The Cornwall We Want

What are your hopes and fears for the future?

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  Tourism

  by mfmikefreeman, almost 6 years ago

  It is a shame that we have allowed Tourism and population growth to become of such importance to the economy of Cornwall.

  I have lived and worked in Cornwall for 40 years and in that time have noticed a serious decline in community life and the quality of the environment.

  Tourism damages the environment, destroys local communities and provides very poor quality employment.

  It is non-productive.

  We need to move the emphasis away from Tourism and try to re-generate innovative productive business, for example in sustainable technologies.
  Small non-tourism manufacturing businesses need to be encouraged by way of provision of... Continue reading

  It is a shame that we have allowed Tourism and population growth to become of such importance to the economy of Cornwall.

  I have lived and worked in Cornwall for 40 years and in that time have noticed a serious decline in community life and the quality of the environment.

  Tourism damages the environment, destroys local communities and provides very poor quality employment.

  It is non-productive.

  We need to move the emphasis away from Tourism and try to re-generate innovative productive business, for example in sustainable technologies.
  Small non-tourism manufacturing businesses need to be encouraged by way of provision of small workshop and business start-up loans/grants.

  Agriculture and Fishing should be considered and supported as the mainstay of the local economy.

  Second home ownership should be punitively taxed.

  Acquisition of property for rent as holiday accommodation should stopped.

  The rate of population growth in Cornwall is spoiling all that makes Cornwall a special place.

  Planning decisions in relation to new housing should be more considerate of the effect they will have on the infrastructure - roads/ hospitals/ doctors/ dentists/ schools etc.

  Consider National Park status for some of our remaining beauty spots - EG Penwith
• Share Providing safe access to public transport from rural areas on Facebook Share Providing safe access to public transport from rural areas on Twitter Share Providing safe access to public transport from rural areas on Linkedin Email Providing safe access to public transport from rural areas link

  Providing safe access to public transport from rural areas

  by saraross, almost 6 years ago

  Hello, I would very much like for access by foot or bicycle to public transport and other destinations to be made easier for people living in rural destinations. During lock down we were unable to walk anywhere safely with my family ( partner and two children). We had to drive to even go for a safe walk. We live on an estate with 30 houses including many with children and there is no safe way of walking or riding a bicycle anywhere. No pavements at all and tractors and very large trucks and lorries on the roads. I have witnessed... Continue reading

  Hello, I would very much like for access by foot or bicycle to public transport and other destinations to be made easier for people living in rural destinations. During lock down we were unable to walk anywhere safely with my family ( partner and two children). We had to drive to even go for a safe walk. We live on an estate with 30 houses including many with children and there is no safe way of walking or riding a bicycle anywhere. No pavements at all and tractors and very large trucks and lorries on the roads. I have witnessed school children nearly being run over walking on the road that leads from the bus stop to our housing estate in Connor downs and I find it simply unacceptable. There must be more safe paving made for people to get from rural areas to towns including ours.
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  A better managed Cornwall

  by Michael, almost 6 years ago

  I have witnessed much destruction being done to Cornwall. Too much building, failing infrastructure. tourism dangerously over marketed and so on. This is also dramatically changing everything.

  Tourism is not what it has been made out to be. David Penhaligon the late Member of Parliament knew that. Despite the hype, more of us depend on other sources of income and not tourism. In fact, I would suggest that most money raised by tourism goes on to leave Cornwall and many of those employed by it come here for the work. We end up paying to clean up after it. I... Continue reading

  I have witnessed much destruction being done to Cornwall. Too much building, failing infrastructure. tourism dangerously over marketed and so on. This is also dramatically changing everything.

  Tourism is not what it has been made out to be. David Penhaligon the late Member of Parliament knew that. Despite the hype, more of us depend on other sources of income and not tourism. In fact, I would suggest that most money raised by tourism goes on to leave Cornwall and many of those employed by it come here for the work. We end up paying to clean up after it. I read with anger the revelations made by a Cornwall Councillor regarding the £10,000 grants given to owners of second homes. The environmental damage being caused is enormous and more and more parts of Cornwall are being listed as air quality management areas due to the pollution.

  Many of the houses being built are way beyond what we local people could ever afford.

  We pay a massive council tax bill but sadly, the council no longer seems interested in us.
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  Loving the quiet

  by KSL, almost 6 years ago

  After adjusting to the lockdown, I realised that those first two months were a gift. I loved not having traffic noise continually, as we live on the A390. When we began to be able to go out, it was such a joy to not be stuck in traffic. In summer we often can't get out of our drive for cars! We've even ventured out to the coast, a thing we never do in the summer because of the crowds. I realise I only ever enjoy Cornwall normally in the Spring and Autumn. The lack of tourists has brought a calm... Continue reading

  After adjusting to the lockdown, I realised that those first two months were a gift. I loved not having traffic noise continually, as we live on the A390. When we began to be able to go out, it was such a joy to not be stuck in traffic. In summer we often can't get out of our drive for cars! We've even ventured out to the coast, a thing we never do in the summer because of the crowds. I realise I only ever enjoy Cornwall normally in the Spring and Autumn. The lack of tourists has brought a calm to the county. I'm not against visitors at all and know we need it for so many of our businesses but it sometimes feels that Cornwall is full. With all the new housing and then the influx, it can get hard to be still and enjoy the very thing which draws people here, the beauty.
• Share I'm hoping ALL vehicle fuel outlets will take Covid-19 and sanitation and social distancing seriously into the future.. on Facebook Share I'm hoping ALL vehicle fuel outlets will take Covid-19 and sanitation and social distancing seriously into the future.. on Twitter Share I'm hoping ALL vehicle fuel outlets will take Covid-19 and sanitation and social distancing seriously into the future.. on Linkedin Email I'm hoping ALL vehicle fuel outlets will take Covid-19 and sanitation and social distancing seriously into the future.. link

  I'm hoping ALL vehicle fuel outlets will take Covid-19 and sanitation and social distancing seriously into the future..

  almost 6 years ago

  Something (!)

  Obviously physical Cv-19 infection transfer points for the public are, for example, door handles, taps, shopping trolleys, packaged food that's been handled & put back on the shelf AND fuel-dispenser nozzles.

  I'm going to concentrate on "petrol station" measures that should have been taken and will need to be taken for a safer Covid-19-free future.

  Firstly a question: has your local fuel outlet put up reminder signage about hand sanitation and distancing & has your outlet marked-out the social distancing limit at pumps & has your outlet provided disinfectant and/or gloves (despite fact that gloves seem to be... Continue reading

  Something (!)

  Obviously physical Cv-19 infection transfer points for the public are, for example, door handles, taps, shopping trolleys, packaged food that's been handled & put back on the shelf AND fuel-dispenser nozzles.

  I'm going to concentrate on "petrol station" measures that should have been taken and will need to be taken for a safer Covid-19-free future.

  Firstly a question: has your local fuel outlet put up reminder signage about hand sanitation and distancing & has your outlet marked-out the social distancing limit at pumps & has your outlet provided disinfectant and/or gloves (despite fact that gloves seem to be stolen frequently by selfish folk) ?

  Well, only one of the outlets I've had to use has bothered !!! (To note I've had to work thro' the lockdown.)

  I've trawled Gov' websites to see what they were advising re fuel outlets with nil result.

  What I want for the future (because Cv-19 is not about to be wiped out of existence) is that Public Health Cornwall really put their thinking caps on and identify with all retail sectors what long term measures/reminders need to be considered.

  Yes, it is extremely important to protect retail staff (the often forgotten "essential workers") and I would say permitted outlets have done well in that respect, but there are definitely gaps in some instances as regards protecting customers. This is even more relevant when quite a few customers (I have noticed) don't seem to care about social distancing and/or handling potentially contaminated/contaminating objects/surfaces. Some folk seem to want to deny there is still a national health crisis that continues to affect and kill large numbers of people

  In summary, too many folk are becoming complacent putting many others at risk and I would like to think Public Health Cornwall will step forward with a campaign to proactively discuss and maintain awareness of the continuing long term Cv-19 risk ESPECIALLY as the partial lifting of lock-down is going to see a swathe of infected tourists putting their hands all over the place !! For a very long time into the future, I should like to see some really proactive "don't forget" type advertising/messaging at ALL, repeat ALL, locations/outlets where folk are likely to "bump" into each other.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Share Sharing the benefit of our beautiful area on Facebook Share Sharing the benefit of our beautiful area on Twitter Share Sharing the benefit of our beautiful area on Linkedin Email Sharing the benefit of our beautiful area link

  Sharing the benefit of our beautiful area

  almost 6 years ago

  I think I have been very fortunate to live in Cornwall during the lockdown.Our community has come together and neighbours are friendly and supportive.We are lucky to have relatively easy access to open country paths and this has been a big plus.Our coastal path may be the jewel in the crown but our network of rural country paths is a great asset and much less busy.To be able to invest some resources into better maintaining and proactively extending this network would be a good investment for mental health and general wellbeing.Perhaps supporting the occasional and appropriately located piece of outdoor... Continue reading

  I think I have been very fortunate to live in Cornwall during the lockdown.Our community has come together and neighbours are friendly and supportive.We are lucky to have relatively easy access to open country paths and this has been a big plus.Our coastal path may be the jewel in the crown but our network of rural country paths is a great asset and much less busy.To be able to invest some resources into better maintaining and proactively extending this network would be a good investment for mental health and general wellbeing.Perhaps supporting the occasional and appropriately located piece of outdoor gym equipment would encourage exercise and have the potential to keep the younger generation entertained.

  Our cycling infrastructure is still poor and too focused on lines painted on the side of major roads.Commuting routes between our main towns and linking villages, schools and surgeries would be a fantastic long term investment, does not have to be unattractive tarmac and could involve the community in assisting with the planning design and construction.

  You also realise how important your local assets are, the shop, the post Office where we have them and the pubs we miss using.The village hall car park has been a great location for small catering businesses to continue to sell their products and the lack of other options have meant we have taken advantage of the diversification of some local cafe's into take aways.These are all assets that need protection and support.

  Support is of course not just money, but money does help and precious little goes into extending our local community infrastructure.The Community Infrastructure Levy CIL which was supported by government to help local communities get contributions from housing and other developments to support local infrastructure doesn't seem to be working effectively.So called 'self build' open market homes of significant size and market value appear to be exempt and that is often the vast majority of rural development in our villages.There does not appear to be a clawback when they are resold on the open market very quickly, so our villages get new full of new development but little or no contribution to community facilities.A fairer contribution would allow communities to establish community parks, orchards, allotments as well as give a helping hand to village halls, playgrounds and playing fields.These are the community assets that have had precious little investment in recent years.

  Cornwall needs to look close to home to recognise what is important
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  Cycling here to stay?

  by Pamelapamelapamela, almost 6 years ago

  I’ve been cycling a huge amount since lockdown began. I’m lucky enough to have an ebike so St. Austell’s hills don’t present me with too much of a problem. In ‘normal’ times I only use it to get to places I need to go to, eg into town or across to the arts centre or to visit / meet up with friends, and my husband and I have managed to ditch one of the cars since getting an ebike each. Since lockdown though I have been using it just to go on bike rides for pleasure and it’s been an... Continue reading

  I’ve been cycling a huge amount since lockdown began. I’m lucky enough to have an ebike so St. Austell’s hills don’t present me with too much of a problem. In ‘normal’ times I only use it to get to places I need to go to, eg into town or across to the arts centre or to visit / meet up with friends, and my husband and I have managed to ditch one of the cars since getting an ebike each. Since lockdown though I have been using it just to go on bike rides for pleasure and it’s been an absolute lifesaver as far as my mental health is concerned! There are just miles and miles and miles of narrow country lanes that you can cycle down and it’s been a real treat to discover new ones nearly every day. At the start of lockdown the roads were deserted too and there were loads of people out on bikes which was wonderful to see. Now cars have returned sadly, one thing I really didn’t miss! The country lanes are still very quiet and absolutely idyllic for cycling though and the hedgerows were delightful through the spring months. I really thought our world/environment was going to change for good and that people would realise that life is better without cars and that they would try and cut down on using them wherever possible, but sadly those happy days of car-free roads seem to have been forgotten already. I realise of course that it’s not an option for most to give up their cars completely but it would be nice to think that as a result of experiencing the beauty of quiet, safe roads people would try to cut down on their car usage where possible. At the moment though public transport isn’t a very attractive option and car sharing is not allowed either. So we’re back to the bad old days of traffic jams and pollution and days where cyclists are just a nuisance on the roads. I haven’t put my bike away though, and don’t intend to either! Cycling around St Austell itself now is pretty hair-raising and won’t encourage people on to their bikes. I also despair at the lack of stands to park bikes. There are just two that I know of in town and the supermarkets hardly have any. Cyclists just aren’t encouraged in town at all. What a backwards step it would be if cycling isn’t encouraged.
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  For our children

  almost 6 years ago

  The lockdown has been difficult in many ways, we have seen how fragile and precarious so many aspects of our society are; our health service is understaffed and under-funded, our food system is insecure, our communities are often disconnected. We need strong social and health services for the good of everybody in this country, we need local and resilient food production, we need to build-back communities supporting each other.

  The pandemic has been a dry-run for the multiple and far more severe challenges we will be facing in the next few years due to climate change and ecological breakdown. We... Continue reading

  The lockdown has been difficult in many ways, we have seen how fragile and precarious so many aspects of our society are; our health service is understaffed and under-funded, our food system is insecure, our communities are often disconnected. We need strong social and health services for the good of everybody in this country, we need local and resilient food production, we need to build-back communities supporting each other.

  The pandemic has been a dry-run for the multiple and far more severe challenges we will be facing in the next few years due to climate change and ecological breakdown. We need a county council that recognises that this is a unique moment for us to build-back better, with a forward-looking greener economy. This is not a "lefty" issue, it's not an "environmentalist's crusade". This is a question of protecting the future and the future of our children. Because if recent events have taught us anything, it's that life is vulnerable, and precious, and not to be taken-for-granted.
• Share Where has Cornwall gone??? on Facebook Share Where has Cornwall gone??? on Twitter Share Where has Cornwall gone??? on Linkedin Email Where has Cornwall gone??? link

  Where has Cornwall gone???

  almost 6 years ago

  I have lived all my life in Cornwall, a once beautiful area that any Cornishman could be so very proud of. It breaks my heart to witness on a daily basis, the complete destruction of this once magnificent Duchy in order to feed the greed of second home owners, tourism, celebrities and developers who just want to make money out of the Duchy and don't care about the locals. The planning department appear on the face of it to be corrupt and pass the most hideous plans when the locals oppose it, destroying beautiful little villages with eyesores. These builds... Continue reading

  I have lived all my life in Cornwall, a once beautiful area that any Cornishman could be so very proud of. It breaks my heart to witness on a daily basis, the complete destruction of this once magnificent Duchy in order to feed the greed of second home owners, tourism, celebrities and developers who just want to make money out of the Duchy and don't care about the locals. The planning department appear on the face of it to be corrupt and pass the most hideous plans when the locals oppose it, destroying beautiful little villages with eyesores. These builds are destroying out natural habitats, the animals that live in them and the future for generations to come. It leaves the young Cornish with very low incomes with no prospects of ever buying a house where they were born, diluting the Cornish as a ethnic group. Protection of this Duchy seems non existent at the moment and if there is a piece of land, the rule of thumb by the council appears to be, "lets develop it" The historical and archaeological aspects are thrown in the bin and no-one seems to care. Our Bridleways and Public footpaths are being developed and disappearing and our green fields are being destroyed. The locals are being ignored and the inward migrants are being given priority. It is a disgrace. The priority seems to be Tourism which only contributes approx. 12-13% of the economy yet costs the locals thousands in clean up charges, policing, NHS and the list goes on. Lockdown has been amazing and has been such a breath of fresh air having little or no traffic on the roads, the wildlife has returned, nature is beautiful but will be so damaged again when lock down has finished. I fear that it is too late to rescue Cornwall and that the damage has been already done by the planning process and the councillors who seem hell bent on pushing their own agendas and ignoring the locals, the environment, the history and the heritage of this once beautiful Duchy!
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  Connecting everyone

  by jigs, almost 6 years ago

  I would like to see easier access to walking for those living in our county on busy roads that have no pavements or direct footpath access. Speeding traffic and fumes stop us from enjoying the clean country air in safety. Have to drive to go for a walk!! I enjoyed walking when there was less traffic and drivers were more considerate but since the easing of lockdown, it seems people think it's all over and have gone back to "normal". How quickly the bird song and clear skies are forgotten! I believe many outlying areas could be connected by new... Continue reading

  I would like to see easier access to walking for those living in our county on busy roads that have no pavements or direct footpath access. Speeding traffic and fumes stop us from enjoying the clean country air in safety. Have to drive to go for a walk!! I enjoyed walking when there was less traffic and drivers were more considerate but since the easing of lockdown, it seems people think it's all over and have gone back to "normal". How quickly the bird song and clear skies are forgotten! I believe many outlying areas could be connected by new footpaths where people can continue to enjooy nature while others enjoy their driving!