The Cornwall We Want

What are your hopes and fears for the future?

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  Cycling in North Cornwall during lockdown

  by AlanB, over 6 years ago

  I'm an enthusiastic cyclist. Cycling during lockdown was great. The reduced traffic levels meant that I could take my exercise on virtually traffic free roads. It was a really good experience and one that I think would encourage more people to get out on their bikes. Traffic levels have now (27 June 2020) returned to almost pre-lockdown levels.

  I have spoken to people who own bikes but who don't ride them on the road because they are fearful of sharing the space with motor vehicles, especially on the narrow lanes that characterise the Cornish countryside. My experience is that most... Continue reading

  I'm an enthusiastic cyclist. Cycling during lockdown was great. The reduced traffic levels meant that I could take my exercise on virtually traffic free roads. It was a really good experience and one that I think would encourage more people to get out on their bikes. Traffic levels have now (27 June 2020) returned to almost pre-lockdown levels.

  I have spoken to people who own bikes but who don't ride them on the road because they are fearful of sharing the space with motor vehicles, especially on the narrow lanes that characterise the Cornish countryside. My experience is that most drivers are respectful of cyclists and only a small minority are careless in their attitude to vulnerable road users. Less traffic and a bit of organisation and publicity would, I think, go a long was to increasing the number of cyclists on our roads.

  The standard of repair of our roads, though, is something that I'd like to mention. I live in Launceston and here even the main roads have areas of heavy wear, potholes and poor surfaces. Resurfacing of the A388 in the Newport area has improved one of the worst stretches, but other areas of poor surface exist in the town. Some of the lanes in the area of North Cornwall that I cycle in are in very poor condition with potholes, loose gravel, eroded verges, vegetation growing in the centre strip, and excessive wear. All this means that riding a road bike (fast, dropped bars, thin high pressure tyres) is virtually impossible on all but major roads.

  Finally, thanks for the opportunity to comment. I'm a recent incomer to Cornwall and I love it here.
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  It has been much better in Cornwall.

  by Ariette, over 6 years ago

  How lovely it has been taking walks in the countryside and on the coast while the lockdown has been in place. Until recently it has been noticeably cleaner where litter is concerned and the air much better for me being asthmatic. It reminded me of how things were in my childhood when people were more respectful of our environment (leaving litter anywhere would not have entered anyones' mind!) and visitors were far fewer, coming only in the school summer holidays.

  The notion that we must have the thousands of visitors for our economy is just not true, a vast amount... Continue reading

  How lovely it has been taking walks in the countryside and on the coast while the lockdown has been in place. Until recently it has been noticeably cleaner where litter is concerned and the air much better for me being asthmatic. It reminded me of how things were in my childhood when people were more respectful of our environment (leaving litter anywhere would not have entered anyones' mind!) and visitors were far fewer, coming only in the school summer holidays.

  The notion that we must have the thousands of visitors for our economy is just not true, a vast amount of holiday business is owned by large companies not by locals. There has been less and less respect for our beautiful coastline in recent years and people (locals and visitors alike I think) have no regard for the fact that rescues from sea and cliffs etc costs thousands of pounds. Funded by charity.

  I think there should be money spent on street and beach wardens to fine people for littering, it has been a real blight on our landscape and fines should be in the thousands of pounds. It is time to take control of society's irresponsibility , it is obvious that there are a great number of people who seem to think that everything is someone else's problem, whenever did that become the case!!

  I also think that we cannot go back to the 'binge drinking' culture in our small towns, where people expect our paramedics, police and hospitals to take responsibility for them, whenever did that behaviour become considered socially acceptable! Bars, nightclubs and pubs need to take more responsibility for their actions, I have been a publican and believe it is still illegal to serve someone who is drunk? (Correct me if this is not so anymore, ).

  Our Council also needs to look at car park charges, which have become ridiculous. We no longer stop in some of the coastal towns for lunch/coffee when visiting for another reason because of the charges. How many others also do that? It seems to have been forgotten that the vast majority of locals are on very low wages. If we want our towns to thrive people should be encouraged to stop in the towns to spend money in the small shops.

  Perhaps, as in some other countries, part of our council taxes could be kept from each community to be spent on whatever the people of that area deem important? It seems to work in other countries and as long as a small minority of the council were not allowed to override the majority decision it could be positive.

  This is surely a time to change the downward spiral of our lovely county and make sure it stays as beautiful and precious as it is.

  
  
• Share A bit off piste, but ... on Facebook Share A bit off piste, but ... on X (formerly Twitter) Share A bit off piste, but ... on Linkedin Email A bit off piste, but ... link

  A bit off piste, but ...

  over 6 years ago

  ... I wish to congratulate the graphics artist who conjured up the pictorial header/banner for The Cornwall We Want. It's so good!

  Of course, (sort of on topic) I'm hoping the commissioned artist is Cornish and studied here and is now able to live and work in Cornwall !!

  ... I wish to congratulate the graphics artist who conjured up the pictorial header/banner for The Cornwall We Want. It's so good!

  Of course, (sort of on topic) I'm hoping the commissioned artist is Cornish and studied here and is now able to live and work in Cornwall !!
• Share Less traffic and less indiscriminate building on Facebook Share Less traffic and less indiscriminate building on X (formerly Twitter) Share Less traffic and less indiscriminate building on Linkedin Email Less traffic and less indiscriminate building link

  Less traffic and less indiscriminate building

  by lifebyamainroad, over 6 years ago

  Living on a main road, the A394, one of the joys of lockdown was the reduction in traffic. For the first couple of weeks it was eerily quiet. The lack of fumes was noticeable and being able to enjoy our garden In peace and hear the birdsong was a delight. Of course the traffic has returned to something approaching normal and there has been some dreadful speeding as motorists took full advantage of the emptier road. I have in the past cycled on this road and it is not a pleasant experience. There are no proper cycle lanes. Surely having... Continue reading

  Living on a main road, the A394, one of the joys of lockdown was the reduction in traffic. For the first couple of weeks it was eerily quiet. The lack of fumes was noticeable and being able to enjoy our garden In peace and hear the birdsong was a delight. Of course the traffic has returned to something approaching normal and there has been some dreadful speeding as motorists took full advantage of the emptier road. I have in the past cycled on this road and it is not a pleasant experience. There are no proper cycle lanes. Surely having cycle paths linking our major towns would encourage people to cycle to work especially now that electric bikes can help with the hills.

  The flowers on our hedges and verges have been spectacular this year. Well done to the Council for delaying trimming - a win/win situation that allows the plants to flower and seed and saves the Council money, something they are likely to be desperately short of for a considerable time. Some people do trim verges by their homes and while some have regard to the plants there others do not. The only trimming needed is where driver visibility is obstructed and a narrow strip for walking on. Can over-zealous trimming by individuals be stopped?

  As more and more homes are built the traffic will only get worse. We need to pause, rethink and build only what is necessary, to a better standard, only what our infrastructure can cope with and not for sale as second homes. No big estates on greenfield sites but brownfield sites to be used up and small scale additions to villages which allow growth in a natural and sustainable way.
• Share How much is too much? on Facebook Share How much is too much? on X (formerly Twitter) Share How much is too much? on Linkedin Email How much is too much? link

  How much is too much?

  over 6 years ago

  I really liked your piece sunshine99.

  I really liked your piece sunshine99.
• Share Tourism important but not the only industry in Cornwall on Facebook Share Tourism important but not the only industry in Cornwall on X (formerly Twitter) Share Tourism important but not the only industry in Cornwall on Linkedin Email Tourism important but not the only industry in Cornwall link

  Tourism important but not the only industry in Cornwall

  over 6 years ago

  I have thought for a while that although tourism is important to the economy of the County it shouldn't be the only industry that gets any support.

  We have a long history of Engineering and still have some cutting edge engineering companies as well as some traditional but highly skilled ones, these companies bring in money from out of the county and pay far in excess of the minimum wage that is often the norm for many employed in tourism related jobs.

  We need a wide mix of industries that employ people year round in well paid jobs that allow... Continue reading

  I have thought for a while that although tourism is important to the economy of the County it shouldn't be the only industry that gets any support.

  We have a long history of Engineering and still have some cutting edge engineering companies as well as some traditional but highly skilled ones, these companies bring in money from out of the county and pay far in excess of the minimum wage that is often the norm for many employed in tourism related jobs.

  We need a wide mix of industries that employ people year round in well paid jobs that allow them to thrive in our county rather than just survive.

  Another point is the ever growing number of second homes, this drives up the cost of housing and makes many villages ghost towns in the winter, if this continues we will have no residents left to provide year round basic servives.
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  Cornwall that’s kind

  by Celia, over 6 years ago

  Cornwall is small, wild and beautiful, the future of Cornwall needs to have protected rivers, coasts and sea And legislation to enforce sustainable fishing, farming and tourism, the idea that Cornwall can have a huge influx of tourists Every year is not viable, we need visitors for our economy, and enjoy having them visit.

  So what can be done....first /protection. second / positive information, to Anyone coming to Cornwall or who lives here what is expected when you visit Cornwall. Third/ on the spot fines for litter, bad parking, abusive behaviour etc. Forth / diversity, new and exciting ways for... Continue reading

  Cornwall is small, wild and beautiful, the future of Cornwall needs to have protected rivers, coasts and sea And legislation to enforce sustainable fishing, farming and tourism, the idea that Cornwall can have a huge influx of tourists Every year is not viable, we need visitors for our economy, and enjoy having them visit.

  So what can be done....first /protection. second / positive information, to Anyone coming to Cornwall or who lives here what is expected when you visit Cornwall. Third/ on the spot fines for litter, bad parking, abusive behaviour etc. Forth / diversity, new and exciting ways for those who live here to earn a proper wage. A Cornwall to care for its residents, business and nature.
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  improve active travel

  by b_fal, over 6 years ago

  The huge number of people cycling (and walking) on quiet roads during lockdown has shown how great Cornwall could be if we built the infrastructure the allow people to safely travel by bike or on foot. Its not the hills or the weather that puts people off, it is the feeling of vulnerability in amongst motor traffic. As lockdown has eased we have found roads we could easily cross or walk along now feel unsafe to use with our children. It would be great to keep this surge of people travelling actively post-COVID, and it will benefit all, not just... Continue reading

  The huge number of people cycling (and walking) on quiet roads during lockdown has shown how great Cornwall could be if we built the infrastructure the allow people to safely travel by bike or on foot. Its not the hills or the weather that puts people off, it is the feeling of vulnerability in amongst motor traffic. As lockdown has eased we have found roads we could easily cross or walk along now feel unsafe to use with our children. It would be great to keep this surge of people travelling actively post-COVID, and it will benefit all, not just those who choose to travel by bike or on foot, as it will reduce congestion, improve the environment and has been shown in multiple case studies to increase footfall and spending in town centres.
• Share All too soon back to busy roads.. on Facebook Share All too soon back to busy roads.. on X (formerly Twitter) Share All too soon back to busy roads.. on Linkedin Email All too soon back to busy roads.. link

  All too soon back to busy roads..

  over 6 years ago

  Lockdown was tough in many many ways but we tried to see the bright side and one of the joys was walking and cycling through the village lanes without all the traffic. We live in a village very close to the A38. We are very close to neighbouring Saltash and it suddenly became possible to easily and safely walk to the town without fear of being mowed down by racing traffic. As soon as lockdown was lifted a little the traffic is back however. A38 is racing again and we feel cut off once more. With no cycle lanes or... Continue reading

  Lockdown was tough in many many ways but we tried to see the bright side and one of the joys was walking and cycling through the village lanes without all the traffic. We live in a village very close to the A38. We are very close to neighbouring Saltash and it suddenly became possible to easily and safely walk to the town without fear of being mowed down by racing traffic. As soon as lockdown was lifted a little the traffic is back however. A38 is racing again and we feel cut off once more. With no cycle lanes or even footpaths through most of the lanes and access routes we are now really missing lockdown! How ironic!! We have no bus route here. We would love to have safe walking and cycling routes once more in our new Cornwall after lockdown
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  Too reliant on tourism

  over 6 years ago

  One thing that the lockdown has shown very clearly is just how reliant the Cornish economy is on tourism - the lack of visitors this spring will be keenly felt by many businesses.
  Personally, I welcome tourists to Cornwall from other parts of the UK and, of course, further afield. It is obviously a real strength that Cornwall is so appealing to people and I know that I would not have a job if it wasn't for tourism.
  However, I feel that the Cornish economy would be more resilient if we could diversify, and not rely so much on the... Continue reading

  One thing that the lockdown has shown very clearly is just how reliant the Cornish economy is on tourism - the lack of visitors this spring will be keenly felt by many businesses.
  Personally, I welcome tourists to Cornwall from other parts of the UK and, of course, further afield. It is obviously a real strength that Cornwall is so appealing to people and I know that I would not have a job if it wasn't for tourism.
  However, I feel that the Cornish economy would be more resilient if we could diversify, and not rely so much on the vagaries of tourism. More should be done to encourage small businesses and local shops (e.g. reduce business rates/rents, encourage new start-ups). I do not believe that the growth of internet shopping means the death of the high street: both can co-exist happily, and the recent situation has shown that many local businesses can also provide an online/ delivery service. Shopping locally is not only good for the economy but also good for the environment, as it means less carbon-producing transport to deliver or provide goods and services.
  We should also encourage new, larger businesses to locate here in Cornwall. With the growth in tech companies, we see that large companies can locate anywhere, not just in big cities. And in fact, many people can work from home anywhere in the UK, as the recent lockdown has forced us to realise! Who wouldn't want to live and work from home in beautiful Cornwall?
  A perfect example of the sorts of businesses which we should be encouraging to be based in Cornwall is the growing "green energy" sector. Cornwall is the perfect place to further develop geothermal, wave, solar and wind energy services. We should embrace the new rather than harking back to the past.
  A further benefit of growing the non-tourist section of the economy, especially with well-paid and year-round jobs, would be encouraging more young people to live/stay in Cornwall and hopefully encouraging more diversity in the workforce; both areas which Cornwall sadly falls short of the national average.
  One final thing, still related to tourism, is that we should cap the number of second homes, instead of endlessly building more and more homes on greenfield sites and having many villages almost empty every winter! People who can afford an expensive second home in Cornwall should be taxed accordingly - by Cornwall Council. That money would then go into supporting the infrastructure that all of us, tourists and residents alike, need to maintain an acceptable quality of life.
  Thank you!