Information on NHS Kernow's February 2021 Governing Body meeting.

George Eustice MP gives go-ahead for bee killing pesticide  Somerset County Gazette

Land Rover emerges from sand 31 years after getting stuck on Cornish beach  Cornwall Live

Organisations across Cornwall have welcomed the news that the Duchy is to host the international G7 leaders’ summit in June and pledge an event that will leave a lasting social and economic legacy to benefit all of Cornwall’s residents. 

The major three-day international event will see leaders from the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US, as well as invited leaders from Australia, India, and South Korea attend.

The event will host world leaders at Carbis Bay, with neighbouring St Ives and other sites in Cornwall, such as Falmouth, hosting international delegates and media – with organisers determined to make this an event for all residents in Cornwall to experience and share.

Julian German, Leader of Cornwall Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Cornwall and the UK on the world stage, and to build our strength and prosperity at home.

“For those reasons we are determined that this event delivers a lasting legacy for our residents, inspires our young people and shows how we can play our part in bringing the world together after the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic – and bringing together all parts of the UK together, leaving no-one and nowhere behind.

“We want a lasting legacy that maximises inward investment, translating our moment on the global stage into trade. A legacy that helps Cornwall bounce forward and make its full contribution to the country’s ambitions in areas like space and satellite, floating offshore wind and other sources of clean energy, and globally significant geo-resources including lithium to power our future.”

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer QPM, of Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “I am delighted that Cornwall will be hosting this landmark event for the United Kingdom in an area that is not only one of the safest in the country, but also combines breath-taking scenery and innovative businesses with exceptional local hospitality.

“The event will be a real boost for our communities and especially our young people. It provides an opportunity for all my colleagues within Devon and Cornwall Police to demonstrate our operational excellence and world class policing skills on a global stage.

“We are excited to be playing our part working with and supporting our partners to deliver a safe and secure G7 summit. We have been preparing for this event for several months, including speaking with colleagues who have managed similar events, so we can ensure that we continue to effectively serve our local communities in the run up to, during and after the event.”

Visit Cornwall estimates a total economic impact of the Summit for the County of £50m, including both the immediate benefits of the Summit and related events, and projected tourism growth over the next five years.

Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of Visit Cornwall said: “Cornwall has been voted the best holiday region in the UK for 10 out of the last 11 years in the British Travel Award but is little known to many countries around the world.

“The G7 Leaders’ summit will shine a spotlight on our very special place and the worldwide exposure is promotion we could never buy.

“It will showcase the beauty of Cornwall and provide an opportunity to highlight our heritage, culture and the connections to each country, which will help drive increased numbers of international visitors to Cornwall over the next decade.”

Mark Duddridge, Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Cornwall’s economy is quickly evolving into one of huge significance to the challenges of the time most notably in the delivery of clean energy from our unique geology and location.

“Underpinned by our digital connectivity and creative expertise our traditional industries are developing their offer to deliver more to their customers whilst supporting the recovery of our climate and ecology.

“We welcome the opportunity to showcasing the new Cornwall to visitors from around the World and sharing our excitement for the changes that are now happening around us.”

Peter Andrew MBE, Chair of Corserv Group, said: “The Corserv Group is delighted to have been asked to support the logistical arrangements to welcome the G7 Summit to Cornwall – a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of our beautiful Duchy.

"Cormac Highways and Environment and Cornwall Airport Newquay continue to work closely with the organising authorities to ensure that the event runs smoothly in June. The Cornwall Development Company will be working hard with partners over this period to secure a lasting legacy in terms of inward investment.

"Over the coming months many of our staff will become involved in the logistical arrangements and we are committed to ensure that the event is a great success for Cornwall and see it shine on the world stage.”

Published on January 16, 2021

Coronavirus cases in Cornwall highest in Helston cluster  Falmouth Packet

BAFTA winning director Mark Jenkin talks about life after Bait and his new film Enys Men  Cornwall Live

Concerns over Davidstow building | News | Camelford & Delabole Post  Camelford & Delabole Post

Woman finds freshly-cut cannabis leaves found washed up in town  Cornwall Live

Cornwall Council is already providing vital grant support to businesses affected by the tier restrictions and the latest national lockdown which came into force on January 5, 2021. 

We’ve already paid grants to pubs that don’t sell food and rely on just drink sales and we’ve also been able to pay around 7,500 businesses who were closed when Cornwall was placed in Tier 3 (31 December – 04 January). 

Another 11,500 businesses forced to close in the latest lockdown from 05 January 2021 will receive payments next week. These are businesses  who  received Local Restriction Support Grants in November and will now automatically be paid the latest Local Restriction Support Grants and one off Closed Business Lockdown Payments (one off grants of £4,000, £6,000 and £9,000).   

New discretionary grant scheme 

The Council yesterday received confirmation of funding from Government for new discretionary grants.  The Additional Restrictions Grant scheme will see up to £11.5 million available for businesses in Cornwall who are not eligible for other forms of financial support but have been forced to close or are severely impacted during the third coronavirus lockdown from 05 January 2021. 

Our policy for this Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme and the application form on who will be eligible is being put in place and the application form and full details of the policy will be available on the Council’s website www.cornwall.gov.uk/BusinessSupportGrant on Wednesday 20 January 2021.  

Cornwall Council cabinet member for the economy Tim Dwelly said:  “As before our priority is to help businesses who have not been able to claim other grants or funds. This includes those who are  excluded from the self-employed income support scheme.This could be due to them being set-up as a limited company and/or being a new business.”  

Applications will also be encouraged from a range of businesses such as food and drink producers and distributors, who, while not forced to close, have been severely affected because they supply goods and services to the hospitality, retail and leisure sector which are closed. 

Cornwall Council also seeks to support businesses in the events sector such as caterers or event venues and other businesses that supply goods or services to parts of the economy that have been shut down.   

Businesses with a rateable value of more than £51,000 who did not apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant in November may also be eligible to apply this time around. 

Tim adds: “We’re particularly pleased we were able to make grants of £25,000 to larger pubs, hotels and hospitality in the summer.  This new discretionary grant will remain available for others in a similar situation who have not yet had a chance to apply." 

"These places employ many people and buy goods and services from many businesses in Cornwall and we want to help them survive this crisis” 

The other instances of where businesses will need to apply (apart from the ARG scheme) are 

• Businesses which pay business rates, have been forced to close, but did not apply for the Local Restrictions Support Grants in November 2020, will need to apply for this latest round of Local Restrictions Support Grants and the one off Closed Business Lockdown Payment (one off grants £4k-£9K) 

• Business rated businesses which were not required to close, but have been severely impacted by the change in tier restrictions on December 26 when Cornwall entered Tier 2 and December 31 when Cornwall entered Tier 3 (December 26 to December 30 and December 31 to January 4).  

The application forms for these grants will be posted on the website as soon as possible. 

www.cornwall.gov.uk/BusinessSupportGrant  

 

Story posted January 15 2021

 

Bodmin care home locks down after coronavirus outbreak  Cornwall Live

Cornwall Council will suspend parking charges in all of its car parks from Saturday (January 16 2021) until the end of the current national lockdown, as part of efforts to further limit the spread of coronavirus and to support residents. 

The move will mean that some civil enforcement officers and back room staff, due to a reduced service, can be redeployed to support the Council’s Covid-19 response, as well as help residents who rely on on-street parking at home, or live in resident only parking zone areas.   

As many people return to home working arrangements in response to the latest national lockdown, there has been an increase in the number of vehicles parked on residential roads and residents unable to find a parking space near their homes. They will now have the option to park for free in a Council car park.   

Councillor Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “We are all being asked to stay at home where possible and we want to lead by example, by doing all we can to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.  

“The daily operation of our 133 charging car parks requires staff to carry out regular patrols and security officers to collect money from the machines. Given the current lockdown, and the Council’s key role in responding to the pandemic locally, we have a duty to keep our staff safe, as well as ensure all efforts are focussed on dealing with the response - and subsequent recovery - from Covid-19.”     

 

Story posted 15 January 2021

Cornwall Council will provide free school meals over the February half term after the Department for Education told schools yesterday (14th January) they would not be providing funding.

The council will use money from the COVID Winter Grant Scheme to feed over 15,000 young people, who are currently accessing the scheme in Cornwall.

Schools will be provided with funding of up to £15 per eligible child to support their local families.

Cabinet member for Children, Public Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Sally Hawken said: “The important contribution a healthy, nutritious school lunch makes towards children’s wider wellbeing cannot be underestimated.

“Like the rest of the country, the effect of the coronavirus pandemic in Cornwall is profound. Many families have seen their financial circumstances negatively impacted by lockdown, including a significant number working in Cornwall’s tourist and leisure industry.”

One of Cornwall Council’s key strategic priorities is to have fewer children living in poverty, and our plans aim to address many of the adverse outcomes associated with child poverty; including strengthening families and communities and raising the aspiration and achievement of children and young people.

Since 2018 Cornwall Council has a run a programme called filling the holiday gap, which provided small grants to community groups and volunteer organisations to provide activities and food for vulnerable young people. During the pandemic the scheme was used to provide vouchers to those that missed the deadline for the government vouchers.

Councillor Hawken continued: “There was an all-party parliamentary report in 2017 that looked at the impact of the summer holidays, where children couldn’t access school meal provision. It found

found that children were returning to school in a worse educational, health and developmental state than that in which they had left in the summer. 

“With that in mind, we were concerned about the impact of the pandemic on those families already struggling here in Cornwall.”

The COVID Winter Grant Scheme, which is worth £1.8 million, has been given to the council to support households across Cornwall.  The application process and funding criteria will be announced in the coming days. 

For more information on the scheme or to register for free school meals please visit our website. 

Support services for young people in Cornwall are changing, with an exciting new partnership between Cornwall Council and Action for Children.

The leading UK charity, Action for Children, already provides services in Cornwall, including those for young carers, young adult carers and children with learning disabilities.

Action for Children has won the ‘Support Services for Young People Contract’ to provide support for young people aged 11-19 and up to 25 with SEND across the Duchy.

The new service has been developed from what children and young people have told us, taking into account the views of parents/carers and through dialogue with representatives of young people’s organisations.  This service will help young people by:

• Providing young people with the skills needed to learn about themselves and their strengths and assets, alongside learning about others and society.
• Engaging young people in positive activities and networks.
• Helping young people to understand their rights and develop their own voice, influence and place in society.
• Providing opportunities for young people to acquire and develop practical and technical skills

The service will also support the development of the Youth Parliament in Cornwall. 

Cabinet member for children, wellbeing and public health, Sally Hawken, said: “We are passionate about providing young people with the best start in life and I am pleased we are able to expand our partnership working with Action for Children.    

“Young people need to have a say in how services are shaped and delivered; this is something that we have a shared passion for, and I look forward to working with the charity to develop and shape services over the coming months.”   

Action for Children is partnering with The Dreadnought Centre, Silver Cloud and Exeter University to deliver the services for young people.   

Operational director for children’s services at Action for Children in the South West, Rob Wyatt, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering the new service on behalf of Cornwall Council after many years working closely together to deliver vital services to children and young people across the county. 

As we continue to work through this pandemic, we remain committed to the delivery of our high-quality support to families who need our help now more than ever.” 

 

A new project has been launched in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to provide both mental health support and practical advice on money, jobs and housing to the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Funded by Cornwall Council, it will see experts from Citizens Advice Cornwall and the Pentreath mental health charity join forces to provide an outreach service.

Named Mhend (Mental Health Employment Needs and Debt advice), it will initially run as a 12-month pilot set up to respond to people’s immediate needs.

The project is designed to reach those residents who are likely to have been most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

These include people on low incomes accessing high risk loans, private renters, BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) families, farming and fishing communities, and those with health conditions and disabilities.

Local surveys show that job insecurity and other concerns related to the pandemic have led to a probable two-fold increased risk of suffering from anxiety and depression (Source: Healthwatch 2020).

It is also thought that many people suffering with mental health issues - often for the first time in their lives - are not accessing the help and support they need.

The Mhend programme will see three teams of two advisors spread across Cornwall with support offered in several ways from face-to-face (when restrictions allow) or telephone consultations to video calls and web chats.

Dr Richard Sharpe, public health advanced practitioner at Cornwall Council specialising in mental health, said: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on people’s mental health as they are understandably worried about their finances, the health of their family and friends and job stability. As with many things, this has taken a particularly severe toll on those who are already struggling or vulnerable.

“The Mhend project aims to provide a single point of contact for anyone who finds themselves struggling with their mental health and who also needs good, clear advice about what their options are and the support that is available to them. The experts at Citizens Advice and Pentreath are in the perfect position to do that.

“As an example, individuals may be offered a plan for their debt management as well as supporting their mental health with wellbeing activities and signposting to services that can help them move forward in their recovery.” 

The 2020 Cornwall Council survey shows that a significant proportion of participants had experienced problems with their employment (including furlough, reduced hours and business closures) and changes to care and support services, and highlighted particularly vulnerable groups. 

For example, 10 per cent of BAME residents said they had been made redundant, exacerbating heightened anxieties associated with being at greater risk of catching Covid-19. 

The recent Cornwall Council Insights report highlighted a doubling in the number of people on Universal Credit, from 23,000 in January 2020 to 49,000 people in October 2020. 

Cllr Sally Hawken, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Wellbeing and Public Health, said: “There is evidence that the pandemic is having a significant impact on people’s mental wellbeing. This will have both a short and long-lasting effect on mental health.

“Having employment, as well as somewhere warm and safe to live, are some of the key pillars to protecting and maintaining good mental health. The Mhend project is a great way of combining mental health support with advice on the very issues that are likely to cause people to struggle with their mental wellbeing.”

Gill Pipkin, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Cornwall, said: "It's really important that everyone has access to good quality advice and information to help them overcome their challenges in life. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Pentreath on this project, which will help the most vulnerable members of the community at this most difficult time."

People can be referred to Mhend, or can also refer themselves by contacting Pentreath on 01726 862727 or by completing the referral form available on the Pentreath website.    

• More information on mental health support is available on our Coronavirus and Mental Health webpages.
• To talk to someone about your mental wellbeing you can call the 24/7 NHS mental health telephone support, advice and triage help line - 0800 038 5300.
• Silvercloud is a free online CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) programme for anyone aged over 16 years if age. It allows you to complete therapy in your own time and using programme tailored to your specific needs. 

Cornwall Council has called for better funding for Cornwall’s roads in order to put an end to the blight of potholes, after the latest figures show that highways crews repaired around 62 a day in 2020.   

Council investment will see an extra £20m spent on our roads by the end of this year – so far this funding has seen more than 500 roads resurfaced, improving safety and preventing an estimated 2,400 potholes from forming in the first place.     

With National Pothole Day (January 15 2021) putting the focus on the quality and safety of the country’s highway network, Cornwall Council hopes it will also highlight the need for better funding at national level. There is currently a £270m backlog in road maintenance and repairs on Cornwall’s 7,300km highway network.  

'More investment needed to prevent potholes in the first place'

Councillor Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “We all rely on our highway network and road maintenance is a topic that regularly features in our residents’ surveys.    

“Making the best use of our resources and targeting funding to where it is most needed has meant Cornwall’s main A and B roads continue to rank among the top 25% in the country.    

“But more investment is needed – particularly on minor roads in towns and on our rural network – to carry out work to prevent potholes forming in the first place.”  

Crews repair 249 potholes between Christmas and New Year

Heavy rainfall at the end of 2020 saw crews deal with more than 300 reports of potholes and flooding across Cornwall during the 11 days between Christmas Eve and January 3.   

Teams from Cormac responded swiftly to reports of damaged roads, repairing 249 potholes and damaged road surfaces, as well as clearing debris from gullies and drains to alleviate flooding which affected many main routes connecting communities.   

Report a highway defect and track the progress of the action we’re taking

Small drop in coronavirus cases recorded in Cornwall  Cornwall Live

This has been reported many times ARE YOU WAITING FOR A CYCLIST to be KILLED when he dismounts after his wheel falling into this hole and then gets hit by a car, isn’t it about time this was sorted
Nearest road to the pin placed on the map (automatically generated by Bing Maps): Nut Hill, Hayle
Report on FixMyStreet

Penzance is to benefit from a £10.4 million investment following a successful Cornwall Council bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund. 

The Council led bid, supported by local stakeholders, was successful due to the innovative mix of regeneration opportunities brought forward to tackle the challenges that face the town and its high street, even before the effects of the coronavirus lockdowns. 

The funding will help deliver plans to bring a wide range of transformational improvements to the town’s high street to benefit residents and businesses, including housing, workspace and the regeneration of vacant high-street properties.   

Plans will build on other investment including the Council’s commitment to build a new Creative Industries Hub in the heart of the town.   

Cornwall Council cabinet member for economy Tim Dwelly said: “We will continue to work together to make the most of this investment into Penzance to benefit residents and businesses.  This successful bid is the result of hard work and support from partners and stakeholders, the Penzance Place Shaping Board and Regeneration Group, businesses and community organisations.” 

“Penzance has a lot to offer residents and visitors but as with many towns, COVID has accelerated long term trends, such as online shopping, and this has contributed to a decline in the vitality of the high street.”  

“This funding gives us the opportunity for the community, businesses and organisations to come together to deliver on projects that will pave the way for a brighter future where business and community meet, jobs are created, and businesses grow.” 

Councillor Jim McKenna, Chair of the Penzance Future High Streets Panel, welcomed the news saying: 

“Subject to final confirmation, this funding is great news for Penzance and a reflection of the determination and commitment given by many people in our town to make it happen. Particular thanks to the Cornwall Council officers who have worked so hard on the application process, together with the BID and Chamber of Commerce and others. The fact that Penzance is the only town in Cornwall to receive Town Deal funding is evidence not only of the need we have to reinvigorate our high street 'post-Covid' but also the fact that our collective, collaborative approach has paid off.” 

Cornelius Olivier, Cornwall Councillor for Penzance Central said: “I am very pleased that our successful bid will be helping to meet housing need in the town.   I also strongly support the objective of diversifying the local economy in order to make us less reliant on seasonal visitors.”  

Tim added: “We will continue to work with all towns in Cornwall to explore other opportunities that will help them deliver their vision”.  

The Council will now work with partners, stakeholders and businesses in Penzance to accelerate projects supported by this funding. 

 

Story posted 14 January 2021

The future of four parks and a set of tennis courts is secured after the sites were devolved to the local town council.

Cornwall Council has transferred ownership of Cambridge Field, Chestnut Close play area, Borough Farm play area, Thanckes Park play area and the tennis courts in Thanckes Park to Torpoint Town Council. The move ensures that decisions regarding the future of these assets are led by the local community.

The town council will invest in upgrading these facilities as a local priority and is well placed to undertake the custodianship of the sites for residents.

Councillor Mrs Chris Goodman,Mayor of Torpoint, said: “For several years it has been an aspiration of the town council, on behalf of the community, to devolve the maintenance and upkeep of the four play parks and tennis courts from Cornwall Council, enabling the council to make improvements at all the locations. 

“It is expected that the aspirations for the parks and tennis courts will suit the residents’ needs for future generations. The town council is looking forward to working with established groups and other community members who may wish to be involved in developing the parks and tennis courts.”

Councillor Gary Davis, Cornwall Councillor for Torpoint East who also sits on the town council, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the transition has taken place. It has taken a lot of planning and it is good that both councils continue to work closely together to improve the outlook of the town.

“We have ambitious plans to manage and maintain the parks to a high standard as expected by our community, making them more appealing to a wider age range for them to be great spaces where our families can meet and play. Securing a Cornwall Council devolution capital grant as part of the transfer will allow improvements to commence immediately as we look forward to using them through the coming season.”

Like all local authorities throughout the UK, Cornwall Council has had some tough decisions to make when faced with cuts in funding from central Government.

Rather than close parks and public spaces, the Council has worked with town and parish councils and community groups throughout Cornwall to transfer ownership of much-loved facilities to local communities.

Councillor Adam Paynter, deputy leader at Cornwall Council, said: “We are delighted that Torpoint Town Council has agreed to take over these popular parks and sports facilities.

“Cornwall Council is committed to giving local communities more say over their local services. In other towns where facilities have already been transferred the local services are not only protected but have also been updated and improved.

“The transition of the parks and tennis courts to Torpoint Town Council will enable local residents to have more say over how these parks and tennis courts are managed and will help protect these much-loved community assets for generations to come.”

Story created on 14 January 2021

Covid-19 outbreak confirmed at The Beeches Nursing Home in Hayle  Cornwall Live