A major milestone has been reached in the plans to deliver Langarth Garden Village – with work beginning on the construction of the new interim link road. 

The link road will provide access for up to 300 homes and for the construction of the new Northern Access Road (NAR), which will connect all the developments on the Langarth site and provide a route from the garden village to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske avoiding the A390. 
An application for planning permission for the NAR is due to be submitted to Cornwall Council as part of a hybrid planning application, which includes outline planning permission for the wider Langarth scheme, in the Autumn. 

All the funding for the NAR is being provided by the Government. The start of work on the link road follows the official signing of the £47.45m funding contract for the design and construction of the NAR by Homes England and Cornwall Council in August.   

Attending the turf cutting event Councillor Andrew Mitchell, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Homes, said “This is a really exciting moment in the Langarth project. While work on developing the masterplan has been taking place since the beginning of last year, when the Council took on a proactive role in planning and delivering the new integrated community at Langarth, this is the first time people will actually see construction on the site. 

“We know that many people in Truro (and throughout Cornwall) are struggling to get on the housing ladder.  Langarth Garden Village is part of the Government’s garden communities programme which aims to address national housing needs. 

"Our plans will see approximately 3,550 new low carbon homes provided over a 20 to 25 year period. While the new houses will meet the needs and budgets of all sectors of the community, we are particularly mindful of the needs of the most vulnerable, and are also looking at opportunities for extra care and other forms of accommodation for older people and people with disabilities, as well as accommodation for student health workers and other key workers."

One of the key priorities in the emerging Langarth masterplan is to provide integrated and accessible transport links, with people prioritised over cars.

"We know that providing good connectivity is vital to the success of new communities as well as for the businesses and the people who work there." said Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport. 

"We want to give people choices in how they move around and access services. This means making it as safe and convenient as possible for people to get around on foot, bike and public transport, both within Langarth and into surrounding communities."
"The new boulevard style NAR is being designed to be pedestrian friendly, with a 20mph speed limit and new footways and segregated cycleways along its entire 4km length.  We are planning to provide improved bus services linking to Treliske hospital and Truro, with bus stops in each local centre. Cycle parking, e-bike charging and seating areas at bus stops will help to encourage their use as community meeting areas. 

"There are also plans for an extra 600 spaces at the Langarth park and ride site and additional pedestrian crossings to link Threemilestone and Langarth." 

Planning permission for the interim link road was granted in March 2020. The road, which will be constructed by CORMAC Ltd, is due to be completed by Spring 2021. 

Designed to provide access to the first 300 new homes and the construction of the NAR, the road will be closed to normal traffic and turned into a bus gate ( subject to planning permission), following the opening of the major A390 West Langarth junction.

“The link road will run for 200 metres north parallel to the existing tree line, ending at the future junction with the Northern Access Road” said Tim Wood, Project Director for the NAR.  “As hedge openings were made several years ago by the previous landowner no new hedge breaks are required.“

For any queries about the construction works please contact contracting@cormacltd.co.uk.    

A new ‘Redundancy Support Task Force’ has been set up in Cornwall to offer joined up support and advice to residents who are facing the threat of redundancy.   

Cornwall Council cabinet member for culture, economy and planning Tim Dwelly said: “The Chancellor’s announcement of a new job support scheme helps avoid the end of furlough cliff edge that was looming at the end of October.  However, we are concerned that there will still be many viable businesses in Cornwall who don’t have enough work to bring people back part-time and those jobs will be under threat.” 

The Council is working with the Department for Work and Pensions, Cornwall Development Company (CDC) and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (CIOS LEP) to provide a co-ordinated response that both employees and employers can access to support people and organisations going through redundancy.    

Cornwall Council cabinet member for culture, economy and planning Tim Dwelly said: “Even with this latest short term support to replace the furlough scheme from the end of October, the likelihood of substantial redundancies in Cornwall is significant compared to other areas in the UK. Our local economy relies on many of the sectors hardest hit by Covid and in May, we already recorded a 138% increase in the numbers of people claiming unemployment benefits compared to 108% for the rest of England.” 

Our residents need swift action to get the help they will need. Here, the fragmented nature of our economy and the relative lack of large companies, means that delivering redundancy support to employers and employees alike will need a more targeted approach. That’s where the new task force can step in to help with advice, support and sign posting.” 

As well as bespoke support, a series of online events will be taking place across the Autumn and Winter where businesses and individuals can find out more about the support on offer which includes:  

• the People Hub - launched in April by CDC, following a £227,000 investment from Cornwall Council, to provide a coordinated emergency response to support residents in Cornwall. Since then, the service has provided free confidential advice and support to over 300 residents on issues ranging from employment and redundancy to benefits and financial matters.   

• the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth and Skills Hub – a signposting service helping businesses to develop and grow by finding them the right support and training opportunities.  The team has also helped local companies navigate the support put in place by the Government in response to the Coronavirus. 

Mark Duddridge, Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, which has put extra resources into the Growth Hub to help meet additional demand from local businesses during the pandemic, said: “Cornwall’s key sectors like tourism, food and drink, retail and wholesale have all been hugely impacted by coronavirus. We have some of the highest take-up rates in the UK of the Government’s job retention scheme and have seen disproportionate increases in the numbers of people claiming unemployment benefits compared to the rest of England. It’s important that people and businesses understand the help that is available at this difficult time and the support that is being put in place by the new task force is very important.” 

When the Eden Project announced earlier this summer that they would have to make some redundancies, Cornwall Council commissioned CDC and People Hub to work with DWP and a range of partners to organise redundancy support days for employees at the Eden Project. 

Dawn George, HR Director at Eden said: “We know how well received the support events were by those who attended, and it has definitely helped people to build skills, contacts and confidence in what they are now doing post their time at Eden.  A huge thanks to the team that came together to deliver this and work with us, to create a safe, socially distanced support event that was absolutely incredible.” 

Mike King, Managing Director of Cornwall Development Company, said, “During these unprecedented times, with the launch of the People Hub, we have been able to broaden this remit to individuals as well as businesses, offering the residents of Cornwall immediate information, support, and guidance on a range of employment related issues”. 

Growth & Skills Hub can be contacted Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on 01209 708660 or visit the website to request a call back or use their webchat function.

People Hub can be contacted Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm by telephone on 0333 0150699 or businesses can visit the People Hub pages of the website for more information. 

Further information on the redundancy support can also be found on the CIOS LEP website. 

 

Story posted 28 September 2020

After a week which saw new social restrictions placed on the whole UK, Cornwall Council is urging residents to look after one another and do their bit by following public health advice in order to control the spread of Covid-19 through our communities.

As seen across the whole country, there has been an increase in the number of cases reported in Cornwall in recent days, and further increases are expected in the coming weeks.

The public health team are working closely with the community wherever we see new infections and are doing all they can to limit the spread of the disease.

At this crucial time, the whole community needs to continue to work together to protect our most vulnerable by sticking to the public health guidance currently in place.  This guidance includes:

• Continue to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds using soap and water or using hand sanitiser, follow social distancing measures keeping two metres apart if you can, and wear face coverings in line with government advice. Face coverings must now also be worn in taxis and private hire vehicles, and in hospitality venues – except for when you are eating or drinking.  Staff must also now wear masks in retail and hospitality settings.
• Anyone who can perform their duties from home should do so over the duration of the winter.
• Hospitality venues must be closed each night by 10pm.

Cllr Sally Hawken, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for public health, said: “When we went into lockdown in March, our residents were amazing, sticking to the guidance and helping Cornwall to avoid the worst of the outbreak. I am confident we can do the same again. 

“I understand that in our communities there are a wide range of emotions. Some may be anxious and could be worried by the behaviour of others. Some residents may be fed up with the restrictions on their lives - but we understand that they are necessary to protect our loved ones, our communities the most vulnerable in our society.

“We are at a crucial point in the fight against this pandemic. Each of us must play our part in keeping one another safe and curbing the spread of this terrible virus.

“Cornwall Council will be there every step of the way to provide all the support and guidance we can for our residents.  

“So, as we move into the autumn pleasecontinue to follow the key public health rules: wear a mask as appropriate, keeping social distancing and wash your hands.”

After a short pause the Cornwall Sustainability Awards are back!

We’re doing things differently this year due to Covid restrictions. Our awards ceremony will be virtual, we have a new website and we have a new nominations process.

The awards ceremony will be held virtually on Friday 4 December 2020. We’re asking for nominations rather than applications this year as we realise that companies might not have as much time this year to apply due to catching up on business after Covid lockdown restrictions.

Anyone can nominate a business for one of the following categories as long as the company is based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly:

• Green Innovation in a time of Coronavirus
• Circular Economy
• Environmental Growth
• Carbon Neutral

Nominations can be submitted online via our new website from 25 September until 30 October. Judging will take place in early November by a panel of representatives from Cornwall Council, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership and Cornwall Chamber of Commerce. Shortlisted companies will be announced prior to the awards ceremony on Friday 4 December.

The Cornwall Sustainability Awards are sponsored by Tevi (Cornish for ‘grow’) which is a unique and exciting EU-funded venture to create both economic and environmental growth in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Tevi Project Manager Dr Dan Bloomfield said: “Everyone at Tevi is very excited about CSA this year.In what has been a really tough year for everyone, there is still much to celebrate.We’ve been helping dozens and dozens of enterprises to invest in new products, new services, new ways of doing things that help make the economy of Cornwall more circular, and which helps the environment grow.We are really looking forward to showing our support to all, and for sharing our plans for the future.”

Cornwall Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection, Cllr Rob Nolan, said: “We are delighted to have the Cornwall Sustainability Awards back after a short pause in 2019. The categories this year reflect Cornwall’s response to the climate emergency and the changing world we’ve all been in living with the Covid pandemic. We know there are lots of amazing businesses out there doing great work and this is a chance for them to shine and lead future environmental growth. Many of our previous winners have gone on to win national and international awards and become leaders in their field.”

• Nominate a company for an award
• Book a place for the awards 

Cornwall Council’s enforcement and public protection teams have responded to the fast-changing economic landscape by helping Cornwall’s business owners to make sense of the recent additional Covid regulatory requirements - including the new track and trace app and early (10pm) closing for pubs, bars and restaurants.

Yesterday, in the first of a programme of town centre walkabouts, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Rob Nolan, joined officers who work in departments including licensing, trading standards, food safety, community safety and parking enforcement to meet the traders of Truro in informal visits to the city’s shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

These town centre walkabouts will be supplemented with briefings and a webinar next Tuesday 29 September, and an updated version of the Council’s ‘Bounce Back to Business’ guide, which is available online now.

Rob Nolan said: “It was an eye-opener to discuss with local traders and hospitality workers their reactions to this week’s news and how Cornwall’s businesses large and small are going to cope over the coming months.”

“Having arranged these walkabouts promptly after the Prime Minister brought in the 10pm curfew for dining and drinking out, and on the day the NHS Test and Trace App rolled out, we found ourselves talking to businesses at the very time the Chancellor was outlining his keenly-awaited replacement for the furlough scheme.”

“We were very much in ‘encourage, engage and educate’ mode, and there to assist and advise those we spoke to, although Council officers do have enforcement powers to deal with breaches of Covid requirements, which will be used if necessary. We had numerous positive conversations with businesses that clearly wish to comply to protect public health, but are also anxious about future profitability and employment”.

Rob and the team had chats with takeaway and coffee shop businesses unsure of the how the new regulations applied to table service, some with seating inside and outside. The display of the new NHS QR posters at businesses was much in evidence, but there was uncertainty about its application.

Pubs were anxious about the loss of their later hours trade, and what may happen on the streets and with private parties after earlier last orders are called. Some businesses, such as kebab houses and other takeaways, depend largely on late evening trade.

Rob added: “A controversial point seemed to be the new earlier closing, where pub customers and students may just go off and drink at home with their mates instead, raising social distancing and ‘rule of six’ concerns. There is much about this new era that now needs to be closely watched and evaluated. Most of the businesses we spoke to are rightly supportive, but also anxious. We will hold their hands in terms of the regulations and compliance, and amplify their voices by speaking up for them to Government.”

• Read details and book for next week’s free Business Webinar at 2.00pm on Tuesday 29 September
• Download the free Bounce Back to Business guide.

Cornwall Council and the RNLI have reached an agreement to extend lifeguard cover on 24 of Cornwall’s beaches until November 1.

Under the agreement 16 beaches will have daily cover, and eight at weekends PLUS every day during the half term holiday.

The extension recognises that Cornwall has had a shorter holiday season due to the original pandemic lockdown, with lifeguards in West Cornwall having reported a 100% increase in beach use, and an amazing 200% increase in numbers of people entering the water (see notes below).

Hotels and holiday accommodation providers are experiencing good bookings for September, and ‘staycations’ have become the norm with holidays abroad curtailed by Covid restrictions and quarantining.

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, Rob Nolan, said: “This has been an entirely unpredictable and unfamiliar year, and we are so pleased to have been able to arrange this extra cover with the RNLI. Whatever the weather, Cornwall’s beaches have remained popular, and we all feel much safer with these good people keeping an eye on us, and with their colleagues in the Lifeboats only a 999 phone call away.”

“As we enter October I would urge those intending to swim, surf or sail to head for the 24 beaches where lifeguards will be watching. Remember, no flags means no lifeguard! Those who venture further should at least aim to be accompanied, and get information on tides and sea conditions. Know your own limits and do not take risks in our Autumn seas. If you are intending to walk the cliffs or coast path, take a friend, and carry a mobile phone.”

“And to our welcome visitors, please observe all the latest Coronavirus restrictions and advice so our residents and tradespeople stay safe. Let’s make sure our emergency services – including lifeguards, lifeboat crews and coastguards – don’t have to risk their own lives in order to save yours.”

The details of the RNLI lifeguard cover are:

After this Sunday 27 September, lifeguard cover will cease at the following beaches

• Seaton
• Sharrow
• Tregantle
• Kennack
• Gyllyngvase
• Tolcarne
• Porth
• Porthcothan
• Portreath
• St. Agnes
• Perran Sands
• Godrevy
• Upton Towans
• Beach View
• Porthminster
• Gwenver
• Booby’s
• Trevone
• Trebarwith
• Crooklets

The following beaches will continue to have weekend cover plus every day of October half term holiday (Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November): 

• Poldhu
• Porthcurno
• Treyarnon
• Sandymouth
• Hayle Towans
• Chapel Porth
• Holywell Bay
• Crantock

Full time cover will continue until 1 November on the following beaches:

• Tregonhawke
• Praa Sands
• Fistral
• Towan
• Watergate Bay
• Mawgan Porth
• Porthtowan
• Perranporth
• Gwithian
• Porthmeor
• Sennen
• Constantine
• Harlyn
• Polzeath
• Widemouth
• Summerleaze.

Lifeguarding hours will be from 10.00 until 18.00 until BST ends on 25 October after which service will be affected by failing light

Notes:

RNLI lifeguards covering 10 beaches in West Cornwall recorded 78,000 beach users in the first week of September 2020, compared to 39,000 beach users on 15 beaches in the same area in the same period in 2019 (an increase of 100 per cent)

RNLI lifeguards covering 10 beaches in West Cornwall recorded 18,000 people using the water in the first week of September 2020, compared to 6,000 on 15 beaches in the same area in the same period in 2019 (an increase of 200 per cent)

John Read (age 70) and his son Sam (35), from Praze an Beeble, have been fined over £6,500 and given a suspended prison sentence for causing cruelty to sheep, goats and cattle.

On 9 January 2020 officers from Cornwall Council’s Animal Health Team and a vet from DEFRA visited the farm. They discovered most of the animals on the farm were kept in unacceptable conditions.

On 18 September 2020, before District Judge Matson, the Reads pleaded guilty to

1. Failing to provide adequate shelter, food and dry lying area to cattle
2. Failing to protect cattle from dangerous objects
3. Failing to provide ducks with clean water
4. Failing to provide sheep adequate food.

Kevin Hill prosecuted for the Council and informed the Court that many of the sheep and goats were emaciated yet had no quality supplementary feed, and the cattle were on high ground and moorland and yet had no shelter and only dusty poor-quality hay to eat. The cattle also had access to scrap and collapsed fencing. The poultry were shut in a shed with no water and were thirsty when given water.

Hollie Gilbery and Chris Cuddihee representing the Reads informed the Court that the wet winter compounded by John Read’s ill health had caused a perfect storm. Over this summer cattle, sheep and goats had been sold and buildings repaired, so that the animals would receive better care this winter.

The District Judge gave credit for the early guilty plea and genuine remorse, however as the animals were kept for commercial activity and some of the sheep were emaciated, so had been caused a high level of suffering, a custodial sentence was appropriate. This was suspended for 12 months due to various improvements on the farm.

The Reads were each ordered to undertake 120 hours of unpaid work and pay the Council’s costs of £6,500. They were warned that any future non-compliance would result in prison and a ban on keeping animals.

Jane Tomlinson, the Head of Trading Standards for Cornwall Council, said: “This case involvedwell-intentioned but ultimately incompetent smallholders. Over the years the Council and DEFRA have provided the Reads with considerable advice, but it was ignored.”

Councillor Rob Nolan, the portfolio holder for Public Protection said:“Where officers find repeated non-compliance or a complete disregard for farm animal welfare, the Council will take formal action to protect animals and the reputation of the Cornish farming industry.”

Neil Browning, 57, of Marriots Avenue, Weeth Road, Camborne appeared before Truro Magistrates on 9 September 2020. He admitted four charges in relation to the supply of illegal tobacco products, and the evasion of taxes and duties. He was:

• sentenced to 60 hours of community service
• ordered to pay legal costs and
• forfeited cash of more than £7,000

The Court heard that Browning had been selling the illegal tobacco products to a network of contacts. On 13 September 2019 officers from Cornwall Council Trading Standards and Devon & Cornwall Police executed a warrant at his home address. There they found 1,800 counterfeit Richmond cigarettes and 76 pouches of tobacco that did not conform to the UK labelling requirements. A mobile phone, notebooks and cash totalling over £3,700 were also seized. 

Representing the defendant, Mr Moore of Howell Hylton Solicitors explained that Browning was 57 years old with no previous convictions.  He had a wife who was partially sighted for whom he was the carer. He was at risk of losing his job that he had held for over 20 years. He also explained that Browning was on medication to assist him with sleeping as a result of the court proceedings hanging over him.  

The Magistrates explained that they viewed these offences as very serious and that the uniformity of the packaging and warnings were in place so that people were not attracted to a certain brand. They reminded the defendant that the Government and local authority spent a great deal of time, money and effort in trying to deter people from smoking. 

Browning was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order and ordered to complete 60 hours of unpaid work.  

He was also ordered to pay £3,500 towards the costs and a victim surcharge of £90. Although Browning asked to pay this by instalments the Magistrates noted that he had savings of £7,000. Therefore ordered that the £3,590 should be paid in full with 56 days.  

They also ordered the forfeiture and deprivation of all the items seized from him during the warrant. 

Rachel Wigglesworth, Cornwall Council’s Director of Public Health, welcomed the sentence imposed by the court and explained the harm caused by illegal cigarettes. She said: “Almost 1,000 people die each year in Cornwall from smoking-related illness. The sale of cheap tobacco absolutely undermines all encouragement to quit. We have to encourage all possible action against those who sell illegal tobacco and cigarettes.” 

Councillor Rob Nolan, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection said: “Our message is clear – selling illegal tobacco is a crime which can carry fines, community orders or prison. In this case the seller admitted that he risked losing his job for the sake of earning money from the illegal sales.  It has taken a criminal conviction for the seriousness to register with him. 

“More and more of these cases are based upon information provided by local residents, a clear indication that communities are not happy to have this type of criminal activity taking place near their homes and businesses. Whether you are a shopkeeper or an individual selling from home, the chances are you will be reported. Our crackdown will continue.” 

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco or alcohol can make a report in confidence by emailing report-it@cornwall.gov.uk.

Putting the health of residents first and standing up for Cornwall’s businesses at a time when Government considers new public health measures to tackle a rise in Covid-19 cases was highlighted when Cornwall Council met today.

The full council meeting, held virtually, was addressed by council leader Julian German on the challenge facing Cornwall in the weeks and months ahead.

Cllr German told his fellow councillors: “Our businesses are already suffering from the economic impacts of the virus. I have yet to receive a reply from the Chancellor regarding Cornwall's call for the unspent business rates grant money to be released to help those businesses that have said they need it through the discretionary business grant process.

“I will therefore write to the Prime Minister this week, making the case again to Government.

“No one understands business needs in Cornwall as well as those of us who live and work here, and we should be allowed to distribute that money to the people who need it most.

“We need to help these businesses and to protect the people they employ. As the furlough scheme draws to an end, this money, that we continue hold, waiting for the government to say we can release it, could provide vital support for Cornwall’s businesses. 

“The next few weeks are crucial for us to do everything we can to minimise a second wave of infections. I want to ask everyone to do their bit to help.

“As we move onto the autumn, please continue to follow the key public health rules which are the only certain ways to stop the spread of the coronavirus: wear a mask as appropriate, keeping social distancing and wash your hands.”

Other issues debated at the meeting included the Government’s proposed changes to the planning system, the appointment of a section 151 officer, and the arrangements for meetings ahead of next year’s local elections in May.

You will be able to rewatch today’s meeting via the council’s website by following the below link:  https://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=584&MId=9693&Ver=4

With the government due to launch the NHS COVID-19 app for residents in England and Wales this week, Cornwall Council is urging businesses to familiarise themselves with how the system will work.

Last week, the Government announced that certain venues, including venues run by local authorities will now be legally required to display NHS QR posters in their venues by the 24th September in order to support the roll out of the app.

For the businesses and other venues involved, the process will mean registering when anyone enters any premises where they may congregate for more than 15 minutes in close proximity to others.

These venues need to keep a record of who is there, and when so that when someone tests positive for coronavirus, the NHS Test and Trace teams can trace people who have been in close contact with that person recently.

The app has been created to make that process easier and more reliable for those businesses, as well as for the general public who visit those places. There are two elements:

Right now, businesses and other venues across England and Wales are being urged by the government to ensure that they have NHS ‘QR’ code posters visible on entry, so that customers can use their smartphones to easily check-in.

There is a legal requirement for certain venues, including public venues run by local authorities, to display NHS QR posters, and to enforce the recently introduced ‘rule of six' in their venues by the 24 September.

You should create and display a QR code if you are a business, place of worship or community organisation with a physical location that is open to the public; or an event which is taking place in a physical location. They include:

• hospitality
• leisure and tourism
• close contact services
• places of worship
• local authority venues, such as libraries and children’s centres

From Thursday 24 September, the public will be encouraged to download the new NHS COVID-19 app, that they then use when entering a premises, by showing their smartphone to the businesses’ QR code poster.

The phone app and the QR code poster do the rest. It will create a digital record that you visited that venue at that time, and that record will be logged on your phone for 21 days.

Those residents without a smartphone will be provided with other methods with which to register their attendance.

Cllr Rob Nolan, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for public protection, said: “We want to do all we can to make sure businesses and those businesses affected by the new rules aren’t caught out by the new legal requirements. We are encouraging businesses to follow government guidance and to download the free posters and display them in their premises ahead of the launch of the app. That way, customers can use them straight away, once the app is launched.

“The more data available, the more effective the track and trace process will be, and the more businesses taking part will encourage the public to download the app and to increase its effectiveness.”

If you are a business or you are holding an event at which the public are likely to congregate for more than 15 minutes in close proximity, you can download the free QR code poster here.

If you have more than one venue, you need to create a separate QR code for each location.

For more information about the NHS COVID-19 app, visit covid19.nhs.uk

A smallholder from Lanner who kept pigs, poultry and a llama in filthy and dangerous conditions has been banned for five years from keeping farm animals, including llamas.

Gary Joseph Clark pleaded guilty at Truro Magistrates Court to six offences relating to a failure to care for the animals under the Animal Health Act 2006.

The offences related to a failure to care for the pigs, poultry and a llama kept at Trevarth Farm allotments, Lanner, Cornwall. Over the course of three visits made by Cornwall Council’s Animal Health officers and an Animal Plant and Health Agency vet, the enclosure for the pigs was found to be continually waterlogged, with mud coming up to the animals’ bellies. The only water available for them to drink was dirty and muddy and they had access to hazardous objects such as nails and sharp edges.

A llama at the site had no shelter from the elements and there were sharp objects including nails and sharp projections found in its enclosure.

The poultry was not provided with clean dry litter and also did not have access to fresh water.

Despite the extensive advice he was given over the course of the visits, he made only minor improvements to the unacceptable conditions in which the animals were kept. All requests to remove the sharp objects and to provide dry lying areas and fresh water were ignored.

Despite Mr Clark’s guilty plea, the court’s bench took a very dim view of the conditions in which the animals were kept. He was given 28 days to comply with the ban instructions and fined £720 for the Animal Welfare Offences. He also had to pay a victim surcharge of £72.

Andy Burnside, Senior Trading Standards Officer from the Quality Standards and Animal Health team of Public Protection, said: “Officers found repeated non-compliance despite providing extensive advice over a period of time. In such cases, where there is a complete disregard for farm animal welfare, the council will always take formal action to protect animals and the good reputation of Cornish farmers and smallholders.”

With the academic getting underway, Cornwall Council has welcomed the return of students across Cornwall, including the Falmouth and Penryn area.

We have been working closely with all education providers in the county over the summer months on plans to ensure that students return safely, and that safe behaviours are being promoted and supported throughout local communities. Bringing students back safely also provides a boost to our local economies, which is welcomed by businesses after a difficult start to the year.

The universities have done the following to prepare for the safe arrival of students:

• Developed a Cornwall Campuses Safe Community Charter, to encourage considerate, responsible behaviour, both on and off campus
• Introduced measures on campus including strict social distancing measures, one-way systems through buildings, hand sanitiser points and an expectation that face coverings are worn in most buildings
• Banned guests in university accommodation
• Developed campaigns to raise awareness of the latest coronavirus information and guidance
• Introduced a Rapid Response Team to manage any cases or suspected cases in the universities’ community

Rachel Wigglesworth, Cornwall Council’s Director of Public Heath said: “We’d like to reassure the community that everyone has been planning this return for a number of months. Our public health team have been having regular meetings with the universities to set out how we can reduce risks through engagement with students, putting in measures to make the campuses COVID-19 safe, and introducing processes, should cases be detected in students or staff.”

“We all still need to remember to work together, be kind and respectful to each other. We need everyone in the community to continue to follow government guidelines about numbers of people meeting together, wearing face masks in public spaces, keeping left in town centres and good hand hygiene”.

Sally Hawken, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Public Health added “The universities have all been working incredibly hard to make sure that students can safely get back to education.

“It’s vitally important that we keep education going for our young people as it has multiple benefits such as improved mental health and providing the best possible employment prospects going forward. We have world class education in Cornwall and it’s fantastic every year to see students graduating and contributing to Cornwall, and the wider world”.

Public Health England (PHE) South West and Cornwall Council are aware of a small number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. food factory, Pool, Cornwall. 

The cases were discovered as part of the enhanced contact tracing service put in place by Cornwall Council’s public health team.

Anyone identified as a close contact linked to the positive cases will be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service. If you are contacted, you should only get tested if you go on to develop symptoms. Even if you test negative, you must still self-isolate for 14 days.   

There will be additional testing taking place on site over the weekend for Pilgrim's Pride employees only. These measures are preventative and will provide vital data to help stop the spread of the virus.

Rachel Wigglesworth, Cornwall Council’s Director of Public Health, said:  

“We are working with the factory owners, PHE SW and our NHS partners to provide public health advice and help stop the spread of the virus. Employees who need to isolate have already been excluded from work and given support to isolate.

“The business is conscientious in its approach to Covid-19 controls. We have been discussing their ongoing measures to ensure it is safe for staff to attend work as normal. However, if anyone does develop symptoms, which include a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate straight away.” 

A spokesperson from Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. said: 

“Safety is a condition within our business. Since March when Covid-19 restrictions were first introduced, we have been following government guidelines for food processing sites and we have updated them as and when amendments have been made. Furthermore, we have implemented additional measures where they bring benefit including the installation of thermal cameras. We audit compliance of all our Covid-19 controls daily to drive up standards.

“As leading food processing operations, all our sites follow strict hygiene controls including barrier controls and intense daily cleaning regimes.

“In addition, at Pool the Health and Safety Executive carried out an inspection earlier this week and fed back that they were satisfied with measures implemented on site to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

“We are working closely with PHE South West and Cornwall Council to arrange swab testing for a sample group in one particular area of production before deciding upon the need for any further screening. As soon as we receive test results, we will liaise with health partners to assess whether further actions are necessary.”

https://twitter.com/Peston/status/1306900941958983684

Residents are being asked to help the Council and have their say urgently before 1 October on new Government planning rules which will set a requirement of 4,000 new houses to be built across Cornwall every year. 

The proposals for new planning laws, designed to “build more homes, more quickly” in the UK would see an extra 12,500  new houses being built in Cornwall in the next ten years in addition to the current plans – the equivalent of a town roughly twice the size of Bodmin – without time to plan for new growth in the right places there are fears this will inevitably result in poor quality and unplanned speculative development coming forward.  

Affordable home provision could fall significantly under the new rules. This is because of proposed short-term changes that mean developers will not have to provide any affordable housing on sites of less than 40/50 homes.  This could mean a loss of 300 affordable homes a year for Cornwall’s residents. 

Cornwall Council wants to provide good quality homes that residents can afford, these proposals whilst building more homes risks them being poor quality and unaffordable.  

Rightly the government wants to help small and medium-sized builders in these difficult times. Like many Local Authorities in England we have thousands of homes with planning permission which have not been built.  Unlocking these sites by giving us new powers or funding to build the infrastructure that is needed, will help build these new homes that our residents need. 

In the long-term the government's 'Planning for the future' White paper also outlines how Greenbelt areas and areas of outstanding natural beauty may get the designation of ‘protect’ areas. As many South East authorities will be over 70% Greenbelt, there is a potential risk that this will lead to even greater pressure on Cornwall and other South West authorities. This is not levelling up. 

Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning Tim Dwelly said: “The message is simple. Under these new proposals the overall number of homes being built in Cornwall will rise dramatically. But the number of new affordable homes will fall dramatically. The current planning system gives residents the right to have a meaningful say on the quality and location of new homes - as well as their affordability. The Government proposals will remove this right. That's not on. 

“We are already building our fair share of homes in Cornwall in a careful, planned way. We set a requirement for affordable homes to be part of that mix. We believe we are striking the right balance. The new proposals take away our ability to require affordable homes on sites of under 50. Affordable housing numbers will fall by a third each year - what terrible timing, as unemployment rises across Cornwall because of Covid. Meanwhile, forcing through an extra 1,000 homes a year will lead to speculative development, a rise in land banking and poor-quality homes getting permission routinely."  

“We are concerned that residents do not know these things are proposed and we want to help them have their say before the proposals come in and it is too late." 

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet member for Homes Andrew Mitchell said:  “Access to affordable homes is the number one priority of residents in Cornwall and we believe under these proposals, the number of affordable homes will fall. We want to represent your views to Government – and we need your help to do it.” 

Cornwall Council is calling on Government to: 

• review the new housing formula immediately; 

• abandon the proposals to raise the affordable housing threshold;  

• give us new powers or funding to build the infrastructure that is needed to unlock sites that already have planning permission, and  

• focus on delivering net carbon zero new homes with strict standards being made mandatory so that new build housing market plays its full part in carbon reduction.   

Residents can get involved in three ways: 

• Respond to our post on Facebook and Twitter– your views will help shape Cornwall Council’s response to Government 

• Share your views on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website - your views will help shape our response to the Government consultation. 

• Respond to the 'Planning for the future' Government consultation directly.  If you respond via email, please copy us in at  haveyoursay@cornwall.gov.uk 

 

Story posted 18 September 2020

 

Hundreds of residents have responded to a Cornwall Council appeal to share their experiences of the government’s Covid-19 testing service. 

The appeal went out after concerns were raised that people suffering from symptoms associated with Covid-19 were struggling to book a test or were being offered test slots at locations outside Cornwall – in some cases hundreds of miles away. 

The information will be anonymised and passed on to Cornwall’s MPs to use as evidence when making the case to government that urgent changes need to be made to the current system. 

Councillor Sally Hawken, Portfolio Holder for Children, Wellbeing and Public Health, said: “I’m grateful to the many hundreds of residents who told us about their experiences with the government’s Covid-19 testing system. It’s clear from the sheer volume of responses that the system isn’t working, and I’m deeply concerned that people in Cornwall are suffering as a result. 

“This isn’t about asymptomatic people putting strain on the system. The responses we’ve had are from people who have Covid-19 symptoms and are trying to do the right thing by following government guidance. We must do all we can to support them and keep our residents safe. 

“Some of the stories we’ve heard are truly disturbing. From the carer self-isolating and unable to work because of a delay in receiving her test results, to the parents of a poorly child who were forced to travel almost a hundred miles for a test – only for the appointment to be cancelled when they were halfway there. 

“These examples are as shocking as they are heart-breaking – but sadly they’re not unique. If we are to beat this virus, we need a testing system that is fit for purpose. I worry that at this present moment we don’t have one. 

“I’ll be passing on our findings to our local MPs and asking for their support in the hope they can press decision-makers in government to make desperately needed changes to the testing system.  

“We can’t wait weeks. These changes need to happen now.” 

Cornwall Council Director of Public Health, Rachel Wigglesworth, said: “These examples offer a disturbing snapshot of the current testing system and its flaws. They clearly show that changes need to be made if we’re to combat the spread of coronavirus in Cornwall. 

“It’s particularly important as we head towards the flu season, when the healthcare system will undoubtedly be placed under further pressure. 

“We stand ready to help the government in any way we can and we will do our utmost to keep Covid-19 case numbers in Cornwall low, but issues with the testing system will need to be resolved if we are to succeed in doing that. 

“In the meantime, we’ll continue working to put additional arrangements in place to help boost local testing availability until the national capacity increases and will let residents know as soon as those measures are in place.”

 

Published September 17, 2020

Cornwall Council Cabinet met today (16 September) to discuss the council’s draft budget proposals which will prioritise critical frontline services, the most vulnerable residents, and investment in Cornwall’s recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic in the face of unprecedented financial uncertainty. 

Despite the pandemic, Cornwall Councillors have still been able to regularly meet online to make sure that the democratic process is followed and important decisions that make a difference to the lives of Cornwall’s residents are still made.  

At this session, Cabinet considered a draft budget for 2021/22 which will now go out to the public for consultation. It proposes a council tax increase of 1.99%.  At present, the Government has yet to announce if the previous 2% precept for adult social care will also be applied to next year’s bills.

Leader of Cornwall Council, Cllr Julian German said: “This budget has had to take into account the huge financial impact of the pandemic and we have had to make some really tough choices. We reiterate our call on government to fully fund the costs and loss of income from Covid which has hit the council hard. At the heart of it though are the needs of our residents, and we will be redesigning our services to make sure we protect our most vulnerable. 

“Part of this plan is looking at the cost of running the council, considering the use of our buildings and making sure our services are run as efficiently as possible.” 

Also on the agenda was a plan to continue transforming the way that adult social care services are delivered. The service has adapted quickly over the last few months in order to accommodate the rise in demand due to Covid-19. The paper presented to Cabinet focused on services that support people to live as independently as they can, in their own home, for as long as possible. 

Cabinet also discussed options for being able to recycle more materials at Cornwall’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC’s). Part of the proposals consider introducing a service to reuse items where possible to try to cut down on the amount of waste sent to landfill. 

The paper also recommends a trial of extension of opening hours to the HWRC’s, as well as introducing an awareness raising campaign so that people are aware of the correct ways to separate materials and dispose of them correctly.  

The papers considered by Cabinet can be found on Cornwall Council’s website

Story created on 16 September 2020

Regional Adoption Agency Cornwall Council and independent adoption charity Families for Children, join the coalition of National, Regional and Voluntary adoption agencies across the country, supported by the Department for Education (DfE), to launch a nationwide recruitment campaign to raise awareness of adoption.

In the UK, there are almost 3,000 children that are in need of an adoptive family and the number of adoptions in England has fallen by a third in four years. In response, the new #YouCanAdopt campaign will bust myths around who is eligible to adopt and explore what the adoption process involves. It will also highlight, especially during the COVID pandemic, there are still children out there who are looking for their new family.

Earlier this year, a new report revealed that 39% ofadults in the South West have considered adoption or would consider adoption in the future. But, despite this, 71% of adults do not feel they know much about the adoption process.This lack of knowledge may contribute too many people not taking the important first step.

With 43% of people in the South West admitting they do not know if they are eligible to adopt and 32% thinking they wouldn’t be able to, the new campaign aims to increase the number of people taking the first steps towards adopting a child.

Some of the biggest misconceptions around eligibility are that single people, older people, and those who are LGBTQ+ are not allowed to adopt, which is not the case. The new data revealed that participants felt the following groups would be either ineligible to adopt or were unsure if they were eligible to adopt; over the age of 50 years old 61%, single 42% and LGBTQ+ 26%.

The #YouCanAdopt campaign also aims to target potential parents from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, as these children traditionally wait longer to be matched with a new adoptive family. The campaign aims to encourage potential adoptive parents to also consider adopting older children, sibling groups and those with complex health needs or a disability.

To help shine a light on the diverse range of families who have and can adopt, a new emotive film has been released featuring singer Sinitta and TV vocal coaches Carrie and David Grant alongside other families who are joining in encouraging others to consider adoption.

In the film, the adoptive families recite a poem written by comedienne, writer and adoptee Joy Carter, which brings to life the stories of each of the families: the highs, lows and realities of adoption.

The film also dispels some key misconceptions about adoption using a recurrent theme – you can adopt. It is being released online and across social media during the campaign. A podcast series is also being released, featuring famous voices such as Anna Richardson, Sinitta, Harry Derbidge and Annie Price, who talk to families about the adoption process and the journey they took to adopt their children.

A survey of adults who have already adopted showed that collectively, more than two thirds (66%) of people said the two most important things a person needs before adopting a child is a loving home and to be able to provide stability. Almost half (44%) of people said their adopted child felt like part of the family within just a month and of the respondents that had biological children as well as an adopted child, three quarters (75%) reported a strong relationship between the siblings.

The adoption process has evolved over the last few years; it is simpler and quicker than it has been previously and there is a lot more support available with over three quarters (76%) of adoptive parents finding the support and resources helpful.

Latest figures suggest that there are 22 children across Cornwall waiting for adoptive families which include 4 sibling groups of two or more children.

Ruth Marriott, CEO at Families for Children says, “There are still many myths surrounding adoption specifically around who can adopt, age and even accommodation worries. We are behind the campaign in helping to answer some of these questions that make people assume they can’t adopt. We want to raise awareness of the needs of harder to place children who wait the longest for their families. We are looking for people who have the motivation, commitment and love to be a great parent.”

Cllr Sally Hawken, Cabinet Member for Children & Wellbeing, Cornwall Council comments, “We know that lots of people think about adopting but wonder whether they might be eligible and so don’t take that all-important first step.

“Hopefully this new campaign will convince them to come and talk to us and dispel those myths. There are children locally and nationally from all backgrounds waiting for forever homes and that’s why we need people from all walks of life to come forward and help us to give them the love and care that every child needs to thrive, whatever their background.”

All adoption agencies hold information events across the South West to inform and discuss the process of becoming an adopter, the services they provide and the vulnerable children who are currently waiting.

Cornwall Council is asking residents to tell us about their experiences of the Covid-19 testing system so we can let the government know the issues you’re facing and where improvements need to be made. 

We’d like to hear from you about any difficulties you’ve had with the test booking system, how far you’ve had to travel for tests, and how quickly you’ve received results. 

The information you provide us with will be used to make recommendations to government about urgent changes that need to be made to the programme, so it’s easier for anyone who needs one to access a test. 

You can get in touch with us by direct message on our Facebook page at facebook.com/forCornwall or via email at phdesk@cornwall.gov.uk. 

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for children, wellbeing and public health, Sally Hawken, said: “Quick and easily available testing is an absolutely vital weapon in our fight against Covid-19, but there have been some well-documented issues with the government’s testing programme and I’m deeply concerned that not everyone who needs a test can access one. 

“We’ve heard cases of people being asked to travel miles out of Cornwall for a test, or having to wait more than a week for the results – neither of which is remotely acceptable. 

“It’s clear to me that if we’re to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Cornwall, we need an efficient, easily accessible testing system. At the moment I’m not convinced we have that. 

“That’s why we’d like to hear from anyone who has struggled with the testing system about their experiences. If we understand what the problems are here in Cornwall we can put the case to government that urgent changes need to be made.” 

Rachel Wigglesworth, Cornwall Council’s director of public health, said: “If we’re to keep Covid cases low in Cornwall it’s important that we have an efficient and easily available testing programme in place for our residents to use if they need to. 

“By understanding where the problems with the current system are, we can work together with our colleagues in the NHS and with government to make the changes that the current system needs in order to better serve our residents.” 

You can find more information about testing, including how and where to get a test, on our website here.

 

Published on September 14, 2020

Cornwall Council has called on the government to provide more clarity about its plans to introduce new Covid-19 secure marshals in towns and city centres. 

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government held up Cornwall’s Safer Summer Scheme as an example to other local authorities. It involved street marshals patrolling a limited number of towns to watch for anti-social behaviour and advise on social distancing. 

The scheme - which ends later this month and was co-funded by the council, town and parish councils, and the Police and Crime Commissioners office – was very different to the Government’s new marshals initiative, which will have a completely different remit. 

With local authority budgets already under pressure responding to the pandemic, there is a need for more detail on what exactly the Government is proposing, and whether any resources will be provided by the Treasury to back it.    

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, Rob Nolan, said: “We are pleased to hear that Cornwall’s Safer Summer Scheme may have inspired the Government’s suggestion of street marshals to help monitor the ‘rule of six’ across the country.  

“Many of Cornwall’s town centres have had a successful programme of marshal street patrols aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and advising on social distancing. They were locally funded and proved to be an effective addition to other measures put in place to tackle this briefer but busier summer tourist season. Feedback from the public and businesses has been positive.” 

But this new suggestion of a Cornwall-wide marshal workforce raises resource issues, especially now as Cornwall begins its annual budget-setting process next week amid continuing uncertainty about the demands of the ongoing health crisis.    

Rob Nolan added: “The Prime Minister is asking us to recruit and train a large new cohort of special Covid 19 Marshals, but first we must seek clarity from Government on how this is to be achieved, on what scale, and by when.” 

“Cornwall Council, like all local authorities, is beginning the Budget-setting process that leads to next year’s Council Tax bills. Everyone knows we face unprecedented spending pressures, so we will need to know promptly what – if any – Government resources can be called on to help with this initiative.” 

The call for clarity extends to the Police, who will need to understand their role in supporting the new marshals, who are almost certain not to have any enforcement powers themselves. 

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Hernandez, said: “Marshals have helped de-escalate tensions involving people who have had too much to drink, helped to locate missing people, discourage littering and encourage social distancing, so it’s no surprise that these scheme has been warmly welcomed by local authority partners, the public and the hospitality sector. 

“I will be happy to help input into the Government’s plans as we await further clarity on how the scheme might be funded in the future.” 

   

 Published on September 11, 2020

New government rules say that from Monday you must not meet with people from other households socially, in groups of more than six. This will apply indoors and outdoors, including in private homes and gardens. Fines for breaching the rules will be £100, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200.

This will not affect workplaces or meetings, childcare, or education. Organised team sports will still be able to proceed, as will weddings and funerals up to 30. This will also not impact existing arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents. There will be a limited number of exemptions, which can be found on the gov.uk website.

COVID-19 Secure venues, such as places of worship, restaurants and hospitality venues, can still host larger numbers in total, but groups of up to 6 must not mix or form larger groups. This rule will not apply to individual households or support bubbles of more than 6 who will still be able to gather together.

Rachel Wigglesworth, Cornwall Council’s Director of Public Health, said “It’s important to say that the vast majority of people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been keeping up with social distancing rules, and this is evident in the low number of cases that we have here currently. Coronavirus hasn’t gone away, and these changes to the rules are proof of that. Our Local Outbreak Management Plan is working well, and that is thanks to the continuing hard work with our partners and the processes we all have in place”.

“Please remember when meeting in groups of six to still maintain social distancing, don’t hug anyone outside your immediate household or support bubble, wash your hands often, limit how many people you see over a short period of time and if meeting indoors try to keep them ventilated by opening doors and windows.

Please only get a test if you have symptoms, help us keep tests for people who really need them. You do not need to get a test if you have been a close contact of someone with the virus, unless you start to develop symptoms. Symptoms include:

• high temperature
• new, continuous cough
• loss or change to sense of smell or taste

If you feel unwell you can call 111 or use the online symptom checker

More information is available on www.cornwall.gov.uk