PCSO Eleanor Grey joined the meeting, accompanied by two well-turned out police cadets to describe the work of the cadets.There are now some 20 cadets in Falmouth/Penryn aged from 13 to 18, all of whom give up two hours a week. They are introduced to the work of the police, provide services at events, run projects and act as roll models for other teenagers. Unlike some groups, this unit concentrates on being out in the community rather than just training in a building. Examples of recent work included:
- Parades through the towns
- Staffing water points for runs through town
- Doing leaflet drops - which have the benefit of getting them out and about
Forum Constitution
The Constitution is a bit long in the tooth and a working party has been established to revise it. This led to a discussion about the activities of the Forum and the sort of thing it be doing: whether it should be running projects or whether it was primarily as an opportunity for interested passionate people to get around the table to share ideas to discuss issues of the day. Information flow was seen as key. There was an opportunity to lobby on some things, to act as a catalyst to new developments and to provide considered apolitical thought on a range of issues facing the town. It also needed to be able to work more productively with the Town Council.
In summary, it was agreed that the Forum can provide a 'sensible' voice in the town and should aim to become a quasi statutory consultee on things in the town.
The Falmouth First Community Interest Company (CIC)
The CIC has been formed and has been awarded the licence to run events (only) on the Prince of Wales pier from 1 March. Two events are already in discussion.
There is an exciting opportunity for new directors, members of the steering group, and Friends of the Pier. The closing date for application as a director is 5 April with interviews on 15 April.
The CIC's initial focus is the events on the pier. If other opportunities emerge they will be looked at on a case by case basis. The aim is not to seek to run the town but to act as a conduit for the provision of services in the town, drawing down additional funds to the benefit of the community.
Section 106 money
The Sainsbury agreement has not yet been finalised but is expected to be shortly. Once completed, the exact wording, which will be specific, will be made public. The agreement will ask a specific group to manage the emerging projects.
In the longer term, there was a need for all to understand the new Community Interest Levy (CIL) which would be replacing Section 106 Agreements.
Local Plan
In their discussion of the Local Plan, Cornwall Council had agreed a figure of 42,500 new houses. A figure of 68,500 had previously been suggested and Westminster may now feel that Cornwall is not being ambitious enough, if so then this could open the door to something of a developer free-for-all. Responses on the consultation are required by 22 April and Chris Smith would be coordinating these.
LTP3 and cycling
The Forum had contributed ideas against a tight deadline but everything had gone quiet.
Local Development Orders
These were on hold until the Local Plan is agreed.
Shorts:
- It was agreed that some really good fresh candidates were needed for the forthcoming elections, especially as Cornwall Council, in particular, was facing some very real cuts in expenditure following the recent vote.
- Superfast Broadband - there was no further news on implementation in Falmouth although there were hopeful signs from the number of vans around
- Docks - the results of the dredging trial would be available in a month or so
- Tourism - Cornwall Council had reduced its budget for tourism following the budget discussion
- Roland Tiplady would be invited to join the Forum as LEP representative. He had a portfolio including inward investment
- Mike Varney confirmed that this was his last Forum meeting as a Cornwall Councillor. He was thanked for his contribution over the years
The Forum had made a contribution of £3k to the BID signage project out of monies that had been collected for signage. This left around £550 in the account which could be given to a suitable cause and the account closed. Suggestions for how the money should be spent included the taxi marshalls, cleaning up of town, the Street Pastors. A decision would be taken at the next meeting.
Those attending
WPC Ellie Grey and two cadets
Age Concern - Sally Stiles
Cornwall Council – Mike Varney
Cornwall Council - Charlotte Chadwick
Cornwall Marine Network - Paul Wickes
Churches Together – Neil Tinson
Falmouth and Penryn Community Plan – Christopher Smith (chair)
Falmouth Energy Partnership - Nigel Murray
Falmouth First CIC - David Pollard
Falmouth School - David Yelland
Falmouth Town Council - Oliver Cramp
Falmouth Watersports – Jackie George
National Maritime Museum Cornwall - Jonathan Griffin
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