Chairman's Report 2010-2011
in the last report that Cornwall had elected to move away from county and district councils and to amalgamate these into a Unitary Authority for Cornwall from 1st April 2009. This was a strategic move which was supposed to transform local government in Cornwall, with all services now being delivered by the single authority in partnership with the community. Despite promises at the time that a lot more ‘power’ would be devolved to Town and Parish Councils we are a long way off this in reality. There is, still however, potentially a great opportunity for local input to influence the future of our local community; I hope this is what will soon happen and that in this time of austerity, funds will be used wisely. “One
Stop Shops” for advice and services are in the old Carrick Council building in Falmouth, and within the Town Council offices in Penryn.
Sarah Willsher has been our clerk for over a year now and has settled well into her new post. Sarah is also the clerk for Mawnan Parish Council. During this period of reorganisation Budock Parish Council took the opportunity to share a council office with Mawnan Parish Council, the clerk should you wish to see her in person is available in the office within Berry’s Estate Agents in Goldmartin Square in
Mawnan Smith on Thursday and Friday mornings. (01326 251051) She is also contactable by e-mail –clerk@budockparish.net
Falmouth Town Council has recently been successful in obtaining planning permission for a new cemetery next to Budock Church. This emphasises how Budock is intermeshing with Falmouth, and demonstrates the need for us to be clear on how far we are prepared to allow our boundaries to coalesce while retaining our rural identity, that said there are great opportunities for joint working
with both Penryn and Falmouth in the future.
Hazel Perham has re-joined the Parish Council and along with Nigel Hennel gives Treverva a direct voice. Steve Cotton has also joined the Council and brought with him skills that have already been put to good use. With sadness I have to report the death of Ravenna Pengelly who joined our council following my plea for more councillors. Ravenna brought with her that vital local knowledge that can often make sense of difficult situations she will be missed very much by our community.
The role of a parish councillor has changed substantially over the years with more responsibility, accountability and time commitment, but it can be very interesting and rewarding. We currently have vacancies. It is particularly important as mentioned above to have councillors with a history of local knowledge, and also representation from the younger sector of the community. If you would like to know more about what would be involved please speak to me or the Parish Clerk.
Local community spirit has shone this year, with many actives taking place. In particular the Christmas
lights and carols gave an opportunity for people to get together. Another success story has been Budock Playing Field, where young children can let off steam and interact safely. I thank the Playing Field and Village Hall Committees for their enthusiasm and commitment. As with the Parish Council, they rely on volunteers and are always keen to find new members. Budock Garden Show has also gone from strength to strength and with a renewed interest in ‘home grown’ and allotments gives the opportunity for local gardeners to showcase their products with of course the usual friendly rivalry.
Crime and disorder is still relatively low within the Parish but this should not lead to complacency. We also have a continuing issue of vehicle speed within both Budock and Treverva and the Police will soon be undertaking speed checks within our area. Interestingly we are now under Falmouth for our policing previously being policed from Helston.
Finally I would like to place on record my thanks to all past and present members of this council and also to our County Councillor Neil Hatton for his loyalty and hard work in supporting the Parish and its community.