Now, as we come to the end of this term of office with elections on the 1st of May, I reflect on having met so many wonderful people — people who work tirelessly for their communities with very little recognition. Parish and town councillors give their time freely to help their residents, year after year, fighting to keep their villages and towns clean and tidy, without any remuneration and often with little thanks. I would like to take this opportunity to give a big thank you to everyone who gives their time so selflessly.
Although I have roughly the same number of residents as the other 87 Cornwall Councillors, I represent the largest number of parishes. My area stretches from Knights Mill in the west to Canworthy Water in the east, covering Advent Parish Meeting, Camelford Town Council, Davidstow Parish Council, St Clether Parish Meeting, Otterham Parish Council, St Juliot Parish Council, Tresmeer Parish Council, Tremaine Parish Council, Warbstow Parish Council, Boscastle (Forrabury and Minster) Parish Council, Trevalga Parish Meeting, Treneglos (which will be absorbed into Davidstow and Warbstow after this election), Lesnewth, and a very small part of St Gennys Parish Council. Because I have so many parishes, and I make every effort to attend all their meetings, I meet so many people — and at every meeting, I learn something new. Every day is a school day.
Although Cornwall Council itself has been relatively quiet, I have remained very busy. Speeding issues, planning problems, road safety, and housing remain pressing concerns. At present, there are three major planning applications in my area—the solar farm at Canworthy Water, which is currently being appealed; the repowering of the wind farm at Cold Northcott; and the geothermal site at Camelford Station. While I can see both sides of these debates, I know that these issues are difficult for local residents. If I remain in post after May 1st, I will continue to do my best for the people of these areas. At the very least, I could call these applications into committee rather than allow officers to push them through unchecked. Believe me, officers can become very defensive when challenged — I have attended meetings where planning officers have literally tried to pressure councillors into supporting their recommendations.
One of the biggest frustrations I have faced this year is the removal of the levy for Boscastle’s public toilets. Most public toilets in Cornwall are managed by parish and town councils, which can raise the necessary funding through precepts. Boscastle, however, is different. The toilets here are run by the Community Interest Company (CIC), which relies on income from charges and the levy previously provided by Cornwall Council. Two years ago, Cornwall Council conducted a review of all car parking charges across the county. As a unitary authority, they wanted to unify the system. I knew at the time that this was wrong — very wrong. Boscastle submitted a detailed and well-reasoned report on the impact of the levy’s removal, but it was ignored. Over recent months, it has become clear just how damaging that decision was, and this situation must change. I have been informed that there will be another review in the coming year, and if I am re-elected in May, I will be making a strong case that Boscastle should be treated differently and that the car park levy should once again support the toilets.
We have a Full Council meeting this Tuesday, and I know that a Director the the CIC has lodged a question on this matter. I will await the response — I expect I already know what it will be — but this will not be the end of the fight. I have been campaigning for better services for the past eight years, and although there are only two months left of this council term, I will not stop fighting for this community. Over the last two years, this area has received over £500,000 in SPF and CLUP funding, but that is not enough — we have been underfunded for years. Cornwall Council made a huge issue out of losing European funding after Brexit, but let’s not forget that 75% of that funding went west of Truro. This area received very little. We must keep fighting for fair funding, and if I am re-elected, that is exactly what I will do.
If you have any comments or need help or information, please don’t hesitate to contact me at cllr.barry.jordan@cornwall.gov.uk, or by phone at 01840 230048 (home) or 07799 790813 (mobile). If I’m unavailable, please leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
