Gallery and Gifts is open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm and out of hours by arrangement.

Details of the Made in Cornwall scheme are available on our Made in Cornwall page.

Story posted 13 September 2017

A series of free events will be taking place throughout Cornwall over the next few weeks to help owners of electric blankets to sleep soundly in their beds.

From Torpoint to St Ives, the free electric blanket testing events aim to give owners peace of mind, with Council officers checking for signs of faults that could potentially lead to fire.

Last year's safety checks found faults with a third of those tested - and with faulty electric blankets to blame for around 1,000 house fires a year in the UK, owners can't afford to be complacent, explained Councillor Sue James, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection.

"Officers from Trading Standards and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service have joined forces to host these events which have proved very popular - and worthwhile - in the past," said Sue. "These free checks detect the faults that you won't be able to see, such as the breakdown of the insulation protecting the heating cables and faulty controllers with no overheating protection.

"Electric blankets should be tested every three years and the faults that were discovered with blankets in Cornwall last year were the same faults that have been attributed to house fires around the country."

Over the last three years there have been two house fires in Cornwall that were the result of faulty electric blankets.

"Two incidents in three years may seem a small number, however if fire happens to you, it can be devastating," said Sue. "Nationally, each year around 20 people die and 250 are injured as a result of fires caused by faulty electric blankets. If you have an electric blanket, bring it along to one of our safety checks and give yourself peace of mind."

At the events we can also test your small home appliances for the small charge of £1 per item such as portable electric fires, plug in radiators, fan heaters, toasters and kettles.

Events are taking place at:

Tuesday 19 September

• 9am – 12 noon Torpoint - Community Fire Station, Antony Road, PL11 2JY
• 1pm - 4pm Looe – Community Fire Station, Church Street, West Looe, PL13 2EX

Tuesday 26 September

• 9am – 12 noon Camelford  Library, Town Hall, Market Place, PL32 9PD
• 1pm – 4pm Bodmin - Chy Trevail, Beacon Technology Park, PL31 2FR

Tuesday 3 October      

• 9am – 12 noon  Penryn - Town Hall, Higher Market Street, TR10 8HU
• 1pm – 4pm Helston Community Fire Station, Redruth Road, TR13 8NR

Tuesday 10 October   

• 9am – 12 noon St Ives Community Fire Station, Higher Stennack, TR26 1BH
• 1pm – 4pm Redruth Community Centre, Foundry Row, Chapel St, TR15 1AN

Tuesday 17 October   

• 9am – 12 noon St Austell Community Fire Station, Carlyon Road, PL25 4LD
• 1pm - 4pm St Mawes Community Fire Station, Polvarth Road TR2 5AY

The checks take around ten minutes and the safety events are open to all - you can either book a space or turn up on the day. If you can't make it to one of the venues, but have a minimum of five blankets for testing (whether these are all yours, or friends and neighbours), we will collect and return them to and from one address - this must be on the same day as the event closest to your town or village.To arrange collection call 01208 893133.

If your blanket or small appliance fails on the day and needs replacing we are offering 10% money off vouchers and entry in to a prize draw to win a £20 gift voucher, courtesy of HBH Woolacotts.

Read more about electrical fire safety

Work will start the week beginning 2 October on an emergency stopping place for gypsies and travellers at South Treviddo, Horningtops. Construction will take approximately five weeks.

The site will have seven temporary pitches for short term accommodation for gypsies and travellers who will normally move on within weeks. The emergency stopping place will provide toilet facilities, temporary water supplies, waste facilities and a secure space in the short term with electricity and an onsite borehole to follow in the new year. The emergency stopping place will allow Cornwall Council to guide gypsy and traveller families away from unauthorised encampments such as those seen in car parks in Liskeard in recent years. 

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “With Cornwall’s existing gypsy and traveller sites already full to capacity, it’s really important for us to provide more emergency stopping places and transit sites across Cornwall. Cornwall Council has a legal duty to provide these sites, and we know we’re likely to need another 60 transit pitches by 2030. We’re looking to provide these across four new transit sites of 10-15 pitches each in north, west, mid and east Cornwall. South Treviddo is the first of these sites and will help provide much needed new pitches to meet the increased demand in Cornwall over the summer months.”

Phil Seeva, Cornwall Councillor for Menheniot, said: “In recent years the area has seen a number of unauthorised encampments which in some instances have created problems for the local community. Building a relatively small, authorised camp for temporary usage in this way should help tackle the issue and create organised, safe environments for travellers.”

No decisions have been taken so far about possible locations for new transit sites in north, mid and west Cornwall.

 Story posted 13 September 2017

Cornwall businesses are being urged to take precautions to prevent arson and false alarms as part of UK Business Safety Week this week (11-17 September).

The week, which aims to reduce fire incidents in the workplace, provides an opportunity for local businesses to think about fire safety and focus on prevention in areas which are often overlooked.

Nationally, there are nearly 3,000 arson attacks on businesses each year, prompting the reminder for businesses to take measures to reduce the threat of arson, which is still a major factor in commercial fires.

Terry Nottle, Station Manager for Business Support, said: “An arson attack can be devastating, but it would probably surprise people to know that most arson attacks aren’t planned, they are opportunistic. Simple steps to reduce the build-up of combustibles and waste near buildings can reduce the likelihood of an arson attack. If you haven’t done a recent workplace fire risk assessment, now is the time.” 

False alarms are another area businesses are being asked to think about. Across the UK there are nearly 250,000 false alarms a year and according to the Fire Industry Association, this costs business and fire and rescue services £1 billion.

“Every false alarm causes disruption and repeated false alarms are a sign you need to review your procedures, or could be a sign of unmaintained equipment,” said Terry. “This can affect the confidence your customers and staff have in you, as well as impact on productivity and  the general routine of your organisation, not to mention putting lives at risk.

“Ensuring an alarm system is appropriate for your premises can quickly reduce false activations. Our message this week is simple – have you done everything you can to protect your business?”

Arson prevention advice for shops and stores

• Limit as far as possible the number of entrances in use (but do not block fire exits!)
• Keep a watch on what is going on. Larger establishments might have a security guard on duty at main entrances, while in smaller businesses you and your staff should practice vigilance.
• As part of staff training, remind all employees of arson threats and ask them to report any suspicious behaviour.
• Ensure that doors and windows are in good repair and that locks are working.
• Gaps under doors to the street should be as narrow as possible - this will prevent items such as lighted paper being pushed under them.
• If there is a letterbox, it should have a metal container fitted on the inside (to contain any fires from lighted rags or paper).
• Keep a list of people holding keys to the premises, and chase any that are missing.
• Identify possible entry routes for intruders (ie. via yards, up drainpipes or even flat roofs) and consider what could be done to prevent access.
• Special danger areas are storages and warehousing, which should only be accessible to authorised members of staff.
• Is there a system for leaving lights on at night?
• For further information on reducing arson risks, please visit our arson prevention webpages

Reducing false alarms

• The Fire and Rescue Service will work with you to reduce false alarms at your premises and in some cases we may take enforcement action
• False alarms can be caused by cooking, welding, steam, dust and aerosols, as well as poor maintenance and cleaning or poor design and installation

For further information on how to reduce false alarms please visit our false alarms webpage.

Story posted 13 September 2017

Last week Penzance Community Fire Station hosted 12 of the firefighers from London Fire Brigade (LFB) who attend the Grenfell Tower incident back June 2017.

The LFB group were with Penzance crews from 5-7 September taking part in a range of activities organised by the Community Fire Station with the help and generosity of local businesses and organisations.

The aim of the trip was to boost wellbeing and show support and respect not only from Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety (CFRCS) Service but from Cornwall as a whole, in addition to the ongoing counselling many of the firefighters, including their Commissioner Dany Cotton, are receiving since the traumatic incident on 14 June.

Fire officers Michelle and Mark Grenfell, with support for the crew and local businesses, created a three day Cornish break for the LFB firefighters with and assortment activities. The itinerary included:

• A trip out on with the RNLI Penlee Lifeboat
• Surfing lesson with the St Ives Surf School, which for some was their first time trying their hands at wave riding
• Coasteering with Kernow Coasteering
• BBQ hosted by the Bath Inn in Penzance where others from across the Service joined in to meet the LFB group and enjoy a burger or two.
• A fun challenge at the Cornwall Escape Rooms
• A trip across the causeway to St Michaels Mount to tour the castle and take in the breath taking views from the top tower, before heading back to London Thursday afternoon.

Area Manager Kathryn Billing: ‘We would like to thank our 999 family from Blue Watch North Kensington for coming down and spending time with us in our beautiful county. It’s a known fact the outdoors and keeping yourself active benefit your mental health and wellbeing. Our service was proud to be involved in such a humbling occasion, you just can’t explain experiences like this; to use the words of the Watch Manager “it feels like we’ve known each other forever”. I would like to thank the generosity and support from so many that have allowed us to make memories which we will never forget. Special thanks to Michelle and Mark fire officers from Penzance who were instrumental in making this happen. We hope to extend our welcome to other crews from London in the future.’

Fundraising took place earlier in the month when Penzance crews hosted and took part in a ladder climb raising a total of £447 to go towards the Grenfell firefighters.

In addition we received an unprecedented amount of support from so many business and organisations and all from CFRCS Service and LFB thank you.

A special thank you goes to the following for their generous support throughout the trip:

• YHA Penzance
• Penlee RNLI
• St Ives Surf School
• Porthmeor Café
• St Michaels Mount
• Cornwall Mustang Hire
• Kernow Coasteering
• The Bath Inn
• Philps Bakery
• Cornwall Escape Rooms
• Cornwall Hugs Grenfell Charity

The trip has been such a success that future visits for those who feel it could help their recovery and rehabilitation are already being discussed. In the meantime all of us at Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Service and all in Cornwall wish everyone affected by the tragic event a speedy recovery and there will always been a warm welcome for them here in Cornwall.

Story posted 12 September 2017

 

This autumn local residents and visitors have the opportunity to visit a new, free exhibition inspired by Cornwall’s new archive centre -  Kresen Kernow - which is currently being built on the former Redruth Brewery site, and the amazing historic documents that will be held there. 

Cornwall Council’s Archives and Cornish Studies Service is delighted to open its new free exhibition. ‘Creating Kresen Kernow’ is at the Cornish Studies Library in Alma Place, Redruth and features a range of artwork by both professional and amateur local artists.

Items on display include a range of pen and ink drawings of the building site by Sue Lewington, as well as paintings, photographs and collage by other local artists. A range of pieces inspired by the Service’s series of ArTchive workshops are also on display. These include imaginary maps, handmade books, and samplers inspired by 19th century posters.

Chloe Phillips, Learning Lead for the service, said: “We are delighted that Kresen Kernow has proved such a source of inspiration for Cornwall’s creatives. Traditionally archives are seen as only useful for historians, but this work proves that they can inspire so much more. It has been great to see the wide range of responses to our new building and our treasured archives, and we look forward to inspiring much more creative work in future.”

The exhibition is on until Friday 6 October during Library open hours. For more information telephone 01209 216 760 or visit the Cornwall Council Kresen Kernow events webpage. 

You can find the Archives and Cornish Studies Service on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @kresenkernow

Story posted 12 September 2017

There’s a chance for people in the Wadebridge and Padstow Community Network area to find out more about future plans for Wadebridge School and the Woodland Trust’s Tree Charter at the Wadebridge and Padstow Community Network Panel meeting on 21 September.

Tina Yardley, Headteacher of Wadebridge School, will be on hand to tell the panel about the school’s future plans for capital and pupil expansion.

Laura Jones from Cornwall Council will give a presentation the benefits of trees to local communities, the work of the Council’s Forestry team and the Tree Charter.  There will also be time to ask questions about local tree related issues.

Peter Marsh, Cornwall Council’s Service Director for Environment, will also be coming along.  Each community network panel now has a member of Cornwall Council’s Leadership Team to give advice and help ensure strong links between the panel and the Council.  As the representative for Wadebridge and Padstow, Peter will explain how he will support the panel, including helping to progress local concerns.

There will also be an update from Sgt Andy Stewart of Devon and Cornwall Police.

Cornwall Councillor Karen McHugh, Chair of Wadebridge and Padstow Community Network Panel, said: “I would encourage everyone to come and learn more about the local issues the panel is working on.  You’ll be able to meet local Cornwall, town and parish and councillors, ask questions, and find out more about what’s happening in the Wadebridge and Padstow area.”

Wadebridge and Padstow Community Network Panel meets quarterly to discuss matters that affect the local area and to agree priorities that can be delivered by Cornwall Council and partners such as the police and health services.  The panel’s priorities include public transport, asset and service devolution, affordable housing, highways, traffic and parking issues.

Wadebridge and Padstow Community Network Panel includes all five Cornwall Councillors for the area and representatives of the 14 parishes in the community network: Egloshayle, Padstow, St Breock, St Endellion, St Ervan, St Eval, St Issey, St Kew, St Mabyn, St Merryn, St Minver Highlands, St Minver Lowlands, St Tudy and Wadebridge.

The meeting takes place on Thursday 21 September from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Egloshayle Pavilion, Wadebridge.  The agenda and more information about the panel are available on our Wadebridge and Padstow Community Network page.  The meeting is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.

Story posted 11 September 2017

A new public health campaign launching today ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day hopes to encourage people to talk more openly about mental health and potentially save their life in the process.

The ‘How Are You Really Feeling’ campaign aims to reduce the stigma of talking about mental health.

The Towards Zero Suicide collaborative has run a series of conferences in Truro over the last year, finding ways of working to reduce suicides towards zero. The campaign emerged from an idea at the conferences to create something to help reduce the stigma of mental health and get people talking about it more openly.

Dr Sara Roberts, Consultant in Public Health for Cornwall Council said “If you're worried that someone you know may be considering suicide, try to encourage them to talk about how they are feeling. Listening is the best way to help. Try to avoid offering solutions and try not to judge. 

“We really want to encourage people to start talking about mental health and how they feel as part of their everyday lives, and we want people to feel it’s OK to say you’re not OK.

“We’re asking communities to take up the offer of putting a box full of leaflets somewhere ‘normal’” such as a coffee shop, hairdresser, barber, petrol station or newsagent. We want talking about mental health to become a normal part of our day.

 “Don’t worry if you don’t know what to say or how to begin a conversation – our leaflets give you some ideas of how to get started. And if the person you’re having a conversation with says “I’m not OK”, the reverse side of the leaflet has some top tips and ideas of where they can get help.”

Dr Ellen Wilkinson Medical Director for Cornwall Partnership NHS  Foundation Trust added ”People who survive a suicide attempt have said that if just one person had asked them if they were OK they wouldn’t have gone through with it. Just asking the question could be powerful enough to save a life.

“It’s not just about people who are feeling suicidal – this is about saying mental health is a core part of everyone’s wellbeing and encouraging people to talk about it.”

Some top tips from the campaign include supporting someone by telling them that they can talk to you without being judged, or that getting help will make it easier for them.

The campaign also includes 10 top things to do to improve mental health such as eating well, being physically active, doing something you enjoy, and asking for help.

If you think someone is at risk of suicide you should persuade them to speak to their GP who will be able to provide the right support.

You can find out more about the campaign on our website or on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Story posted 8 September 2017

Residents of the Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth (CPIR) Community Network Panel area are invited to the September meeting of the CPIR Community Network Panel. Items on the agenda include a community education project, hosted by the Kernow Education Arts Partnership (KEAP), and a community “Call to Action” to raise the profile of the local community and voluntary sector.

All are invited to attend the CPIR Community Network Panel meeting which takes place on Wednesday 20 September between 7pm and 9pm at Pool Innovation Centre, Pool.

Representatives from KEAP will be attending the panel to talk about their ‘Writers Block’ community education project which aims to help pupils to write more creatively and effectively.

Also on the agenda is a “Call to Action” – How well do you know your community’ presentation by Dr Matthew Whiteley and Richard Williams. The Call to Action is an exciting new community challenge which aims to raise the profile of the local community and voluntary sector in the CPIR Community Network Panel area.

Cornwall Councillor Ian Thomas, Chair of Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth Community Network Panel, said: “Once again, our meeting will provide an opportunity for the exchange of information on matters which affect our local communities.  It is also an ideal opportunity for local residents and businesses, Members and Officers of the various Parish, Town and Cornwall Council and the media to engage with each other in a very transparent and sometimes lively way.”

The Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth Community Network Panel meets quarterly to discuss matters that affect the local community and to agree priorities that can be delivered by Cornwall Council and other agencies including the police and health services. Some of the areas that community networks focus on include anti-social behaviour, economic development, the environment, community planning, regeneration, conservation, community safety, transport and highway issues.

The panel comprises all fourteen Cornwall Councillors for the area and representatives from the ten parishes in the Camborne, Redruth, Illogan and Pool Community Network - Camborne Pendarves, Camborne Roskear, Camborne Trelowarren, Camborne Treslothan, Camborne Treswithian, Carharrack, Gwennap and St Day, Four Lanes, Illogan, Lanner and Stithians, Mount Hawke and Portreath, Pool and Tehidy, Redruth Central, Redruth North and Redruth South.

More information about the Community Network Panels and dates for future meetings  can be found on the Cornwall Council Community Networks webpage. 

Story posted 11 September 2017

People in and around Launceston are being invited to find out more about proposals for local health facilities and air quality at the Launceston Community Network Panel meeting on Thursday 21 September in Launceston Town Hall.

Phil Confue from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will brief the panel on Launceston Hospital.  There will also be an update on the latest position with the proposed medical centre extension.

Eloise Travis from Cornwall Council’s Environmental Protection team will provide a briefing on air quality in Launceston’s Newport area.

In addition to this, Kate Kennally, Cornwall Council’s Chief Executive, and Jane Black, Cornwall Council’s Service Director for Education and Early Years, will be coming along.  Each community network panel now has one or more members of Cornwall Council’s Leadership Team to give advice and help ensure strong links between the panel and the Council.  As the representatives for Launceston, Kate and Jane will explain how they will support the panel, including helping to progress local concerns.

The agenda also includes an update on the progress with superfast broadband in the Launceston Community Network area.

Cornwall Councillor Neil Burden, Chair of Launceston Community Network Panel, said: “We know that health facilities are very important to local people, and they are a priority for the community network panel. The meeting is an opportunity to learn about the latest plans for local health provision and the panel’s work on other local issues.  Everyone is welcome to come along, ask questions and join in the discussion.”

Launceston Community Network Panel meets quarterly to discuss matters that affect the local area and to agree priorities that can be delivered by Cornwall Council and partners such as the police and health services.  The panel’s current priorities include local health provision, road and broadband infrastructure, and neighbourhood planning.

Launceston Community Network Panel includes all five Cornwall Councillors for the area and representatives of the 16 parishes in the community network: Altarnun, Boyton, Egloskerry, Laneast, Launceston, Lawhitton, Lewannick, Lezant, North Hill, North Petherwin, South Petherwin, St Stephens by Launceston, St Thomas the Apostle, Stoke Climsland, Trewen and Werrington.

The meeting takes place on Thursday 21 September from 7.00pm to 9.00pm in the Guildhall in Launceston Town Hall.  Everyone is welcome to attend and there will be time for public questions.  The agenda and more information about the panel are available on our Launceston Community Network page. 

Story posted 8 September 2017

Residents of the St Agnes and Perrranporth Community Network area are being invited to attend the September meeting of the St Agnes and Perranporth Community Network Panel, items on the agenda include South West Water and local matters.

All are invited to attend the Network Panel meeting which takes place on Thursday 14 September between 6.30pm and 8.30pm at Perranzabuloe Parish Rooms, Chyanhale, Ponsmere Valley, Perranporth, TR6 0DB.

Following a request from the Community Network Panel, Peter Hocking (Principal Consultant from South West Water) will be answering panel members’ questions about the existing South West Water infrastructure to help address local concerns. Peter will outline South West Water’s plan to cope with future development and give details on the volume and frequency of discharges into the sea in the Community Network Area.

There will also be a briefing on the decisions made by Cornwall Council’s Cabinet on 6 September to strengthen engagement with local communities and give them a greater voice through Community Network Panels. This includes empowering panels by giving them more of a say on important local issues.

The Panel will have an opportunity to ask any questions and give feedback. 

Perranzabuloe Parish Councillor Ken Yeo, Chair of the St Agnes and Perranporth Community Network Panel, said: “Everyone is invited to attend the meeting of the St Agnes and Perranporth Community Network Panel. The September meeting is a good opportunity for local residents to hear from South West Water and local matters so I encourage people to come along.”

The St Agnes and Perranporth Community Network Panel meets quarterly to discuss matters that affect the local community and to agree priorities that can be delivered by Cornwall Council and other agencies including the police and health services. Some of the areas that community networks focus on include anti-social behaviour, economic development, the environment, community planning, regeneration, conservation, community safety, transport and highway issues. The panel comprises of all the Cornwall Councillors for the area and representatives of the six Parish Councils (Crantock, Cubert, Perranzabuloe, St Agnes, St Allen, St Newlyn East) in the community network area.

More information about the Community Network Panels and dates for future meetings can be found on the Cornwall Council Community Networks webpage.

Residents of the St Austell & Mevagissey Community Network area are being invited to attend the September meeting of the St Austell and Mevagissey Community Network Panel, items on the agenda include affordable housing and local matters.

All are invited to attend the Network Panel meeting which takes place on Thursday 14 September between 7pm and 9pm in the Council Chamber at the St Austell Information Service (also known as the One Stop Shop), 39 Penwinnick Road, PL25 5DR.

Following a request from Mevagissey Parish Council there will be a discussion about affordable housing in the area. The item will include the current process, prices and status of the Home Choice Register.

There will also be a briefing on the decisions made by Cornwall Council’s Cabinet on 6 September to strengthen engagement with local communities and give them a greater voice through Community Network Panels. This includes empowering panels by giving them more of a say on important local issues.

In addition Mark Read, Service Director for Customer Assess and Digital Services at the Council will be coming along. Each Community Network Panel now has one of the Directors from Cornwall Council’s Leadership Team on the panel. As the representative for St Austell and Mevagissey, Mark will explain how he’ll support the network panel including helping to progress any local concerns.

At the start of the meeting there will be an opportunity for local residents to ask any questions they may have.

Cornwall Councillor Sandra Heyward, Chair of the St Austell and Mevagissey Community Network Panel, said: “Everyone is invited to attend the meeting of the St Austell and Mevagissey Community Network Panel. The September meeting is a good opportunity for local residents to find out more about affordable housing and local matters so I encourage people to come along.”

The St Austell and Mevagissey meets quarterly to discuss matters that affect the local community and to agree priorities that can be delivered by Cornwall Council and other agencies including the police and health services. Some of the areas that community networks focus on include anti-social behaviour, economic development, the environment, community planning, regeneration, conservation, community safety, transport and highway issues.The panel comprises of all seven Cornwall Councillors for the area and representatives of the eight Town or Parish parishes in the community network: Carlyon, Mevagissey, Pentewan, St Austell Bay, St Austell Town, St Ewe, St Goran, St Mewan.

More information about the Community Network Panels and dates for future meetings can be found on the Cornwall Council Community Networks webpage. 

Story posted 7 September 2017