The Cornwall We Want

What are your hopes and fears for the future?

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  inclusivity

  over 6 years ago

  Nicely put peterpotager.

  Nicely put peterpotager.
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  Incomer view from Porthemmet

  by Enterthehedgehog, over 6 years ago

  Until 2005 I lived in London and the south east, I was born in Kent. The solutions to a better Cornwall are political. Of course, it's too late now but I have to say I was gob smacked by the vote for Brexit as I think that the present Government pursued it solely as an ideology and a means to power and not with any intention of improving the lives of ordinary folk, least of all in places like Cornwall, the NE and the NW. I think the farmers and fishermen are going to be shafted big time, and the... Continue reading

  Until 2005 I lived in London and the south east, I was born in Kent. The solutions to a better Cornwall are political. Of course, it's too late now but I have to say I was gob smacked by the vote for Brexit as I think that the present Government pursued it solely as an ideology and a means to power and not with any intention of improving the lives of ordinary folk, least of all in places like Cornwall, the NE and the NW. I think the farmers and fishermen are going to be shafted big time, and the poorer amongst us will be forced into buying substandard cheap food. We cannot talk about what we would like to see post-Covid without taking into consideration the effect Brexit will have on Cornwall's economy. Talking about improving the communities and towns is all very well, but without massive investment into proper jobs, if you'll forgive the pun, rather than endless seasonal gig and zero hours contract work, we are just going to carry on being a tourists' playground with high levels of deprivation hidden away, with its resulting toll on mental and physical health. Our hospital needs enlarging and realistic funding. Universal Credit needs reforming. Zero hours contracts need to be banned, and better protections given to gig economy workers. The building of cheap-looking crappy homes like those opposite Camborne Tesco needs to stop. A surge in the number of people wanting to move here and work from home may well happen, and this will put even more pressure on rents and house prices, so we need much more decent social housing. We need another rail route into Cornwall and an improved bus service, or even 'dolmus' style public transport as in Turkey. All this needs Government investment, and therefore MPs and Councillors who will actually fight for what Cornwall needs instead of licking the boots of the most dishonest and incompetent government we have ever seen.
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  Tim’s walks

  by Tim141, over 6 years ago

  During the lockdown I decided to walk every day at least a minimum of 4 miles . This was because I had intended walking the Penine way in the Autumn before the joy of Corvid.The walks from Crescent road were taken for exercise and well being. The destinations varied but had to be ‘off the beaten track’ and/or at less popular times. The absence of traffic in the Penwethers lane area,the Newmills and Boscolla area,the Idless and Shorlanesend area , the Calenick and Playing Place,Porthkea area opened up the lanes for safe walking. Beautiful lanes full of wild flowers and... Continue reading

  During the lockdown I decided to walk every day at least a minimum of 4 miles . This was because I had intended walking the Penine way in the Autumn before the joy of Corvid.The walks from Crescent road were taken for exercise and well being. The destinations varied but had to be ‘off the beaten track’ and/or at less popular times. The absence of traffic in the Penwethers lane area,the Newmills and Boscolla area,the Idless and Shorlanesend area , the Calenick and Playing Place,Porthkea area opened up the lanes for safe walking. Beautiful lanes full of wild flowers and wildlife all adjacent to our city! So let us preserve that freedom please plus the joy of pollution free air! Currently all that is lost!
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  How about listening to us local people?

  by LocalChippy, over 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

  over 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, over 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, over 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, over 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, over 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, over 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.