The Cornwall We Want

What are your hopes and fears for the future?

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  How about listening to us local people?

  by LocalChippy, almost 6 years ago

  We pay high council taxes and high business rates too but the council and the government don't listen to us. Mind you, if you are a tourist, you are listened to big time. My business has been adversely affected by the delays created by the traffic queues and visitors parking in front of my workshops but no one seems to care. "We depend on tourism" is all we are told. My little firm doesn't. This appears day in day out in the papers who I am sure think that no one actually lives here. I have noticed during lock down... Continue reading

  We pay high council taxes and high business rates too but the council and the government don't listen to us. Mind you, if you are a tourist, you are listened to big time. My business has been adversely affected by the delays created by the traffic queues and visitors parking in front of my workshops but no one seems to care. "We depend on tourism" is all we are told. My little firm doesn't. This appears day in day out in the papers who I am sure think that no one actually lives here. I have noticed during lock down how everything has come back to life. The sea seemed bluer and so did the sky. More animals and birds around. Less traffic and better, clearer air. Sadly, that won't last. Far too many people are allowed in to Cornwall and it is ruining the place. No one seems to care about the ruination. I definitely think it is time for a tourist tax like on the Greek Islands and other holiday destinations. That could be used to improve things for those of us who live and work here. Maybe put it towards Cornwall's culture. I know this is nothing to do with the council, but the local news papers are also truly awful. Their website Cornwall Live is unreadable and full of rubbish. So in closing, think about us local people more.
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  Green New Deal

  almost 6 years ago

  I would echo much of what has already been said (reduce traffic, fewer second homes, diversify from our reliance on tourist industry, definitely facilitate/encourage safe cycling) but on top of that we need to make climate change the number one consideration in an decision-making.

  Let's think radically! Reduce traffic by making public transport convenient, frequent and free at point of use (paid by taxes - if public transport was an easy option, we wouldn't need our cars so would save us money bearing in mind most cars are stationary for 95% of the time). Encourage cycling (and walking) with safe... Continue reading

  I would echo much of what has already been said (reduce traffic, fewer second homes, diversify from our reliance on tourist industry, definitely facilitate/encourage safe cycling) but on top of that we need to make climate change the number one consideration in an decision-making.

  Let's think radically! Reduce traffic by making public transport convenient, frequent and free at point of use (paid by taxes - if public transport was an easy option, we wouldn't need our cars so would save us money bearing in mind most cars are stationary for 95% of the time). Encourage cycling (and walking) with safe cycle lanes - this would make us healthier and save NHS costs.

  Encourage localism - food production, shopping, energy - to make our towns more resilient in the face of an uncertain future.

  Invest! Stop the nonsense of millions of pounds spent on a 'spaceport' (ie expansion of Newquay Airport, a massive waste of taxpayers' money going into the pocket of billionaire Richard Branson to provide, at the last estimate, a total of 3 local jobs) and instead think of making Cornwall a leader in renewable energy, public transport, affordable carbon neutral housing and all the jobs this investment could provide.

  I applaud this consultation exercise - how great would it be to see it extended to a Citizen's Assembly for Cornwall?
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  Town Centres

  by Minicrank, almost 6 years ago

  I would like to see our town centres pedestrianised so that we can have places for coffee, street entertainment and small local market stalls. Perhaps we also need to think about creating park and rides on the edges of our towns, perhaps even with something like bicycle hire in the tourist season. I would also like to have bylaws introduced so that pubs in the town centre could not sell alcohol until 6pm but could still open to serve food and soft drinks. I think signage in town centres needs to be themed around the Cornwall flag colours so that... Continue reading

  I would like to see our town centres pedestrianised so that we can have places for coffee, street entertainment and small local market stalls. Perhaps we also need to think about creating park and rides on the edges of our towns, perhaps even with something like bicycle hire in the tourist season. I would also like to have bylaws introduced so that pubs in the town centre could not sell alcohol until 6pm but could still open to serve food and soft drinks. I think signage in town centres needs to be themed around the Cornwall flag colours so that we reclaim our regional identity. Where possible as town centre buildings change hands, I think facades should be brought back to the original buildings design to get rid of the "new bit" built onto the old which creates a mish mash of styles. I would also like to see some of the buildings brought back into local council ownership so that smaller craft shops could be created where local makers share space to sell their goods. These shops could charge rent based on profit and while this may not be commercially viable, the shortfall could be substituted by letting the flats above. This will encourage local start ups and allow us to promote a more sustainable shopping experience where the money stays in our local economy rather than going to pension funds.

  Other things that could be explored are the viability of producing our own electricity as a County; after all energy costs are one of the reasons people cite as making GB expensive to do business; and with new technologies perhaps we could substantially undercut these costs, and further promote ourselves as an innovator in green power.
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  High streets and housing

  by Spot_the_dog, almost 6 years ago

  I applaud Cornwall Council for listening, and sincerely hope they are allowed to act on the results for the benefit of Cornwall and the residents, and not be overruled by central government policy. Traditional retail was already struggling before the pandemic, and is now struggling more. Maybe we don't need "traditional" high streets any more? There is considerable concern across the county about house building on green space and the loss of habitat. This could be the time to rethink the high street and convert them into living communities with people living there, thus reducing the new build requirement in... Continue reading

  I applaud Cornwall Council for listening, and sincerely hope they are allowed to act on the results for the benefit of Cornwall and the residents, and not be overruled by central government policy. Traditional retail was already struggling before the pandemic, and is now struggling more. Maybe we don't need "traditional" high streets any more? There is considerable concern across the county about house building on green space and the loss of habitat. This could be the time to rethink the high street and convert them into living communities with people living there, thus reducing the new build requirement in the countryside.
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  inclusivity

  by peterpotager, almost 6 years ago

  This lockdown period has, for me, focused attention on how divided we have become as a society. It’s been very good to hear that people have felt a stronger sense of community during this pandemic but I fear that unless we take this opportunity to change we will drift swiftly back to a ‘normal’ that was clearly not working for everyone. The Cornwall that I would love to be a part of in the future would be a place that decides not just to thank those key workers for their incredibly selfless efforts during this difficult period, but to make... Continue reading

  This lockdown period has, for me, focused attention on how divided we have become as a society. It’s been very good to hear that people have felt a stronger sense of community during this pandemic but I fear that unless we take this opportunity to change we will drift swiftly back to a ‘normal’ that was clearly not working for everyone. The Cornwall that I would love to be a part of in the future would be a place that decides not just to thank those key workers for their incredibly selfless efforts during this difficult period, but to make a real change and give those people the status and wage that they deserve. This would obviously require sacrifices from the majority of us who have reaped the benefits from their efforts but would hopefully lead to a more equal and inclusive society in the future.

  Cornwall’s economy has become so heavily dependant on tourism that it’s extremely disheartening to see how the recent, disgraceful, images we have all witnessed of piles of rubbish on Britain’s beaches are evidence of how leisure and tourism is now perceived as an entitlement by those who can afford it with little regard or respect for those who are the guardians of such places. I hope that we will all want to continue to share the unrivalled beauty of Cornwall with our fellow human beings and always provide a warm welcome to everyone but this must come at a cost and my question is who should pay the price? and could we examine the possibilities of finding a better balance between tourism and local industry?

  In Cornwall in particular, an extremely archaic model of capitalism is apparent in the tourist industry whereby those who don't live here full time to generate the wealth and contribute to local provisions and services are encouraged to use our landscape as a playground and our people as their servants. The Cornwall 'brand' has made it, in part, an extremely exclusive destination for more wealthy people, many having their second home here. This is an outdated Victorian model that surely belongs in the past. Cornwall has become far too reliant on these people and we have all bought into the idea that we are beholden to them for the income they bring. These people may well employ a local gardener to cut their grass but that gardener could be employed by a care home worker who's too busy to cut their own lawn but is properly paid in order to employ them.

  I propose some sort of Tourism Tax, paid by visitors and second home owners, that would allow them to make a direct and greater contribution to local council services including a proper wage for those key workers that have proved how essential they are to our future.

  The isolation, it's unique natural resources, a relatively small population and the initiative of it’s people should allow Cornwall to take a far more radical and independent stance to it's own economy. I hope also, that it might engender a new cultural attitude towards tourism and leisure, for all of humanity, not merely as some sort of hedonistic right to pleasure but as a luxury and a privilege that many other people have to work extremely hard to provide.

  
  

  
  
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  Town Centres revived

  by karsid, almost 6 years ago

  town centres to be welcoming, pleasant, safe spaces where we can meet, greet, and treat ourselves and each other. Places that celebrate things that make us feel better, offer culture, street theatre, vibrant cafes. personal care and advice. Where you can get what you you cannot buy online. Strip away the do not signs, the ugly street furniture, the yellow lines and replace with flags and flowers and coloured paving and gentle ways to discourage vehicles. Encourage maintenance of shops and buildings, and if the provision of toilets is a drain on the council then reward businesses that offer that... Continue reading

  town centres to be welcoming, pleasant, safe spaces where we can meet, greet, and treat ourselves and each other. Places that celebrate things that make us feel better, offer culture, street theatre, vibrant cafes. personal care and advice. Where you can get what you you cannot buy online. Strip away the do not signs, the ugly street furniture, the yellow lines and replace with flags and flowers and coloured paving and gentle ways to discourage vehicles. Encourage maintenance of shops and buildings, and if the provision of toilets is a drain on the council then reward businesses that offer that facility a tax incentive. Provide parking areas for bikes. By all means protect and value our green spaces but town centres can renew us too.
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  Yes "The Cornwall we Want"

  by SpB, almost 6 years ago

  Well the Cornwall we want depends on who you ask. For Cornish people, most I would agree, are fed up with the continuing construction of apartments and houses, which are not for the benefit of the Cornish people. Therefore the Cornwall I want is:

  1. Before being able to buy a new property in Cornwall, you must reside full-time in Cornwall. The rise of second homes has pushed property prices to rediculous levels, such as in Mawgan Porth. Furthermore more people want to move to Cornwall and end up buying the new properties being built. All new builds must only... Continue reading

  Well the Cornwall we want depends on who you ask. For Cornish people, most I would agree, are fed up with the continuing construction of apartments and houses, which are not for the benefit of the Cornish people. Therefore the Cornwall I want is:

  1. Before being able to buy a new property in Cornwall, you must reside full-time in Cornwall. The rise of second homes has pushed property prices to rediculous levels, such as in Mawgan Porth. Furthermore more people want to move to Cornwall and end up buying the new properties being built. All new builds must only be built if there is local demand and are for local people (resident in Cornwall for a minimum of five years).

  2. Cornwall County Council to include local people more when there are requests for new developments. This is to ensure there is representation from the community at all planning stages. This is to ensure there is a formal discussion on whether there is a true demand.

  3. Current second home owners should contribute more to the Cornish economy and pay a higher council tax charge. Due to Covid-19 it became apparent on the number of second homes empty in Newquay.

  The county is being destroyed by the continuing development of accommodation which does not meet the needs of Cornish people but the needs of people wanting to buy a holiday home in Cornwall. This does not support the communities in Cornwall at all.

  
  
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  Safe and health environment

  by HeathG, almost 6 years ago

  I would like to raise my concerns over wireless technology and the increasing amount of scientific work in this field highlighting the dangers it presents to human health and our environment which will have a direct effect on Cornwall.

  Steve Double MP for St Austell and Newquay has confirmed that he is in favour of the development of the UK space sector following the treaty signed between the UK and the USA. I get the impression this is based upon the potential economic benefits this could bring to Cornwall, which I understand. However, despite the difficult circumstances we all face... Continue reading

  I would like to raise my concerns over wireless technology and the increasing amount of scientific work in this field highlighting the dangers it presents to human health and our environment which will have a direct effect on Cornwall.

  Steve Double MP for St Austell and Newquay has confirmed that he is in favour of the development of the UK space sector following the treaty signed between the UK and the USA. I get the impression this is based upon the potential economic benefits this could bring to Cornwall, which I understand. However, despite the difficult circumstances we all face, I believe there is a far bigger threat to us than Coronavirus or the economic, mental health and social hardship it is causing. This is the potential health and environmental impacts of the next generation of wireless technology and the rollout of 5G. I have taken advantage of lockdown to research this area in more detail and have been shocked by what I have discovered.

  The next generation of wireless technology is very different to the previous and current generations (1G, 2G, 3G and 4G). It will require the launch of an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 satellites to circle the planet; it will require additional antennae every 100m to boost the signal; it will use higher frequency technology; and it will encapsulate the entire world. This means that you, us, our children and everyone and every living thing on the planet will be subjected to Radiofrequency Radiation (RFR) and Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) 24/7 no matter where we are and irrespective of whether we are using a wireless-enabled device or not. So, when you are sleeping, when you are relaxing in the garden, or when you are out on a country walk, you will be subjected to RFR and EMFs at all times. There will be no escape, and no choice in the matter.

  So you would think that this has all been safety tested to the highest standards possible just as we expect with regards to the electrical goods we purchase, the furniture we buy, the cars we drive, etc. Unfortunately, that does not appear to be the case as the only safety measures in place are a set of guidelines produced by the ICNIRP which examine the thermal effects of wireless technology. These regulations are old and outdated (even though recently updated) as they do not cover any of the non-thermal effects that hundreds of studies have now proven to be caused by RFR and EMFs. https://www.icnirp.org/cms/upload/publications/ICNIRPrfgdl2020.pdf

  The telecoms industry has not been able to produce any independent research that supports their case that this technology is safe. Yet, despite this, they are receiving the support and backing of the UK Government to start launching the satellites required for 5G from the UK. Why is the UK Government not investing £40 million into research to make sure this technology is safe before it invests the same amount into the UK space sector?

  Some of the health effects that studies have linked to RFR and EMFs include increased childhood leukaemia, infertility, impaired embryo development, cancers, neurological damage and DNA damage that can be passed down from generation to generation. There are also studies on plants and wildlife all showing negative effects from RFR and EMFs. This can’t all be fake news - there are hundreds of scientists, researchers, academics and doctors from many countries around the globe now raising serious concerns. The Environmental Health Trust has collated a list of research showing 5G is not safe https://ehtrust.org/scientific-evidence-that-5g-and-4g-densification-is-not-safe/

  In addition, in places in the UK, US and around the world where 5G has been launched, increasing numbers of people are reporting terrifying changes to their health and wellbeing. These are real life situations that people are experiencing and that now make the science a reality for many. This should not be ignored. The symptoms include persistent headaches, anxiety, heart palpitations, nausea and tinnitus, amongst others. I doubt many of us would choose to live with these debilitating symptoms just for the sake of faster downloads, driver-less cars or a fridge that tells us we need more milk!

  In the 1950s, people were told smoking was actually good for you and it took years before the truth came out and now, no-one would question the damage smoking causes. A recent report ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139347 ) has provided scientific evidence that Electrohypersensitivity (EHS) should be included in the World Health Organisation’s list of recognised diseases so clearly, some people at least, are already suffering the effects of exposure to RFR and EMFs. In addition, we already have years of research, including a 10 year study, that have proven that RFR and EMFs are damaging to our health so why are we still pursuing this technology? It may bring short term financial benefit to the Cornish or UK economy but how much is it going to cost the NHS in the longer term, quite apart from the overall cost to society of generations of sick people unable to function effectively?

  I am not an activist or conspiracy theorist, just an ordinary, everyday person with genuine and justified concerns about this new technology and its impact on our future. This is serious enough for there to now be two legal campaigns trying to raise funds in the UK to challenge the UK government over the safety issues. I feel that, when experts at this level believe there is enough information to challenge the Government, then we need to start listening. This technology needs to have an open, honest unbiased review based on safety before it is launched. Links to their sites are here - www.crowdjustice.com/case/5g-judicial-review-2020 and https://actionagainst5g.org/ - and they provide a good insight into the issues.

  UK and local Government have a responsibility to ensure its citizens are protected and, as I understand it, when there is clear evidence of potential harm then the precautionary principle must be applied. I am totally supportive of new safe technology and proud that the UK often leads the world in scientific and technological development. The issue here is that the deployment of such a huge network of satellites and the rollout of 5G wireless technology is not being undertaken with the safety of the population in mind. When there are realistic alternatives that can deliver improvements without the same health concerns, why would anyone support a technology that is known to be harmful and where the industry simply cannot counter the safety concerns? Obviously, there are vested interests at stake, and it seems that these are being prioritised over the health and wellbeing of the entire population.

  While I recognise that a healthy regional economy is, of course, important for people’s health and wellbeing, I am genuinely terrified that, if 5G is rolled out fully, the economy will be the least of our worries. The ailments and symptoms reported by those around the world already living in 5G areas is real time proof that this technology is harmful.

  I want Cornwall Council to take a stand, undertake thorough research with independent experts, examine the research and demand that the roll out is suspended until it is proven beyond all reasonable doubt that the technology is safe. Around the world people are waking up and Cornwall should not allow our the residents or this beautiful county to be damaged in this way.
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  Support services and sustainability

  by ex londoner, almost 6 years ago

  I start by saying I am not Cornish having lived in London and the south east most of my life. During Lockdown the sense of community has really hit home. This is the way we should be always. Whilst the lack of traffic has been fabulous , realistically i can only see this invcreasing post lockdown as the influx of stay-cationers pour in. This will be great for all the biusnesses based on tourism but more sustanable modes of transport should be lobbied for, I am thinking TRAINS..... My big awakening was how dependant we are on foriegn trade, we... Continue reading

  I start by saying I am not Cornish having lived in London and the south east most of my life. During Lockdown the sense of community has really hit home. This is the way we should be always. Whilst the lack of traffic has been fabulous , realistically i can only see this invcreasing post lockdown as the influx of stay-cationers pour in. This will be great for all the biusnesses based on tourism but more sustanable modes of transport should be lobbied for, I am thinking TRAINS..... My big awakening was how dependant we are on foriegn trade, we are hardly a self sufficient country. We could do a lot to support and encourage our farming community, and for Councils to support local businesses so that Made in Cornwall starts to means something. Wew have shown what we can do when we all pull together, we should use that momentum to build a better Cornwall. More farmers, more manufacturing, more trains...
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  Less traffic on the roads

  by Tony in Truro, almost 6 years ago

  I feel, without doubt, that having far less cars on Cornwall’s roads would be an enormous benefit to life in general and may even go some way to saving the planet. It’s easy to say we should all cycle or walk to work or whatever. But how easy or safe is it to do these environmentally friendly things?

  There are not enough busses. The trains are too crowded and not always punctual. The cyclist is faced with a mishmash of bits and pieces of cycle lanes - some safe others not. Pavements are none existent in many areas.

  Now is... Continue reading

  I feel, without doubt, that having far less cars on Cornwall’s roads would be an enormous benefit to life in general and may even go some way to saving the planet. It’s easy to say we should all cycle or walk to work or whatever. But how easy or safe is it to do these environmentally friendly things?

  There are not enough busses. The trains are too crowded and not always punctual. The cyclist is faced with a mishmash of bits and pieces of cycle lanes - some safe others not. Pavements are none existent in many areas.

  Now is the time for serious planning by Cornwall Council in order to provide the necessary infrastructure to create a more meaningful and sustainable life for all.

  The Councils engineers and planners should stop putting the motorists first and really try to build a better environment for the future.