The Cornwall We Want

What are your hopes and fears for the future?

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  Power closer to the people of Cornwall

  by PeranT, almost 6 years ago

  The government is too far away to care about Cornwall and no matter the political party, the voices of our six MPs are lost. We need more accountable and democratic power right here in Cornwall and when we want to change something, we have a direct say.

  Yes, sadly the tourists are arriving and our lives will go on hold for many weeks. We weren't able to get out of our gateway today because cars were parked across it ignoring the signs and requests. Apart from the holiday homes, no one else here depends on this trade. Their voices seem... Continue reading

  The government is too far away to care about Cornwall and no matter the political party, the voices of our six MPs are lost. We need more accountable and democratic power right here in Cornwall and when we want to change something, we have a direct say.

  Yes, sadly the tourists are arriving and our lives will go on hold for many weeks. We weren't able to get out of our gateway today because cars were parked across it ignoring the signs and requests. Apart from the holiday homes, no one else here depends on this trade. Their voices seem to count more than ours and that's something else which needs changing. So, as with every other year, we stay in because although tourism is not as big a money spinner as the more traditional industries, the young entrepreneurs and so on, there is much evidence of vested interest which will place it above anything we ever say. Sometimes, I wonder why we bother paying our council tax but there, we are very much 'low hanging fruit' as they put it - here for the plunder.
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  Needing to be more neighbourly

  almost 6 years ago

  Much has been said about the many people who, when all this started offered to be a voluntary carer in some way. But why? If we all cared in the first place then there should be little extra to do except organise. There are some great examples of communities setting up care cover for their various neighbours. Fantastic. But again, why were we not at that level of caring in the first place ? How come so many folk living in hamlet, villages and towns feel so isolated and lonely. Even when they have people living next door to them... Continue reading

  Much has been said about the many people who, when all this started offered to be a voluntary carer in some way. But why? If we all cared in the first place then there should be little extra to do except organise. There are some great examples of communities setting up care cover for their various neighbours. Fantastic. But again, why were we not at that level of caring in the first place ? How come so many folk living in hamlet, villages and towns feel so isolated and lonely. Even when they have people living next door to them.? Canna get my head around just when this society of ours started to not care so much? With a few exceptions.
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  Time to reset

  almost 6 years ago

  We know that the climate crisis threatens us all - not just short term like the Covid19 pandemic, but for ever, everywhere, with no vaccine. During lockdown I've loved the quiet and the clean air, being able to walk without the fumes and the dangers of cars; I've loved seeing families out walking daily together; hearing how many people have learned that we don't have to acquire stuff to be happy, and that keeping up with the Jones's is a mug's game.

  
  

  I'd like to see Cornwall become a beacon for a different way of living; after all, that's pretty... Continue reading

  We know that the climate crisis threatens us all - not just short term like the Covid19 pandemic, but for ever, everywhere, with no vaccine. During lockdown I've loved the quiet and the clean air, being able to walk without the fumes and the dangers of cars; I've loved seeing families out walking daily together; hearing how many people have learned that we don't have to acquire stuff to be happy, and that keeping up with the Jones's is a mug's game.

  
  

  I'd like to see Cornwall become a beacon for a different way of living; after all, that's pretty much why so many of us came to Cornwall in the first place, unless we were born here. Let's focus on become increasingly self-sustaining, with communities using less energy by doing more locally; growing more food locally - and not wasting it; having a public transport network that makes owning a car less necessary; making our buildings more energy efficient, and not building more unless they comply with strict guidelines. I know that the government is now talking about reducing planning restrictions but that's the last thing we need!
• Share The narrative has to change. on Facebook Share The narrative has to change. on Twitter Share The narrative has to change. on Linkedin Email The narrative has to change. link

  The narrative has to change.

  by mickey, almost 6 years ago

  We need to change the narrative around Cornwall. The belief seems to be, both within Cornwall, and outside, that Cornwall would be a basket case without tourism, that there is nothing here without tourism, and that we should be grateful for the money that tourists, and second home owners apparently bring to the county.

  The reality is that for the roughly 20% of jobs in the tourist industry that may be true, but the other 80% seem to be largely forgotten and the potential opportunities for young people either forgotten or stifled by the impacts of tourism - high housing... Continue reading

  We need to change the narrative around Cornwall. The belief seems to be, both within Cornwall, and outside, that Cornwall would be a basket case without tourism, that there is nothing here without tourism, and that we should be grateful for the money that tourists, and second home owners apparently bring to the county.

  The reality is that for the roughly 20% of jobs in the tourist industry that may be true, but the other 80% seem to be largely forgotten and the potential opportunities for young people either forgotten or stifled by the impacts of tourism - high housing costs, lack of awareness of what goes on in Cornwall and so on. For example, I'm a software developer with clients all over the world. Among my friends and acquaintances I count just one person that relies on tourism; the rest are engineers, pharmaceutical devices experts, software people, environment specialists, boat designers/builders and so on. Those industries that could sustain a more balanced Cornish economy through apprenticeship schemes for example are starved of potential because of the way young people feel compelled to leave Cornwall if they are to have a future involving more than a minimum wage seasonal job.

  Cornwall has been turned into a brand, a theme park even, by the minority of businesses, and second home owners who stand to benefit financially. None of these tourism-based businesses count among the top 30 of businesses in Cornwall, yet they dominate the narrative, and that imposes a terrific burden on the residents of Cornwall - both in terms of providing, through tax, services that many second home owners and businesses for example do not contribute a fair share yet are happy to burden immensely, as well as the mental health of the other 80% of the workforce, and residents, that have to suffer the impact of all this.

  Cornwall continues to be carved up and mined for the extraction of wealth, it's not sustainable for our communities, our residents, or our long term economic health and 'economic robustness'. I for on am seriously considering leaving; I no longer recognise the Cornwall I grew up with, and I'm not alone. Cornwall cannot afford to lose the skill base that could ensure a better future for everyone, but it will if the current paradigm does not change.
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  A cornwall for my children

  by Annem, almost 6 years ago

  Lockdown for us has seen all my kids being homeschooled which has been very challenging especially not having a working computer everything was online and impossible to do via mobile phones, has since been addressed and iPads have been given to the kids via the school to help the children learn at home.
  My partner has been working 70+hrs a week as a Covid security guard helping the many homesless from our streets and those dumped down here from upcountry during lockdown which I think could of been handled a lot better many of these have now been moved on... Continue reading

  Lockdown for us has seen all my kids being homeschooled which has been very challenging especially not having a working computer everything was online and impossible to do via mobile phones, has since been addressed and iPads have been given to the kids via the school to help the children learn at home.
  My partner has been working 70+hrs a week as a Covid security guard helping the many homesless from our streets and those dumped down here from upcountry during lockdown which I think could of been handled a lot better many of these have now been moved on from the holiday parks they were staying at to make room for holiday makers, I also think the holiday companies that have charged 900 a week for housing them should be ashamed of themselves. I hope they are not thrown back onto the streets in the next coming months.

  The main things I’d like to see our changes to traffic levels in towns etc I loved not having busy roads, seeing the wildlife back in the garden and having cleaner air.

  I’d also like to see the second homes and the thousands of holiday homes reduced these could easily provide housing all year round to family’s that live locally I think anyone buying a house in cornwall should have ties or lived here and worked here for at least 5 yrs and live here permanently. Any holiday homes should pay double the council tax as they charge ludicrous charges per week and should be taxed for the profits they make.

  Theres such a demand for larger houses 4-5 bedroom homes that local families could live in atm they have to cram into 3bed houses while these houses are empty. The village community needs to come back I’ve seen it in the last couple of months and I want this to stay I had this growing up everyone helping each other out not for payment just because they can help.
  
  

  I’d also like to see more of the hedgerows and verges turned into flower meadows they look beautiful encourage wildlife and would save the council thousands not having to cut them ie roundabouts, verges.

  Would also be a great idea to be free from england like wales and Scotland so we can decide when to come off lockdown etc

  Maybe even add toll roads coming into cornwall for people who don’t live here and relax it for business that have to commute between counties for work.

  Help the locals afford to buy there own homes many can’t save enough to have 5,10% mortgages we would love to afford to buy a house as the rent we pay is more than what mortgage payments would be, so maybe this could be looked at.
  
  

  It would also be nice to see cornwall folklaw and language taught in schools as this is dying out from our villages.
  
  

  I’d like there to be money sent to helping youth clubs, Scots beavers girl guide clubs, to keep children from getting bored and into trouble.

  Money needs also needs to go to help those with complex mental health issues and drug dependence.

  I also echo what others have said keep cornwall special, keep its history in tacked, and our future generations in their communities ,
• Share More balance needed on Facebook Share More balance needed on Twitter Share More balance needed on Linkedin Email More balance needed link

  More balance needed

  by Sue Truro, almost 6 years ago

  I feel it is a terrible shame that Cornwall has gone so far down the road of reliance on tourism that it now has to put its own people at risk to be able to earn a living. Cornwall is a very beautiful place, we are all lucky to live here all year round, and we should be able to share it with others in moderation, without basically prostituting the county.

  We already had our own form of annual lockdown for six weeks of the year, where our roads were gridlocked and our towns and beaches, depending on the weather... Continue reading

  I feel it is a terrible shame that Cornwall has gone so far down the road of reliance on tourism that it now has to put its own people at risk to be able to earn a living. Cornwall is a very beautiful place, we are all lucky to live here all year round, and we should be able to share it with others in moderation, without basically prostituting the county.

  We already had our own form of annual lockdown for six weeks of the year, where our roads were gridlocked and our towns and beaches, depending on the weather, packed so we could not use them. This year this annual lockdown will probably last until the national one gets reinstated in the autumn.

  It must be possible to increase the number of jobs in environmentally friendly industries, in on-line working, and improving the infrastructure in Cornwall. Ideally, it would be possible for local fishermen, meat producers and growers of vegetables etc. to sell them here in the county, rather than transport them elsewhere, so we have a degree of self sufficiency, and help the environment.

  Please, please Cornwall Council, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, and anyone else who has the power to change things, do what you can to help your people earn their livings in alternative ways, which will help the environment and improve the lives of our residents.

  I agree that our Members of Parliament are not doing enough to change things for the better. I agree that Cornwall should receive additional funding for our health and policing services, to take account of the influx of tourists every year. I agree that we desperately need a lot more genuinely affordable housing. These are all things our MPs could be working on. We are every bit as much in need of levelling up as the Northern counties.

  I am very much in favour of the proposed redevelopment above Pydar Street in Truro, and the current pedestrianisation of Cornish towns, which I think should be made permanent. Please, please put local people first and help them find another way.
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  A Cornwall is needed for its residents

  by Roger, almost 6 years ago

  A dramatic improvement of the environment is needed and in living conditions and quality of life for us.

  This can be achieved by:

  *a reduction in the dependence on tourism which is causing environmental damage and pollution as well as a massive inconvenience to us all in our daily lives

  *careful regulation of second holiday homes which are devastating our communities

  *better planning which seems out of control in Cornwall with a free for all in building everywhere and with some fairly horrible estates and houses being thrown up wherever developers can get away with it, which is mostly anywhere

  A dramatic improvement of the environment is needed and in living conditions and quality of life for us.

  This can be achieved by:

  *a reduction in the dependence on tourism which is causing environmental damage and pollution as well as a massive inconvenience to us all in our daily lives

  *careful regulation of second holiday homes which are devastating our communities

  *better planning which seems out of control in Cornwall with a free for all in building everywhere and with some fairly horrible estates and houses being thrown up wherever developers can get away with it, which is mostly anywhere
• Share Small properties suitable as permanent homes on Facebook Share Small properties suitable as permanent homes on Twitter Share Small properties suitable as permanent homes on Linkedin Email Small properties suitable as permanent homes link

  Small properties suitable as permanent homes

  almost 6 years ago

  We complain about all the tourists and all the second homes, but we only have ourselves to blame.

  We are constantly turning houses and flats into holiday homes rather than allowing them to come onto the market as permanent dwellings. We urgently need to increase the stock of smaller characterful housing that is suitable for households of one or two people to live in on a permanent basis. That means living and storage space rather than lots of bedrooms and ensuites.

  Please oblige council and home owners!

  We complain about all the tourists and all the second homes, but we only have ourselves to blame.

  We are constantly turning houses and flats into holiday homes rather than allowing them to come onto the market as permanent dwellings. We urgently need to increase the stock of smaller characterful housing that is suitable for households of one or two people to live in on a permanent basis. That means living and storage space rather than lots of bedrooms and ensuites.

  Please oblige council and home owners!
• Share Protect our county, beaches & water. on Facebook Share Protect our county, beaches & water. on Twitter Share Protect our county, beaches & water. on Linkedin Email Protect our county, beaches & water. link

  Protect our county, beaches & water.

  by J_J_G, almost 6 years ago

  I am so pleased to read many extracts of other Cornwall residents, which echo my own priorities, hopes & wishes for our future. For too long I have felt negative changes were out of our hands and no one was listening. Not only do I feel Cornwall's MPS do not represent the needs of Cornish communities, I simply feel they do not care. I believe our healthcare suffers immensely and any positive resources, including talent from younger generations, are lost because there is no incentive for them to stay. I feel housing and the environment become exploited at the hands... Continue reading

  I am so pleased to read many extracts of other Cornwall residents, which echo my own priorities, hopes & wishes for our future. For too long I have felt negative changes were out of our hands and no one was listening. Not only do I feel Cornwall's MPS do not represent the needs of Cornish communities, I simply feel they do not care. I believe our healthcare suffers immensely and any positive resources, including talent from younger generations, are lost because there is no incentive for them to stay. I feel housing and the environment become exploited at the hands of commercialism and pollution is ravaging the county. The M5 this morning is already gridlocked with people travelling SW bound. It is time to act. Cornwall is fast becoming a pastiche, commercialised and exploited.

  I went to a talk at the Uni, by Rob Hopkins, a fantastic speaker who has a vast amount of experience regarding creativity and planning, things don't have to be complicated, to improve but they do need the commitment of local authority teams, like Cornwall Council as well as transition groups and Extinction rebellion, who have represented Cornish concerns in the major cities, as well as at home. Why do some people wait for over 15years for an allotment, when our curb-sides are being sprayed with pesticides? A whole new attitude to green space needs to be addressed. Too often Cornwall chooses the 'easy', short-term options which are harmful. Tourism is not sustainable and yet, we have a huge array of talent and community willingness to support what is already here. Make it easier for Cornish people to live here. Stop the traffic and harmful excessive footfall by nourishing the communities that are here and struggling; housing needs to be sustainable and truly affordable, built by us, not commercial lego housing which frankly is ugly, unaffordable and defiantly not a 'secret', which is pro-ported to be on boards advertising to out-of-county or above average, local wage buyers.

  Stop the swathe of building sweeping across our seafronts; make them walkable, Mediterranean and open opportunities for new business start-ups for younger people to gain experience. Make EVERY town plastic free, not just penzance. Ask all supermarkets to commit to selling local produce and ban plastic bags. Events must all adhere to no plastic and commitment to keep our beaches and seas clean. I would also like to see boat and marine environments better protected and less human and commercial waste in our sea; less motorised vehicles approaching beach-side, eel and kelp beds protected. Every motor and sail (including docklands) need to be part of the commitment, not an exception to clean seas.

  Lockdown peace has been incredible. I had forgotten how lovely Cornwall can be when it is silent and the stars come out. For too long, the housing situation for renters has beeunstable, buying houses impossible and we have been left washed out and awaiting the horror that will be Brexit. I was in Truro college, working as a practitioner on the day of the vote and every college attendee was broken hearted about not having a say; they knew the college had been given huge funding from the EU and they also discussed what it would mean for them in terms of future struggle. Tourism leaches our resources, it doesn't embed industry and allow youth to stay here. It is time to change and protect our communities for the long-term. Cornwall could be a National champion area leading the way but it requires the backbone of our local authority and commitment from transparent, committed MPs to stand up to Westminster and demand change on behalf of us, not inspite of us. Environment minister and local MP from Helston voted for the continued destruction of woodland and HS2 development. This is exactly the kind of priority that needs to be replaced for the good of our county and everyone in it.

  
  
• Share Let’s be more welcoming on Facebook Share Let’s be more welcoming on Twitter Share Let’s be more welcoming on Linkedin Email Let’s be more welcoming link

  Let’s be more welcoming

  almost 6 years ago

  Too many posts and messages on local and Cornwall wide social media were negative or just nasty. There were posts targeting those from other countries; posts criticising the cars visitors drive, or the fact they create queues in local shops or, conversely they don’t shop locally; suggestions that anyone without the right postcode should be denied medical treatment; some wanted to put posters on all holiday and second homes telling occupants to go home. Nearby a car was vandalised whilst parked legally on the roadside

  Regular visitors will have read those posts and not only feel they aren’t welcome now... Continue reading

  Too many posts and messages on local and Cornwall wide social media were negative or just nasty. There were posts targeting those from other countries; posts criticising the cars visitors drive, or the fact they create queues in local shops or, conversely they don’t shop locally; suggestions that anyone without the right postcode should be denied medical treatment; some wanted to put posters on all holiday and second homes telling occupants to go home. Nearby a car was vandalised whilst parked legally on the roadside

  Regular visitors will have read those posts and not only feel they aren’t welcome now but that they never were. I’d urge people to reflect on the long term impact on jobs of reduced tourism and to delete any of their posts which might discourage people who have supported our community for many years. Already friends have decided to go elsewhere this year. If we lose our regulars shops, hotels, cafes, restaurants and other businesses won’t survive.

  I’d like people to understand that second home owners and owners of holiday homes have paid the prices set by those who sold the houses in the first place. It’s always been possible to sell your family home to a local person at a price they could afford but how many people are willing to do that?

  Too many local people think high house prices, low paid jobs and high levels of tourism only affect Cornwall but people across the country have similar concern. Let’s learn from each other, not try to divide and conquer that means nobody wins