Via http://www.djpollard.co.uk/Latest2013.html

Happy New Year!

2012 was a very eventful and dare I say successful year for Hayle. The new year will make its own impression but we know that certain challenges are ahead:

After the success of the North Quay infrastructure we need to ensure that the next Phase of the deve,lopment of the Marine Renewables Business Park happens!! This will bring the jobs that we all desire. I know that negotiations on final funding schemes are well advanced but there is much to secure and we are all working hard to ensure that it all happens.

South Quay has all the permissions it requires so we all look forward to the delivery of the scheme as promised by ING. We need the work on the Quay walls to start, we need a signature on the agreement for the supermarket developer and we need to see the diggers on the quay starting the work. - Come on ING!!

Hayle Town Council are fully embroiled in the discussions about the transfer back of our assets and the Town Council undertaking their maintenance. For the last 20 years areas such as the Recreation Ground and KGVMW have been leased to the District and thence the Unitary Authority for maintenance purposes - although HTC owns them. Now that role will revert to the Town Council but we are working very hard to protect our interests and ensure that we can provide a better but economic service. - Not easy!! We want devolution - but not at any price!!

There is still a huge debate to be had about the future of the Harbour. Under the planning permissions there has to be consultation with he public before a decision is made. Please keep an eye out for opportunities over the next few months to have your say.

There as a recent 'consultation' about the position of any bridge linking south Quay to Penpol Terrace - again an important but difficult decision.

If you visit the memorial walk you will see that work has begun on the improvement of the footpath between the end of the walk and Lethlean Lane - along the old Railway line. This is the Council's Jubilee project and will provide a fully accessible route, as well as repairing the 1937 Railway bridge halfway along the path. After much debate we have also secured than the Memorial Walk will be traffic free on Sundays in the near future. I know that some are concerned that this is the 'thin end of the wedge' but be assured our only aim is to make the walk child friendly and safe on Sundays when it is used by many many people of all age groups.

Cornwall Council

As far as the Unitary Authority is concerned there are many challenges ahead - not the least to replace Kevin Lavery. As a cabinet member I hope to be able to play a significant part in shaping the future leadership of the Council. In terms of my portfolio, I am still working on all areas of my responsibilities to forge better processes and clear responsibilities for the next Council. This is vital if the Authority is going to become efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of the people of Cornwall - its also exciting! I share the disappointment of many that the Authority has not been as sure footed as it should have been but four years in we need to recognise two facts- one, its no good hankering after the old Districts, they are not coming back and secondly we have to be much better in the second Council than the first.

And of course - there are elections for both Hayle Town and Cornwall Council in May.

04.01.13