The Cornwall We Want

What are your hopes and fears for the future?

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  Safe and health environment

  by HeathG, over 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, over 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, over 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.

  
  
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  Less cars and planes, more peace and wildlife.

  by Easypacecleanair, over 6 years ago

  The peace, quiet, boon for wildlife and the community actions and bonding were more than just great consolation for the complications of lockdown, they showed us what we can do, don't need, really need, really miss and a little of what we probably have to do to survive and thrive as a species. Lockdown and concerns about the virus reinforced our sense of gratitude about where we live, have strengthened our resolve not to use a car for short journeys and to accept the restrictions , while enjoying the cultural immersions and chance to watch the places go by, that... Continue reading

  The peace, quiet, boon for wildlife and the community actions and bonding were more than just great consolation for the complications of lockdown, they showed us what we can do, don't need, really need, really miss and a little of what we probably have to do to survive and thrive as a species. Lockdown and concerns about the virus reinforced our sense of gratitude about where we live, have strengthened our resolve not to use a car for short journeys and to accept the restrictions , while enjoying the cultural immersions and chance to watch the places go by, that accompany only using surface public transport for occasional holidays.
  
  While we worked our veg patch in the first months of the lockdown people we barely knew from the far side of our parish stopped for a word over the hedge, some even said "Ah, so this is where you live" as they walked and cycled to the beach. Surfers carried their boards under their arms or on a bike rack and it was lovely to see families taking their time to enjoy the countryside on a lane normally too narrow for the volume of traffic that terminates at the often oversubscribed carpark. The peace was heavenly, within a month flocks of tree sparrows, dunnocks and gold finches had re-colonised the road sides of the hedges, reclaiming the lane as habitat until, just after the PM hinted at the first easing of lockdown restrictions, on a beautiful day with goodish surf, when the birds were again displaced by traffic and our walk to the village started to be interrupted by the need to press ourselves into the brambles and blackthorn for the ever present minority of impatient drivers. For a brief while we enjoyed what countless generations of our ancestors experienced everyday, a normality that existed for millenia.
  
  At the beach surfers expressed their enjoyment of cycling and walking for their exercise. One lad, who walked 1.5 miles each way, said that he liked the fact that the walk kind of committed him to going in even if, on arrival at the beach, he found conditions a bit disappointing. However many of those who cycled, e-bikes and otherwise, said that because the posts of the dog poo bin could only fit a few bikes locked on to it, they would be unlikely to continue cycling to the beach, once the concrete boulders blocking the carpark entrance were removed, for fear of theft by someone putting their bike(s) in the back of a van and driving off while they were surfing. Can the Council, National Trust etc. install bike stands, with a lock attachment/design, at beach (and other) carparks please?
  
  Everyone I know has loved the grounded aircraft. Devoid of rumbling jets the clear skies, unscarred by multitudes of mechanical linear vapour trails, have been so bright and here we have not missed the whining light aircraft that buzz like large lawn mowers, for probably three of every fifteen minutes all day long, over this AONB on good weather weekends.
  
  Now that local traffic is all but back to normal the intense difference of the first two thirds of lockdown have become marked although Cornwall is yet to be open for tourism when the difference will be much greater! Reading the other contributions on here it is clear that cars and tourism are a significant issue for many folk. Therefore these are issues that have to be managed differently in the future. Somehow we need to encourage tourists to leave their cars at home or at least at the place where they sleep once here. (Some folk from upcountry no longer holiday in Cornwall, preferring the peace, space and quiet carparks of West Wales and Scotland). Could the council sponsor or at least initiate the means for widespread, substantive e-bike and bike hire, accompanied by the possibilty of hiring surfboard racks and trailers for small children, beach equipment etc. ? Perhaps Cornwall could become famous for e-bike holidays....
  
  Can our public transport be re-imagined a little ? If we think of the A30 (and the A39 and A38) as main lines and the roads to the beaches towns and main "attractions" as branch lines could we introduce frequent buses up and down the mainlines that link with buses that branch off ? This system could be used a family staying in St Agnes to visit say the Eden project or by locals to get to town or one of the many college campuses.
  
  I have taken pleasure in the knowledge that a few youngsters, having found themselves with more time in lockdown, have got into vegetable gardening. In comparison with most of northern Europe and much of the UK we are blessed with an unusually long growing season / mild climate and thus well suited to small scale intensive market gardening for high quality produce. Such food production when done organically (or pretty much organically) is seen by many environmentally conscientious organisations, scientists and individuals as a necessary means of food production to reduce carbon emissions, restore depleted top soils, reduce pollutions, reverse declines in bio-diversity and increase resistance to crises (the resurgence in veg gardening across the UK this year has demonstrated that many ordinary folk are thinking about our ability to feed ourselves). Can the council link link with schools, colleges and land-owners to build on this? As the economic impact of the virus hits food costs and jobs while we still have to tackle global warming?
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  Leadership with courage and vision

  by CM, over 6 years ago

  Cornwall has the opportunity to be a pilot of sustainability - 8.5% of people in employment are part of circular economy industries, it is small enough to be studied and for things to be tested.

  But it needs leaders who have ideals, vision, intelligence and courage, who are willing to take hard decisions that thou not always popular may be necessary to lead us to the place where we need to be.

  No schizophrenic approaches such as some that have been seen - declaring a climate emergency while promoting airport development.

  So what I would like to see is courage... Continue reading

  Cornwall has the opportunity to be a pilot of sustainability - 8.5% of people in employment are part of circular economy industries, it is small enough to be studied and for things to be tested.

  But it needs leaders who have ideals, vision, intelligence and courage, who are willing to take hard decisions that thou not always popular may be necessary to lead us to the place where we need to be.

  No schizophrenic approaches such as some that have been seen - declaring a climate emergency while promoting airport development.

  So what I would like to see is courage in the leadership to lead us into a better future. No going back to normal please, let us move forward.

  How? Moving to sustainable industries (and away from the others) - invest in renewables, support community energy and co-housing projects - limit new homes by favouring renovations, limit second homes, subsidising energy efficiency improvements, requesting new builds to respect EE and natural habitats - protect the few old forests on top of planting new trees - implement recycling schemes that work - create cycling routes - invest in bus and trains including high speed train to Exeter Bristol and London and subsidise the costs so it is affordable to all - no funds/subsidies to air travel - education education education.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
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  What lies behind the "Green Mask"

  by JaneW, over 6 years ago

  As a Cornish woman unable to work during the lock up, I have been able to view the construction going on in the county and spend time thinking about what we are walking into with our eyes wide shut and indeed about the "new norms" - a phrase I hate with passion.

  I would like to know how local government are listening intently to "Climate" change groups while ignoring or denouncing those who are concerned about the destruction of the environment through the more silent forms of pollution. Why on earth do we need a space port in these environmentally... Continue reading

  As a Cornish woman unable to work during the lock up, I have been able to view the construction going on in the county and spend time thinking about what we are walking into with our eyes wide shut and indeed about the "new norms" - a phrase I hate with passion.

  I would like to know how local government are listening intently to "Climate" change groups while ignoring or denouncing those who are concerned about the destruction of the environment through the more silent forms of pollution. Why on earth do we need a space port in these environmentally sensitive times? Likewise, the harm from environmental pollutants such as EMFs from 2, 3, 4g etc masts, wi-fi and smart energy. We are expected to be fine and dandy with the frequencies used by telecoms which saturate nature and the environment with cell damaging, health-harming emissions. In fact there are over 24 thousand scientific studies showing harm to health, yet none from the council will glance at these studies - why not?

  Now that there has been far more usage of internet and wireless tech in our own homes, we find that we cannot do without the internet and in doing so we are feeding an addiction which studies say impacts on our mental and biological health. In doing so, we also fuel the massive carbon footprint of the so called "smart and green" digital industry. Are the council or climate change groups looking into those issues and the silent, pollutants used in green energy manufacturing such as Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), the most potent of the seven greenhouse gasses ? No? Well, why not?

  What can we do? Well encourage children, young people and adults to engage with nature and the environment, would vastly help. It's been proven that hyper and deregulated children benefit from the calming and well being effects of nature. We should be encouraging outdoor play for children (away from sources of emfs and masts) and encouraging young people to put down their gadgets, and connect with each other and with the land. It's all very well suggesting we need to cut down on pollution, but that includes the invisible EMF pollution in our homes and surrounding areas too. It means that we should not be putting up more phone masts and that we should slow down creating wi-fi hotspots else we risk having an unhealthy population that cannot connect with nature and care very little for it.
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  Looking after our county and its residents

  by Melanie, over 6 years ago

  Our beautiful county attracts huge numbers to its resorts and attractions; and normally that would be a boon for all of those involved in the tourist industry, I understand that our local economy is driven by visitors, but... we have so many elderly vulnerable residents in Cornwall, who are parents, grandparents and relatives to the wider community, many are scared to leave their homes and dreading the next few months. Already people are not giving space to others in shops, resulting in local residents feeling increasingly vulnerable. The co-morbidity of many of our residents puts them at a greater risk... Continue reading

  Our beautiful county attracts huge numbers to its resorts and attractions; and normally that would be a boon for all of those involved in the tourist industry, I understand that our local economy is driven by visitors, but... we have so many elderly vulnerable residents in Cornwall, who are parents, grandparents and relatives to the wider community, many are scared to leave their homes and dreading the next few months. Already people are not giving space to others in shops, resulting in local residents feeling increasingly vulnerable. The co-morbidity of many of our residents puts them at a greater risk of catching any infectious disease, let alone the Corona virus, we also suffer from a massive strain on GP's surgeries in the summer from temporary residents.

  So... whilst there is no perfect answer could we please try to encourage visitors to treat Cornwall, its environment and its residents with the respect they would accord to their own family and home.

  Please could all accommodation providers and agents give kind and gentle advice to those coming to stay with them.

  'Be Kind to our County and take your litter home' could be a short message?

  Or ' Welcome to our beautiful county, we hope you enjoy all it has to offer, please respect our residents whilst visiting the area and leave nothing but footprints on our wonderful beaches.'

  If there were laminated signs in all accommodation and guidance on every website then at least we would 'reach' some people and perhaps make them think about the effect their holiday has
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  Support services

  by Brianne, over 6 years ago

  As someone who has been categorised as highly vulnerable during the virus outbreak, I truely valued the efforts made by my carers to continue helping me. Public services like this should be valued and given the support that they need.

  There has been too much building work carried out encouraging more and more people from elsewhere choosing to make Cornwall their home. The first day the housing market reopened I saw a local estate agent report that he had sold 5 houses unseen. Four of which were to be second homes.

  
  

  Meanwhile our environment is getting destroyed beyond recognition and... Continue reading

  As someone who has been categorised as highly vulnerable during the virus outbreak, I truely valued the efforts made by my carers to continue helping me. Public services like this should be valued and given the support that they need.

  There has been too much building work carried out encouraging more and more people from elsewhere choosing to make Cornwall their home. The first day the housing market reopened I saw a local estate agent report that he had sold 5 houses unseen. Four of which were to be second homes.

  
  

  Meanwhile our environment is getting destroyed beyond recognition and the infrastructure just isn’t there. Locals can no longer afford local housing and are forced into paying high rents. Cornwall cannot continue like this.

  
  

  Second home and holiday firms buying up our properties needs to be looked into.. Think more about local needs, schools, GP’s, hospital etc. Cornwall is only a small place so don’t ruin it for future generations.
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  Economy & development

  over 6 years ago

  I’m not close to or very aware of actual measures taken already/routinely by Cornwall Council and other bodies to encourage investment & development of (sustainable) “industry” in Cornwall. BUT, there are three common threads from previous posts that just seem so pertinent for a more positive Cornish future.

  Firstly, keeping tourism within sustainable bounds. Leaving aside Covid-19, Cornwall hardly needs to advertise it’s attractions: seems to me Cornwall already has a national and international reputation that attracts quite sufficient visitors.

  Secondly, sustainable and valuable employment prospects for all, but for younger generations in particular. We live in a very different... Continue reading

  I’m not close to or very aware of actual measures taken already/routinely by Cornwall Council and other bodies to encourage investment & development of (sustainable) “industry” in Cornwall. BUT, there are three common threads from previous posts that just seem so pertinent for a more positive Cornish future.

  Firstly, keeping tourism within sustainable bounds. Leaving aside Covid-19, Cornwall hardly needs to advertise it’s attractions: seems to me Cornwall already has a national and international reputation that attracts quite sufficient visitors.

  Secondly, sustainable and valuable employment prospects for all, but for younger generations in particular. We live in a very different world to the days when mining, farming and fishing were the major employers. I have to ask whether our economic development planners and industry leaders are doing enough to attract and broaden a modern and sustainable commercial/ industrial base here.

  Thirdly, housing! We all know, without me going on too much, there are cons and pros to second homers and holiday lettings. Needs some more very careful consideration to ensure those Cornish folk who aspire to own their 1^st Cornish home are not unduly prevented from achieving their aspiration.

  So, to round off:

  Tourism is great, but let’s have a very deep think about what “sustainable tourism” means. As someone mentioned, we Cornish folk live here 365/6 days of the year and there has to be a balance – Cornwall is not Disney Land. Do we, as many have mentioned, really need any more tourism developments?

  Valuable all-year-round employment: traditional Cornish industries/skills do still need to be promoted (where still relevant) and there remains a wealth of skills embedded in the Cornish community to be exploited for economic development in the modern world. Someone mentioned maritime engineering and other such: yes. But there are all the new-fangled ways of making a living via the web with on-line services etc: if only those Cornish folk who have the nonce to do that could afford to live here !

  And so to housing: well, I believe we all know that, as many have already said, local (young) folk need some sort of leg-up in competition with those who can afford a 2^nd home or a buy-to-rent property (not all of whom will be out-of-county owners). ALSO, we need to ensure that Cornish communities are not unduly affected by a propensity of seasonally-empty holiday-let/2nd-homer properties. There needs to be some more targeted by-laws (or whatever) that enable Cornwall to manage Cornwall for the primary benefit of those who chose/need to live here all year round, in other words, the proper Cornish community (whether born and bred or the less-blessed who have come to live amongst us and do actually contribute to the Cornish community/economy day-in day-out).
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  A Cornwall where local people count

  over 6 years ago

  I feel that local people have been well and truly forgotten. All I read in the local media is about tourists and second homes. What about those of us who live and work here, from generations of others who have done the same? The council doesn't seem to want to listen to our concerns about what we actually see happening to the place where we live. It's being abused and that is plain for all to see. A reckless choice has been made to go down the path of massed tourism which is damaging in the extreme. I have no... Continue reading

  I feel that local people have been well and truly forgotten. All I read in the local media is about tourists and second homes. What about those of us who live and work here, from generations of others who have done the same? The council doesn't seem to want to listen to our concerns about what we actually see happening to the place where we live. It's being abused and that is plain for all to see. A reckless choice has been made to go down the path of massed tourism which is damaging in the extreme. I have no connections with tourism nor does anyone I know but we come second to its demands. All we are seen as is a source of regular income in the form of rising council taxes, fees for this, fees for that, business rates and so on. I and many others are also weary of reading about what the 'chief' of Cornwall tourism wants, a Malcolm Bell. Every other article in the press is about him and his clientele and yet who of us voted for him? Do our views count for anything any more? I live in an area which has been devastated by over tourism and second homes and am not alone in feeling a sense of anger at the disenfranchisement more and more feel. Our elected representatives never reply to what I and others have sent them and just ignore us.