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All in one place: the full list of the Cornwall Council candidates
By Julia Penhaligon A total of 374 candidates have entered the contest to elect a new Cornwall Council on 6th May. The tally of candidates by party, or description...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 10th April 2021
- 0 comment
Email-gate: Cornwall’s Independent group leader urges backing for Adam Paynter, ahead of next week’s confidence vote in council leader
By Julia Penhaligon The “email-gate” scandal which has plunged Cornwall’s Liberal Democrats into crisis has taken a new twist today (Thursday) after the leader of County Hall’s Independent group...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 1st April 2021
- 1 comment
Two Cornwall councillors quit Liberal Democrat group
By Julia Penhaligon Cornwall’s Liberal Democrats appear to have suffered two defections, ahead of next week’s County Hall “vote of confidence” in council leader Julian German. Launceston’s Jade Farrington...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 30th March 2021
- 1 comment
All of Cornwall’s leisure centres will reopen on Monday 12th April
By Rashleigh MacFarlane All 12 of Cornwall Council’s leisure centres are to reopen on 12th April, despite the continuing financial difficulties of the private management company GLL. Saltash, St...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 30th March 2021
- 0 comment
Email-gate: I am a Liberal Democrat, but will stand for election as an Independent, says Adam Paynter
By Richard Whitehouse The Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council has spoken out in response to the Liberal Democrats suspending him from the party after he shared a confidential email...
- theboss
- 26th March 2021
- 3 comments
Former MP Dan Rogerson to seek election to Cornwall Council in Launceston
By Julia Penhaligon Former North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson is to seek election to Cornwall Council. Mr Rogerson, who lives in Bodmin, is taking his considerable campaign experience to...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 26th March 2021
- 0 comment
Email-gate: Adam Paynter is definitely still a Liberal Democrat, at least for now, says the Local Government Association
By Julia Penhaligon Launceston councillor Adam Paynter is back in the Liberal Democrats, only three weeks after resigning all party positions and joining the Independent group at County Hall....
- Julia Penhaligon
- 26th March 2021
- 1 comment
EXCLUSIVE: In, out, shaken all about – is Cornwall’s Adam Paynter on his way back to the Liberal Democrats?
By Julia Penhaligon The Independent group of councillors at Cornwall Council has been thrown into more confusion this morning (Thursday) by news that Launceston’s Adam Paynter could be on...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 25th March 2021
- 1 comment
Elections 2021: North Cornwall Liberal Democrats offering social media platform to Independent candidate Adam Paynter
By Julia Penhaligon The former Liberal Democrat leader of Devon County Council has given his backing to Launceston councillor Adam Paynter, who is planning to contest the 6th May...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 24th March 2021
- 3 comments
Elections 2021: Cornwall’s Liberal Democrats squabble over who can use the party’s logo
By Julia Penhaligon A tug-of-war has broken out over the potential use of the Liberal Democrats’ official name and logo, as party officials continue to ponder whether they will...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 23rd March 2021
- 0 comment
Tough questions ahead for County Hall, as leisure centres remain closed until the middle of the election campaign
By Rashleigh MacFarlane The future of Cornwall’s leisure centres is likely to be questioned again tomorrow (Tuesday) when councillors consider the latest update from the Cornwall Council cabinet member...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 15th March 2021
- 1 comment
You didn’t get it from me!! The exclusive, inside story of the Cornwall Liberal Democrats’ “email-gate,” and how it caused the downfall of their national treasure
By Graham Smith “You didn’t get it from me!” These words, prefacing the deliberate leak of a confidential email, are the main cause of a major crisis for Cornwall’s...
- theboss
- 11th March 2021
- 10 comments
A story of bullying and breach of trust: why the Liberal Democrats had to get rid of Adam Paynter
By Richard Whitehouse and Julia Penhaligon All political eyes in Cornwall have suddenly turned to a small branch of the Liberal Democrats in North Cornwall, asking if local activists...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 10th March 2021
- 0 comment
EXCLUSIVE: Cornwall’s Liberal Democrats told they need a new group leader as the national party dumps Adam Paynter
By Graham Smith The Liberal Democrats appear poised to jettison their leader in Cornwall, Launceston councillor Adam Payntor, just weeks before the local council elections. For more than a...
- theboss
- 10th March 2021
- 2 comments
Budget boost for Okehampton rail link could benefit North Cornwall
By Rashleigh MacFarlane North Cornwall MP Scott Mann has welcomed yesterday’s (Wednesday’s) budget support for improved rail services between Exeter and Okehampton. Regular services were withdrawn in 1972 but...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 4th March 2021
- 0 comment
Constable jailed for having sex with crime victim in Launceston police station
By Peter Tremayne A Devon and Cornwall police officer has been jailed for 10 months for having sex with a crime victim in Launceston police station’s disabled toilet. PC...
- Peter Tremayne
- 20th February 2021
- 0 comment
Major expansion plans at Launceston College
By Richard Whitehouse A secondary school has revealed new plans for an extension which will increase capacity and add new facilities. Launceston College has launched consultation on the plans...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 8th February 2021
- 0 comment
“We’ll consider a wide range of business models,” says council, as consultants look at the future of Cornwall’s leisure centres
By Julia Penhaligon Consultants hired to investigate the future of Cornwall’s leisure centres have been asked to consider a wide range of potential business models, according to County Hall’s...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 31st January 2021
- 6 comments
Cornwall to keep Covid marshals until May at the earliest
By Peter Tremayne The government has agreed to fund Covid marshalls in Cornwall until May at the earliest, County Hall has confirmed. The council-employs up to 20 marshals to...
- Peter Tremayne
- 31st January 2021
- 0 comment
Covid-19 forces the closure of several Cornish pubs
By Julia Penhaligon A growing number of pubs in Cornwall are closing because of Covid-19. The specific reasons vary, with some blaming staff shortages following reported contact with a...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 29th December 2020
- 0 comment
Adam Paynter elected leader of Cornwall’s Liberal Democrats, despite party’s disciplinary wrangle
By Graham Smith Launceston councillor Adam Paynter has been elected unopposed as leader of the Liberal Democrat group at County Hall, despite an internal party wrangle about disciplinary proceedings...
- theboss
- 13th December 2020
- 2 comments
Under the hammer: the many mansions of Cornwall Council
By Graham Smith A major rationalisation of Cornwall Council’s vast property portfolio is due to take a significant step forward next week when councillors scrutinise plans to sell offices...
- theboss
- 1st December 2020
- 3 comments
All change, again, at Launceston’s White Hart hotel
By Peter Tremayne Launceston’s historic White Hart hotel has new owners, for the second time in two years. Built in the early 17th century, it is Launceston’s only hotel. ...
- Peter Tremayne
- 18th November 2020
- 1 comment
Police officer to appear in court accused of misconduct, following incident at Launceston
By Peter Tremayne A police constable is due to appear before magistrates on Wednesday (28th October) accused of misconduct in public office. The allegation concerns an incident at Launceston...
- Peter Tremayne
- 26th October 2020
- 0 comment
Covid-19: Cornwall’s rate of infection doubles in three days; 70 new cases since Friday; five clusters
By Anne North Thirty-seven new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in Cornwall in the past 24 hours, more than double the number of positive test results in a single...
- Anne North
- 21st September 2020
- 0 comment
Covid-19: St Germans and Mellion come off the “cluster” list but another 17 new cases in Cornwall in 24 hours
By Anne North The St Germans and Mellion area has come off the Public Health “watch list” of Covid-19 clusters, after the number of cases there fell below three....
- Anne North
- 20th September 2020
- 0 comment
New Covid-19 cluster in Launceston
By Anne North Cornwall has acquired another “cluster” of Covid-19 cases, this time in Launceston. A cluster is defined as two or more cases outside of a family setting,...
- Anne North
- 19th September 2020
- 0 comment
Budget cash for Camelford by-pass
By Rashleigh MacFarlane Today’s budget has included funding for a Camelford by-pass. The government has accepted the business case for a single-carriageway to the west of town. The £42.5...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 11th March 2020
- 0 comment
Coughs and sneezes don’t just spread diseases – they underline the 5,000-mile connection between Cornwall’s dairy farmers and China
By Julia Penhaligon Some call it the “butterfly effect.” A small change in initial conditions can have much larger consequences in a later state. It is why students of...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 27th February 2020
- 1 comment
Look closely at the humble Cornish hedgerow and you will find a publicly-funded piece of installation art
By Rashleigh MacFarlane Work is about to start on the construction of a large “Cornish hedge” on Bodmin Moor, part of a major piece of artwork to celebrate the...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 23rd February 2020
- 0 comment
Christmas Eve fire destroys barn near Launceston
By Peter Tremayne Fire crews from across North Cornwall were called to deal with a large barn fire near Launceston on Christmas Eve. Emergency services advised residents in and...
- Peter Tremayne
- 26th December 2019
- 0 comment
Walking back to happiness, as new bridges restore access to Cornwall coastal path
By Rashleigh MacFarlane Three large timber bridges in North Cornwall have been replaced as part of Cornwall Council’s Public Rights of Way Capital Safety Programme, restoring walking routes in...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 18th November 2019
- 0 comment
Labour selects Bodmin’s Joy Bassett as its Parliamentary candidate in North Cornwall
By Anne North Labour took a step towards completing its compliment of Parliamentary candidates in Cornwall last night (Tuesday) when the party selected Bodmin’s Joy Bassett as its choice...
- Anne North
- 23rd October 2019
- 0 comment
Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson visits North Cornwall
By Anne North Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson took time out from a family holiday yesterday (Saturday) to visit party activists in Launceston. She told reporters she was confident...
- Anne North
- 18th August 2019
- 0 comment
YouGov poll cheers Liberal Democrats in St Ives and North Cornwall
By Anne North A YouGov poll conducted across 20 constituencies where the Liberal Democrats came second in 2017 suggests that St Ives MP Derek Thomas and North Cornwall MP...
- Anne North
- 14th August 2019
- 0 comment
I’ve never met a straight woman who didn’t fancy me, says Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer
By Anne North Plymouth Moor View’s Conservative MP has this morning (Sunday) discovered that if you have to explain a joke, it probably wasn’t funny. Johnny Mercer found himself...
- Anne North
- 11th August 2019
- 0 comment
Increase in local motorists caught speeding at more than 100 mph
By Peter Tremayne The number of motorists caught speeding at more than 100 mph in Devon and Cornwall increased 14% last year. Research by the road safety campaign Brake...
- Peter Tremayne
- 18th July 2019
- 0 comment
“Illegal immigrant” arrested after falling from underneath lorry at Davidstow
By Peter Tremayne Border Force officials are preparing to question a man who fell from underneath a lorry as it drove through Davidstow, north Cornwall, last week. The incident...
- Peter Tremayne
- 7th July 2019
- 0 comment
Controversy rages over Davidstow cheese factory expansion, with planning decision now overdue
By Julia Penhaligon Controversial plans to expand the Dairy Crest factory at Davidstow are due to be determined by Cornwall Council soon. The plans were submitted in September and...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 10th June 2019
- 0 comment
Citizens Advice expands service in Launceston in wake of factory closure
By Peter Tremayne Citizens Advice Cornwall is planning an expansion of its service in the Launceston area. The decision follows the closure of the Kensey food factory in the...
- Peter Tremayne
- 9th June 2019
- 0 comment
Launceston takes charge of its own library
By Anne North The future of Launceston Library has been safeguarded for the community after a new agreement which will see it transferred to Launceston Town Council today (Wednesday...
- Anne North
- 1st May 2019
- 1 comment
Launceston pudding factory confirms closure with the loss of 650 jobs
By Rashleigh MacFarlane Launceston’s Kensey Foods has confirmed that its pudding factory will close in July, with the loss of 650 jobs. The company, owned by the Leicester-based Samworth...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 21st March 2019
- 0 comment
North Cornwall’s Lib Dems to have a choice over who will be their Parliamentary candidate
By Anne North North Cornwall’s Liberal Democrats are gearing up for a contested election to decide who will be their candidate at the next general election. Launceston vet Danny...
- Anne North
- 13th March 2019
- 0 comment
Cornwall Council leader charged taxpayers £9,240 for driving his electric car to work
27th September 2018 By Graham Smith Cornwall Council leader Adam Paynter costs taxpayers nearly £50,000 a year, according to the latest return of members’ allowances and expenses. All 123...
- theboss
- 27th September 2018
- 3 comments
Cornwall cyclists return after Pedalling for Palestine
13th August 2018 By Julia Penhaligon Three cyclists have returned to Cornwall after “Pedalling for Palestine” – a 120 mile bike ride from Coventry to London. Roger and Jane...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 13th August 2018
- 2 comments
Launceston’s White Hart Hotel is sold ahead of auction
31st July 2018 By Rashleigh MacFarlane One of North Cornwall’s best-known businesses has been sold. The White Hart Hotel, in Launceston, has been sold ahead of auction to Michael...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 31st July 2018
- 0 comment
North Cornwall Liberal Democrats look to the future
23rd July 2018 By Rashleigh MacFarlane North Cornwall’s Liberal Democrats are about to start the process of selecting a Parliamentary candidate, in anticipation of a general election. Former Lib...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 23rd July 2018
- 0 comment
Davidstow creamery gets £75 million cash injection
23rd May 2018 By Peter Tremayne Dairy Crest is to invest £75 million at its Davidstow cheese factory. It is part of an £85 million spend allowing the dairy...
- Peter Tremayne
- 23rd May 2018
- 0 comment
Cornwall’s secondary school pupils face cut-per-head lottery under new funding formula, as class sizes start to increase
19th April 2018 By Peter Tremayne The cash spent on Cornwall’s secondary school pupils is hundreds of pounds less than needed, according to an analysis of official Department for...
- Peter Tremayne
- 19th April 2018
- 3 comments
Pro-EU campaigners win backing in Falmouth
15th April 2018 By Julia Penhaligon Campaigners who want Britain to remain in the European Union’s Single Market and Customs Union have been leafletting in Falmouth. The Cornwall For...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 15th April 2018
- 0 comment
Council set to embark upon land deal spending spree as part of ambition to build 1,000 houses
27th March 2018 By Richard Whitehouse Cornwall Council is about to buy three sites as part of its ambition to build 1,000 houses - even though only a small...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 27th March 2018
- 0 comment
The secret jigsaw: how the NHS is Shaping Our Future into a Cornwall of winners and losers, depending on the “Property Asset Scorecard”
23rd March 2018 By Graham Smith The redesign of Cornwall’s health service is set to transfer treatment of existing minor injury units to 25 “enhanced” GP surgeries – posing...
- theboss
- 23rd March 2018
- 3 comments
Battle lines drawn for Cornwall Council elections in 2021, as Independents face party political squeeze
14th February 2018By Anne NorthBattle lines have been drawn for the next set of Cornwall Council elections in 2021.New ward boundaries, identifying 87 council divisions, were approved by a...
- Anne North
- 14th February 2018
- 0 comment
87, 88, 89…….that’s not right! Last-minute hitch as councillors crawl towards the boundaries finish line
8th February 2018By Julia PenhaligonThe long march to a smaller Cornwall Council is nearing the end of its journey – but a last-minute hitch has necessitated yet another meeting,...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 8th February 2018
- 0 comment
GPs to the rescue? Will your local doctor take the place of your nearest Minor Injury Unit?
1st February 2018By Graham SmithMore than two dozen GP surgeries in Cornwall, which provide an “enhanced” service to treat minor injuries, are to be reviewed as part of the...
- theboss
- 1st February 2018
- 2 comments
Could Falmouth keep its Minor Injury Unit? New report sheds insights into how health and council bosses are planning the “Kennally Care” future of Cornwall’s community hospitals
18th January 2018By Graham SmithFurther details have emerged of what Cornwall’s local hospitals could look like once the National Health Service converts to a council-led Accountable Care System.The developing...
- theboss
- 18th January 2018
- 2 comments
Named – the ten Minor Injury Units in Cornwall due to close under Accountable Care
3rd January 2018By Graham SmithCornwall’s network of minor injury units are under imminent threat of closure, according to an analysis of NHS plans. Ten sites, from Bude to Helston,...
- theboss
- 3rd January 2018
- 10 comments
Soggy St Austell fails to draw a crowd, as budget roadshow limps towards the finish line
18th December 2017By Julia PenhaligonCornwall Council’s public consultation on proposed budget cuts of £75 million has just over a week to run, before ending on 29th December. The consultation...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 18th December 2017
- 0 comment
Good news for pet owners as fire crews get new life-saving kit
7th December 2017By Rashleigh MacFarlaneDonations from Helston-based The Dog House Grooming Company and the RSPCA mean that all of Cornwall’s on-call stations will now have special life-saving equipment for...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 7th December 2017
- 0 comment
Livestock auctions draw to a close in Liskeard
28th November 2017By Rashleigh MacFarlaneThe end of an era is approaching for Liskeard Cattle Market. The Christmas poultry sale, on 19th December, will be the final auction held there...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 28th November 2017
- 0 comment
Patients return to Launceston hospital after £440,000 repairs and improvements
24th November 2017By Peter TremaynePatients have returned to Launceston Hospital as a major building improvement programme nears completion.Beds at the facility were closed in September to allow NHS Property...
- Peter Tremayne
- 24th November 2017
- 0 comment
Cornwall’s foodbanks braced for arrival of Universal Credit
30th October 2017By Julia PenhaligonThousands of people in Cornwall are bracing themselves for the introduction of Universal Credit, the controversial new benefit which replaces many aspects of the traditional...
- Julia Penhaligon
- 30th October 2017
- 0 comment
One more week to have your say about Cornwall’s Telehealth service
23rd October 2017By Rashleigh MacFarlaneNHS Kernow is about to undertake its final week of public consultation over its decision to axe Cornwall’s Telehealth service. The cash-strapped health bosses, who...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 23rd October 2017
- 0 comment
Cornwall’s libraries: the “devolution revolution” is taking longer than expected
20th October 2017By Anne NorthCornwall’s “pioneering” reform of the county’s libraries is to be extended for a further year, as council officials struggle to find local partners willing to...
- Anne North
- 20th October 2017
- 0 comment
Dartmoor ponies find a new home
20th October 2017By Rashleigh MacFarlaneNine Dartmoor ponies have been rescued from possible slaughter and are now enjoying life at a sanctuary near St Mabyn.Every year uncontrolled breeding results in...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 20th October 2017
- 0 comment
Launceston hospital land sale: approved by Cornwall’s STP, no public consultation
18th October 2017By Anne NorthThe decision to sell NHS land at Launceston hospital was made by NHS Kernow only a few weeks ago, Cornwall Reports has established. But NHS...
- Anne North
- 18th October 2017
- 0 comment
EXCLUSIVE: Launceston hospital land – the restrictive covenant not mentioned by the auctioneers
17th October 2017By Peter TremayneThe low price sought by NHS Property Services for the sale of land next to Launceston hospital might be explained by a restrictive covenant, which...
- Peter Tremayne
- 17th October 2017
- 0 comment
Devonwall returns, as a theoretical prospect, but the Parliamentary maths remain unchanged – for now
17th October 2017By Rashleigh MacFarlaneThe prospect of a “Devonwall” Parliamentary constituency has returned to the political agenda, as the Boundary Commission continues its quest to re-draw boundaries in a...
- Rashleigh MacFarlane
- 17th October 2017
- 0 comment
Launceston set for growth?
13th February 2017
By Julia Penhaligon
Follow @CornwallReports
Cornwall Reports is currently examining the Cornwall Council Site Allocations Document, to be considered by the Planning Policy Advisory Committee next week.
The document identifies the following towns/areas as strategically important for growth: Penzance & Newlyn, Hayle, Camborne-Pool-Illogan-Redruth, Helston, Falmouth and Penryn, Newquay, St Austell, Eco-communities (china clay areas) Bodmin, Launceston and Saltash.
Here is a map, and the planning officer’s executive summary:
A Cornwall Site Allocations Document is being prepared that sets out strategic sites to deliver Cornwall’s economic and housing growth within some of Cornwall’s largest settlements. The Cornwall Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD), forms part of a suite of documents that sit under the banner of the Cornwall Local Plan; demonstrating how the growth targets within the Cornwall Local Plan: Strategic Policies document will be delivered within these settlements.
The development of the area based sections of the Allocations DPD has been progressed in close consultation with the relevant local Cornwall Council members and the Town and Parish Councils.
The document recently went through a period of public consultation, ending on the 16 November 2016.
Approximately 1300 representations were received and the main issues that were raised, together with officer responses, are set out in Appendix 2 (see ‘Supporting Information’ at the end of this report for the link to the document).
As a result of this consultation, together with the continued engagement with other bodies, various changes to the area based sections were made. Appendix 1 sets out the proposed publication version of the Cornwall Site Allocations DPD, with changes to the area based section highlighted using track changes.
This report is seeking endorsement of this publication version of the Cornwall Site Allocations DPD; which would result in undertaking a further period of public consultation. Subject to no significant changes being required as a result of this consultation, the Service Director of Planning & Sustainable Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, would then submit the Cornwall Site Allocations DPD to the Secretary for State, which would then lead to an Examination in Public.
Charities get record boost from Countryman's Fair
From Show Secretary Jenny Smith
The Cornwall & Devon Countryman’s Fair has given a record amount of money to charity. The event was held last August at Werrington Park, Launceston.
At the Presentations Reception held on Friday 20 January at The Arundell Arms, local organisations received their donations from Chairman, Charles Huntington- Whiteley. Among those present were PCs Steve Stoppard and Danielle Hill who accepted a cheque on behalf of the Launceston Police Cadets; and Sonia Clements and Rachael Allen who received a cheque for the Launceston Voluntary First Aid Service.
The main charity chosen for 2016 was the West Country Rivers Trust whose Chief Executive, Dr Laurence Couldrick, outlined the Trust’s work in the Tamar Valley and expressed his delight at the substantial help which the trust had received.
Another major beneficiary of the Fair was Werrington Cricket Club whose members work so hard stewarding on the day. In total, more than £26,000 was given away.
Bouquets were presented to Mrs Sarah Williams of Werrington Park and to Mrs Anne May-Somerville who with Mrs Debbie Hext had provided a superb lunch in the VIP tent for the show’s judges and patrons.
Show Secretary, Jenny Smith, said: ‘We are most grateful to all those who contributed to the success of the Fair. I would especially like to thank our President, Mike Williams for his wisdom and experience, and Alison Hawes, who has just retired from being Regional Director of the Countryside Alliance, whose help for many years has been invaluable. Rob Tetley had a record turn-out of trade stalls this year, assisted by Sally Harvey who advised on our new Farmers Market for local food and drink producers.
Committee chairman Charles Huntington-Whiteley had a busy evening! All photos by Peter Glaser
I must also mention William May Somerville and Dave Chapman who worked hard to prepare the pond for fishing demonstrations, George Hext for marketing the fair and Paul Jenkins for taking on our facebook page which took off.
It was a glorious day which everyone enjoyed enormously. We have been able to give a lot of money to local charities, the past two events have been particularly successful. I am so proud to have been part of this team effort. I had the best tutor in Roger Pook.’
Cornwall’s libraries: the devolution revolution has been postponed
23rd January 2018By Rashleigh MacFarlaneThe transformation of Cornwall’s library service is going to take twice as long as previously thought, according to council officials.In 2015 the council embarked on...