August is usually a quiet month for Cornwall Council, but that doesn’t mean we have much time off, as most parish and town councils still meet, and there are always issues to address—planning meetings, roads, and hedges, for example.
One of the biggest problems we continue to face is speeding. Marshgate, Otterham Station, Camelford, Trelash, Warbstow, Boscastle, and other areas are all affected. I have been in contact with the police and highways department to try to change drivers’ attitudes. New speed signs will be going up in Marshgate next week, and I hope they will help reduce speeding in that area.
Many of you have likely heard the concerns being raised about the possibility of car parks being controlled by an external body. Let me try to explain the situation: A trial was conducted in a car park in Newquay where the receipts were less than £25,000. A company was brought in to run the trial. They resurfaced and relined the car park, installed a new fence, and added four machines with cameras. Councils are not permitted to use ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras, so Cornwall Council’s arms-length company, Cormac, took over the management of the car park with this particular company. In the first year of the trial, receipts increased to over £125,000—more than £100,000 above the previous figure. The only money the company received was from fines issued to drivers who disregarded the rules. If this model were rolled out across 30 car parks in Cornwall, it could result in an extra £3 million for the Council, potentially reducing car park charges, Council Tax, etc. While I’m not saying it’s the perfect solution, we must ensure that the Council’s assets generate revenue and do not burden taxpayers.
I was deeply disappointed by the cut to the winter fuel allowance for pensioners. This year, 124,254 pensioners in Cornwall will lose that payment. While some may not need it, there are thousands who will struggle this winter, especially with rising electricity and gas costs. There are organisations that can help. Although Pension Credit forms are not easy to complete, bodies like Age Concern and the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can offer support.
Councillors have also received emails to be vigilant about pop-up brothels. It appears that some holiday homes and Airbnbs are being used for this purpose. If you notice a group of women occupying a property and men entering and leaving at regular intervals, please contact the police.
If you have any comments or need help or information, don’t hesitate to contact me at cllr.barry.jordan@cornwall.gov.uk, or on my home number 01840 230048 or mobile 07799 790813. If I’m unavailable, please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
