St Austell Chamber

Go St Austell

paul — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:41:21 +0000

Work in Progress

Drop in Days-Cornwall College St Austell

paul — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:24:10 +0000

Drop-in Days at Cornwall College St Austell

Tuesday 24^th August from 11am – 6pm and Wednesday 25^th August from 10am – 5pm

If you’re getting GCSE or A-level results this summer and want advice on what to do next at Cornwall College, help is available at our Advice Session.

Also if you’re an adult looking to return to education and training, we have an expert team of advisors on hand to help you get on track.

Find out which courses still have places available
Get help with applications, finance and transport
Talk to tutors about the wide range of courses available

To find out more call 0845 22 32 567 today.

Many thanks

Kerri

Kerri Popperwell

Marketing Executive | Cornwall College

01726 226462 | E: kerri.popperwell@cornwall.ac.uk

Breakfast Club

paul — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:03:41 +0000

The Breakfast Club due on Friday 6th August has been rearranged & will now takes place on Friday 1st of October at The White Hart 8.00am. The speaker will be Stephen Bohane Operations Manager for South West Regional Development Agency. Your chance to find out exactly whats going on & ask any questions you may have. On top of that enjoy a full English Breakfast & enjoy the company. Ring or e-mail for ticket forms.

S R Studio

paul — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:46:30 +0000

Creativity is the key, and at SRStudio Design the whole process works to fulfil the client’s marketing goals with original and workable ideas.

The business was founded and derives its name from Simon Riordan whose talent
for developing marketing strategies and conceptual designs became apparent while working as a freelance illustrator.

At SRStudio We engage with our customers, working closely with them to produce concepts that identify with their products and translate to all forms of media from print to web.

The illustrative strengths of SRStudio mean that ideas are easily described and our clients can readily engage in the design process ensuring that the finished product meets their marketing goals, on time and within budget.

SRStudio is a multidiscipline design studio based in the heart of Cornwall UK between Truro and St Austell and only a few minutes from the A30.

S R Studio

The Store

Fore Street

Grampound Road

Truro TR2 4DS

01726 883724 Graphic/Web Design

visit our web-site

Loyalty Card Relaunch

paul — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:20:56 +0000

The St Austell Chamber has taken over the Loyalty Card Scheme. The cards already in existence are still valid but a relaunch will take place in September. These schemes have been successful in other parts of the county, Falmouth, St Ives, Camborne, Hayle, Penzance and Newquay. Each town has dozens of businesses on board from pubs and cafes to hairdressers, clothes shops, jewellers and mechanics.

Here is how it works:

We provide each participating business with a St Austell Shopper sticker for the window.

Shoppers buy a loyalty card for £3, which entitles them to 10% off at all participating businesses. This money will go towards improving St Austell.

Shoppers start spending and your business will reap the rewards of customers staying local and loyal.

If you want to take part email Paul at the Chamber Office on stachamb@btconnect.com or ring the office on 01726 69094 to sign up.

Participating Retailers in St Austell Loyalty Card at present

Andy’s Flowers
Alan Leather Associates
BG Electrical
China Clay Country Park
Cloud 9 Hair Design
Crown Self Storage
Crystal Dry Cleaning
Derek Slaughter Insurance
Eden Project Shop
Eliot Marshall Signs
Kings Kebabs
Lanna Thai Market
Lollipops Sweet Shop
Mill Auto Supplies
Nicholson’s Electrical
OXFAM
Pizza Hut
Plus Two Menswear
Smorgers
St Austell Garden Centre
Subway
Talking Heads Hair and Beauty
Tengo!
Vitality Hair and Beauty
White Hart Hotel
Wilsons Jewellers
Zada Clothing

Fun Day 22nd May

paul — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:16:05 +0000

The day was organised by St Austell Chamber of Commerce as a one-off event as a contribution to Cornwall Business Week. Hundreds of people turned out for the family event. As part of the day award winning jugglers & stilt walkers roamed around the town as well as a fitness workout from Polkyth Leisure Centre. But the main attraction of the day was a Mass Dance organised by Cornwall College, St Austell, ably co-ordinated by Jo Plester. After a demonstration from students of the college over 50 dancers took part in the Mass Dance. It was a good event-a lot of people got involved and the weather really helped.

Debate on the Future of St Austell

paul — Fri, 21 May 2010 12:54:21 +0000

On Tuesday 18th May a debate took place at the White River Cinema on the future of St Austell. Organised by St Austell Chamber as their contribution to Cornwall Business Week it took the form of four presentations & a question & answer session. Paul Scott Chairman of the Chamber introduced the speakers, Debbie Wiltshire (St Austell College)on Employment & Training, Sam Weller (Cornwall Hotel) on Tourism, John Hodkin (Eco-Bos) on the impact of the Eco Towns & Jeremy Harvey (Coodes) on the MCTI Plan. Afterwards James Staughton ( St Austell Brewery) chaired the Question Time he introduced Paul Masters (Cornwall Council) & Jacky Swain (The Beach) on to the panel. Questions came thick & fast & after an hour James brought the debate to a close. We were then treated to an absolutely superb buffet provided by Malcolm Harris of The Cafe Academy. From the feed back we got afterwards the 70 people who attended left well fed & well informed.

Comments:-

Thanks Paul and well done on a highly successful event on Tuesday.

Sam Weller

I thought Tuesday’s event went really well. The venue was ideal for the debate, the speakers spoke well and kept to their time slots with James Staughton doing an excellent job of chairing the debate. The catering received many compliments and I only heard positive comments about the day. David Pooley

Well done Paul for yesterday’s event. A reasonable turnout in the end. I hope that you are pleased with the outcome. Jeremy Harvey

I found the meeting both informative and very interesting. May I also congratulate you on choosing an excellent venue and providing an excellent lunch. Peter Crawford

Photograghs by Jennette Scott

Fun Day 22nd May

paul — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:47:24 +0000

On Saturday 22nd May the Chamber is hosting a Fun Day in St Austell Town. Taking part will be Polkth with Fitness Fun in Biddicks Court, Circus Skills in Fore Street, Music & Flash Mob in Aylmer Square organised by St Austell College & The Eden Project in White River Place. This will take place between 11.00am & 4.00pm, the Flash Mob will take place at 1.00pm, something not to be missed.

The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

paul — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:31:09 +0000

Pentewan Road

Tregorrick

St Austell PL26 7AB

Hotel Spa & Estate 01726 874050

visit our web-site

MCTI Plan

paul — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:53:51 +0000

St Austell MCTi

P2

Strategic Action Plan from Roger Preston,

Chair of St Austell Bay Market and Coastal

Towns initiative.

Welcome to the St Austell Bay CommunityP3

Executive SummaryP4

initiative – the process

Section 1 Market and Coastal TownsP5

Section 2 Our VisionP6-7

Section 3 Making it happen……Strategic proposals towards achieving this vision

P8

and strategies

Section 4 Key documents programmesP9

Section 5 Community ConsultationP10-11

Section 6 EnvironmentAim

Strategic Objective

Character and Vitality of the Town

Making St Austell a Sustainable Town

The Countryside

The Cycle Trails

P12-13

Section 7 EconomyAim

Strategic Objectives

Employment

Retail and Town Centre Services

Commercial and Industrial Property Needs

Business Support

Aggregates

Par Docks

P14-15

Section 8 Leisure and CultureAim

Strategic Objectives

Sport and Leisure

Culture and the Arts

Facilities and Venues

P16-17

Section 9 Social and CommunityAim

Strategic Objectives

Young People

Older People

Children

Migrant Workers

Housing and Homelessness

Community Facilities

P18-19

Section 10 InfrastructureAim

Strategic Objectives

Rail

Road

Bus Routes

Cycle Trails

Transport Hub

Schools

Healthcare

P20

Section 11 ImplementationP21

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 Key Documents and Strategies

Appendix 2 Community Consultation

Appendix 3 Economy

Appendix 4 Environment

Appendix 5 Leisure and Culture

Appendix 6 Social and Community

Appendix 7 Infrastructure

Appendix 8 Implementation

Section 12 Acknowledgements(on attached CD Rom)Contents

Photograph by Cornwall Marine Network

MCTI booklet final.indd 1 11/7/08 16:06:31

St Austell MCTi St Austell MCTi

The Market and Coastal Towns initiative

(MCTi) is an innovative community-based

independent regeneration programme

for market and coastal towns and their

surrounding areas. It is led by and driven

forward by communities and at the heart

of the initiative is the preparation by

local people of a long term community

strategic plan.

The St Austell Market and Coastal Towns vision is to

‘make St Austell, a vibrant and exciting place to live,

work and play’

St Austell plan has identified strategic proposals

towards achieving this vision which addresses its

five key themes: Environment, Economy, Leisure and

Culture, Social and Community and Infrastructure.

The plan identifies the need for the development and

implementation of

. Through extensive consultation, the‘A Green Charter for St Austell’as a core element of achieving its vision recognising

that St Austell has the opportunity to change the way

in which it is perceived by becoming a beacon of

sustainable development and sustainable principles

in and around the town. This Green Charter sets

out a statement of intent outlining the principles of

sustainable development and positive actions that the

town wishes to achieve and which it will encourage

local residents, public, private and voluntary businesses

and organisations, schools and colleges to sign up to.

By adhering to the town’s green principles the plan

proposes the development of an integrated transport

system that is environmentally sound and economically

sustainable, enabling easy access in and out of the

town through rail, road and cycle links providing the

main transport infrastructure support for the proposed

future development for the town and surrounding area.

It also identifies the need to raise the financial

prosperity of local people through appropriate training

and employment opportunities, attracting new business

to the town and creating initiatives to support small

and developing local businesses.

We need to build on existing leisure and

culture services, thereby creating a

healthy community, recognising

and celebrating our heritage,

encouraging the development

of new services and providing

more support for clubs so

that the local community

can have more opportunity to participate in and enjoy

sports and culture in and around St Austell.

It is important that the future development of

St Austell recognises the special character of the

town and needs of the community, enhancing

the availability of employment, housing (including

social and affordable housing), training and education,

community facilities and social care. It is also essential

that the development is managed in such a way as

to reduce deprivation and enhance quality of life

and opportunity.

It also identifies the importance of ensuring that the

town and surrounding areas have sufficient schools,

hospitals and appropriate healthcare provision to

support the anticipated increase in population.

In order for the St Austell MCTi Community Strategic

Plan to have significant influence it will have to be

a “living document” that is owned by local people,

monitored by community stakeholders and revised by

further community engagement.

The current structure being developed for the unitary

authority offers an opportunity for the plan to have

a strategic influence and to guide the work of the

Community Network Area. It is important that the

unitary authority adopts the St Austell MCTi Strategic

Plan as the St Austell Parish action plan. This will

provide the necessary local ownership and focus for

meetings between statutory bodies and participatory

organisations, thereby increasing the likelihood of

community aspirations being achieved.

Executive Summary

Welcome to the St Austell Bay Community

Strategic Action Plan from Roger Preston,

Chair of St Austell Bay Market and

Coastal Towns initiative

Preparing this document has provided an opportunity

to explore, with the community, how the future might

be shaped to make St Austell an inspiring place to live

work and play. The plan takes us from where we are to

where we want to be in 20 years’ time, developing and

improving along the way.

St Austell has a population of about 23,000 and

is the largest single town in Cornwall. It forms the

natural hub for the China Clay area and the beautiful

coastal stretch of the Mevagissey and St Austell Bay.

The population has a higher than average number

of older people with a correspondingly lower number

of people in the working age group. The economic

decline of the traditional industries, particularly china

clay, has resulted in lower than average wage levels

and reduced business investment.

This has affected the retail and service sectors

of the area. The delays in delivering the new

town centre have also had a negative

impact on the perception of the town

to both local inhabitants and the

population at large.

This plan sees these issues as problems of the past,

it recognises that St Austell has a bright future and

must grasp the opportunities being offered. The area

has been granted special status and is attracting

significant funding from a number of sources. To

make best use of this funding, sound, environmentally

sustainable plans must be produced that are based on

the needs and aspirations of the community.

The redevelopment of some of St Austell town centre

will be completed soon but there is still a need to

improve other parts of the town in a way that delivers

the economic and social necessities of the community.

The natural assets of the area are still here and are as

valuable as they always have been.

The MCTi challenge has been to encourage local

people to recognise the huge assets of St Austell and

work together to find solutions to the current social,

economic and environmental issues. The following

plan was produced after 18 months of wide ranging

consultation and derives its value and strength by

representing the views, needs and aspirations of the

people of the St Austell area.

It offers support to existing actions and an innovative

and refreshing approach to new projects that will

enhance our daily lives and offer better prospects for

us all.

Welcome

MCTI booklet final.indd 2-3 11/7/08 16:06:41

St Austell MCTi St Austell MCTi

The Market and Coastal Towns

initiative is an innovative

regeneration programme for

market and coastal towns and

their surrounding areas. It is led

by the communities themselves

and requires all those involved

to think and work differently.

At the heart of the initiative is the preparation

by local people of a long term community

strategic plan covering the social, economic,

environmental and cultural futures of their

towns and surrounding rural area and the

provision of support to enable such plans to

be implemented.

St Austell is one of the last three towns in

Cornwall to go through the process, the plan

will give the town an opportunity to become an

integral part of the decision making process

and the voice of the local community.

In spring and summer 2007 a steering group

was formed to take the St Austell MCTi

forward, it then worked to set out the vision

and key issues for the area. As part of this

process, five theme groups were established:

Economy; Environment; Infrastructure; Social

and Community; Leisure and Culture to explore

the ideas expressed at our launch event and

develop aims and strategies to deal with them.

We set up a number of consultation events,

and opportunities for people to suggest and

respond to proposals in a variety of different

ways. We also consulted with a broad range of

agencies and statutory bodies to ensure that we

were as fully informed as possible throughout

the process.

Through consultation, each of the theme

groups has highlighted a range of ideas,

initiatives and proposals. Some of these

are already underway others will take

more time to establish.

This plan has been prepared by the

community for the community and

is a “living plan” that will continue

to engage people to improve on

what has been started. The unitary

authority changes provide an

opportunity for the plan to have

a strategic influence and be

taken forward as part of the

new Community Network Area

which will put in place a range of locally

based processes providing the basis for local

decision making and community engagement

to influence local services. It will adopt

the St Austell MCTi Strategic Plan as the

foundation for the local action plan thereby

increasing the likelihood of community

aspirations being achieved.

For this plan to be successfully implemented

it needs to play a significant role in the

Community Network Area. However, it is also

important that the Community Network Area

recognises the work that has already been

undertaken and adopts the St Austell

MCTi Strategic Plan as the foundation

the St Austell and China Clay parishes.

This will provide local opportunities

to review the role of the St Austell

Partnership and St Austell Forum

thereby increasing the likelihood

of community aspirations

being achieved.

Section 1

Market & Coastal Towns initiative – The ProcessIn 2030 people will be saying…

“St Austell is an inspiring

place to live. We have a

diverse economy that reflects

the town’s historic past and

embraces a wider range of

industries. We are ensuring

that all that we do is sensitive

to the impact it has on our

environment. We have a

well rounded community

that makes full use of our

excellent leisure and cultural

facilities. We make the

most of all our resources;

our people’s skills, our land,

geography and heritage.

And finally, our infrastructure

(housing, transport and

facilities) has been adapted and

developed to the changing nature

of the town”.

It will be brought about by…

• the development of quality eco–friendly

offices central to St Austell and particularly

central to the railway station

• public realm works in the town which will

limit the conflict between pedestrians

and vehicles

• the provision of appropriate business space

at an affordable price to accommodate new

businesses in the town

• opportunities for training and education to

meet the requirements of employers

• the development of a business network

providing practical support and networks

for new and established businesses

• the development of a marina offering soughtafter

facilities for many aspects of maritime

activity that focuses attention on the coastal

qualities of the St Austell area

• processing of secondary aggregate to provide

another essential industry in the area

• the development of a sustainable green

charter for St Austell that provides

guidelines for all developers and businesses

and schools, the college and other

organisations

• the development of green energy supplies and

sources of renewable energy, such as wind

and solar

• preserving and enhancing green spaces

• preserving and enhancing restored and

refurbished historic buildings

• enhancing shop fronts

• the development of a regular FARMA

accredited local produce market

• the provision of signage, information boards

and leaflets to explain the heritage of the town

and surrounding area

• the ongoing development of cycle trails with better

signage, and improvements to established routes

• the development of an annual festival or carnival

• the provision of adequate property available

through existing or new housing trusts

• expansion of community (social) enterprise

• expansion of children’s centres

• the development of a range of professional

and commercial educational courses at higher

education level

• the development of integrated health care

facilities offering a range of health and

community services

• increased community and green spaces suitable

for all to enjoy and to support

• appropriate support for migrant workers, travellers

and gypsies

• increase in foster care places

• more facilities for people recovering from alcohol

and substance misuse

• improvement of services aimed at eliminating

homelessness

• development of allotments – particularly across

the China Clay area – with composting and other

innovative energy saving schemes

• development of an eco rail system servicing the

China Clay and St Austell area

• development of a link between the A30 at Innis

Moor and St Austell via the North East

distributor road

• development of an integrated traffic hub on the

Sedgemoor / Priory car park site providing parking

and connections for the A30 link

• provision of an additional secondary school

situated adjacent to the eco transport system and

cycle routes in reducing the traffic at peak times

• development of China Clay haul roads to create a

link from either the above road or from the A30 to

the Blackpool area

• development of an upgraded link from the top of

the North East distributor road to Priory car park

• development of a Community Sports Network and

world class facilities

• a cultural community where art is accessible to

all, through the continued work of local agencies,

celebrating our strong links and heritage to the

China Clay industry

This plan is driven by the assumption of an all

inclusive approach to all current and future members

of our community.

Section 2 Our Vision

MCTI booklet final.indd 4-5 11/7/08 16:06:49

St Austell MCTi

Strategic proposals towards achieving

our vision:

Development of a business network

(see section 7)Next steps:

providing practical support and networks for new and

established businesses.

the development of strong partnershipKey Partners:

Development Agenc

Cornwall

Development Company

Private sector South West Regionaly Learning and Skills Council EnterpriseSt Austell Chamber of Commerce CornwallDevelopment of a Marina

(see section 7)Next steps:

sought-after facilities for many aspects of maritime activity that

focuses attention on the coastal qualities of the St Austell area.

to support the development of a marina offeringKey Partners:

Imerys South West Regional Development AgencyPrivate sector

Development of a ‘green’ charter for St Austell

(see section 6)

Next steps:

partnership to secure funding and take project forward.

to research other successful models, form a strongKey Partners:

sector

(St Austell)

Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Network PrivatePrimary and secondary schools Cornwall CollegeParish councilsDevelopment of green energy supplies and sources of

renewable energy, such as wind and solar

(see section 6)

Next steps:

a strong partnership to secure funding and take the

project forward.

to research other successful models, formKey Partners:

Energy Partnership

Unitary council Cornwall SustainableTown and parish councilsTransition St Austell

Development Agency

South West RegionalDevelopment of an annual festival or carnival

(see section 6 & 8)

Next steps:

this project forward, lobby for support and

secure funding.

to develop a steering group to takeKey partners:

Local businesses Parish councilsChamber of commerce

& Cornwall College (St Austell)

Police Local schoolsRestormel ArtsSt Austell Forum

Development of community and green spaces

(see section 6)

Next steps:

exactly which community and green spaces we wish

to create. Engage partners to help deliver this project.

undertake a mapping exercise to identifyKey Partners:

schools

Groundwork Police Parish councils LocalEden Project Community NetworkProvision of adequate housing for local people

(see section 9)

Next steps:

and residents’ associations, agree on the best way forward

to secure land and funding.

consult with existing agencies, housing trustsKey partners:

Association

Community Housing Trust

Ocean Housing Devon and Cornwall HousingUnitary council Residents’ associations WessexDevelopment of community (social) enterprise

(see section 9)

Next steps:

individuals and groups and form partnerships to support the

development of each social enterprise.

identify community need, identify interestedKey partners:

Social Entrepreneurs (Cornwall)

Partnership NHS Trust

Groundwork Pentreath Industries School forEden Project Resolve CornwallDevelopment of community allotments, composting and other

innovative energy saving schemes

(see section 6 & 9)

Next steps:

to establish the model. Develop a community lead steering

group and work with partners to support the group with

expertise, labour and resources.

in the first instance, work with one communityKey partners:

councils

Local community Groundwork Imerys ParishEden ProjectDevelopment of an eco rail system servicing the China

Clay and St Austell area

(see section 10)Next steps:

feasibility study into the proposal.

to secure the funding to undertake a fullKey partners:

Regional Development Agency

(Friends of the Atlantic Coast Line)

Imerys Unitary council South WestNetwork Rail FOCALDevelopment of St Austell as a cultural

community

(see section 8)Next steps:

community arts strategy.

to support the development of aKey partners:

Restormel Arts Unitary councilCreative Skills Organisation

Parish councilsCreate a development corridor by an

improved road link from the A30 at Innis

Moor to St Austell via the North East

distributor road

N

(see section 10)ext Steps: Lobby the appropriate authorities.Key Partners:

council

Highways Authority UnitaryDevelopment agenciesDevelop an integrated traffic hub on part of

the Sedgemoor/Priory site to form the main

access route to the town and provide an

interchange for car, bus, eco rail and cycle

transport

(see section 10)Next Steps:

Planning Authority and Development Agencies.

Consult with the site owners,Key Partners:

Unitary council Land ownersDevelopment agencies

Making it happen…

Section 3Watercolour painting by Derek Oldfield NDD showing an articulated PPM railcar (photo: Parry People Movers)

MCTI booklet final.indd 6-7 11/7/08 16:07:53

St Austell MCTi St Austell MCTi

This Community Strategic Action Plan

has been developed taking existing

research and documentation into

account. An exhaustive document search

was undertaken and the most important

are listed here:

Imerys – Clay Country Vision

(Terence O’Rourke 2008)

• In excess of 700 hectares is available

for regeneration

• Focus on job creation

• Opportunities for business, leisure and housing

• New and improved infrastructure, transport,

health, education etc

• Partnership with key organisations

• High level of sustainability

More detail regarding this plan can be found at

www.claycountryvision.imerys.com

Restormel Borough Council St Austell and

St. Blazey Area Strategy and Restormel

Borough Council Clay Area Strategy

(May 2008)

These two documents are primary economic

development documents. The plans set out how in the

next twenty years the area can develop in order that

people live in thriving communities with access to

good quality jobs within an attractive environment.

• Encourage the establishment of industries and

services in growing sectors

• Increase the range of training opportunities

• Derelict land to be brought back into

productive use

• Transportation solutions to allow the area

to function

• All of the above to be done in a

sustainable manner

More detail regarding this plan can be found at

www.restormel.gov.uk

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Convergence Programme

(2007–2013)

In 1999, Cornwall (with the Isles of Scilly) was

classified as an Objective One region and given

access to £350m support from the European

Union. This funding allowed Cornwall to invest in a

new and lasting prosperity and revive a struggling

economy. Six years later, the investment cycle of

the Objective One programme is complete. Despite

the improvements brought by this funding, Cornwall

has again been identified as having a relatively weak

economy compared to the European average. The area

has therefore been awarded EU Convergence Status

worth £415m over the period 2007-2013. These

funds from the European Union (EU) will continue to

help develop the local economy and move it closer to

the EU average.

Convergence funds will be targeted on activities

which help to:

1. Promote innovation and knowledge transfer

(European Regional Development Fund)

2. Stimulate enterprise and business development

(European Regional Development Fund)

3. Improve accessibility band connectivity

(European Regional Development Fund)

4. Tackle barriers to employment (European

Social Fund) and

5. Improve the skills of the local workforce

(European Social Fund)

More detail regarding the Convergence

Programme can be found on

www.southwestrda.org.uk

For a full list of documents,

strategies and programmes

used to inform this plan

please refer to the

appendices.

Consultation for the St Austell Market

and Coastal Town Community Plan is

an ongoing process. As the plan has

developed we have consulted with a wide

range of people across the community,

business and public sectors

The following shows the consultation

undertaken:

Section 4 Key Documents, Strategies and Programmes

Section 5

Community ConsultationThe Market and Coastal Towns initiative has consulted

with many groups and individuals including the

following: the local community; local schools; Cornwall

College; Link into Learning; local businesses;

the voluntary and community sector; St Austell

Partnership; St Austell Chamber of Commerce;

the Churches; Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly PCT;

Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust; the police and

local government.

Date Event/Meeting Venue

August 2007 MCTi Launch St Austell Community Fun Day

- Truro Road Park

November 2007 St Austell

December 2007 Late night Christmas shopping Fore Street St Austell

January 2008 Ward Members meeting The Engine House

February 2008 St Austell Community Bishop Bronescombe School

Consultative Committee Meeting

April 2008 St Austell Guardian – 4 page spread

Radio St Austell Bay St Austell Rugby Club

St Austell Partnership meeting St Austell Brewery

- presentation

MCTI booklet final.indd 8-9 11/7/08 16:08:01

10

St Austell MCTi St Austell MCTi 11Aim: To make St Austell the green

capital of Cornwall through the support

and implementation of a range of

initiatives encouraging businesses and

residents alike to take up the challenge

and make changes to their everyday

lives for the greater good of the town

and its wider environment.

Strategic Objectives

• Develop a green charter for St Austell

• Develop a town centre eco friendly office block

• Creating green leisure spaces, especially for

young people

• Support the principles of Transition St Austell

• Celebrate the distinctive character of the town

Character and Vitality of the Town

The regeneration of St Austell town centre, White

River Place and the Civic Pride project will offer

a number of benefits to local people and visitors

alike and the hope is that the town will regain some

of its former glory and become an inspiring and

thriving place to live, work and play. It is vital that

a consistent approach is adopted in terms of street

furniture (benches, signage, street lighting etc) so

the new development fits seamlessly with the

existing town.

St Austell has a number of landmarks and distinctive

buildings which reflect the historic core of the town.

Two of the most notable and celebrated buildings are

the Market House which was founded in 1842 and

Holy Trinity Church, a listed building that dates back

to 1259.

The St Austell MCTi supports the preservation,

restoration and refurbishment of valuable historic

buildings in the town.

MCTi Proposals:

• the preservation, restoration and refurbishment

of valuable historic buildings in the town

• preservation and promotion of the town’s

architecture (particularly that above street level)

and enhancement of shop fronts

• the use of above-shop space in the town to

provide homes

• the enhancement of the gateways to the town

including the railway station, bus depots etc

• signage to inform visitors and residents about

the historical aspects of the town

• signage, information boards and leaflets

explaining the heritage of the town

and surrounding area

Making St Austell a Sustainable Town

St Austell has an opportunity to change the way

in which it is perceived and to create a new image

based on some fundamental credentials that will

set it apart. St Austell can be put firmly on the map

by being a beacon for sustainable development and

principles in and around the town. White River Place

is already breaking new ground with the developers

utilising the knowledge of those who have worked

on the Eden Project to incorporate similar ideas into

the town centre development. These will set a new

standard for sustainable retail development and

should be built on with all new developments whether

they are residential or business-based.

MCTi Proposals:

• the development of a sustainable ‘green’ charter

for St Austell which will include guidelines for all

developers and businesses operating in and

around the town

• support, encourage and promote the creation of

new green energy supplies and sources such as

wind farms, solar farms etc

• create a strong brand as a marketing plan

• work closely with schools (primary and secondary)

and the college, encouraging them to take pride

in their town and sign up to the green charter

• the preservation and enhancements of green

spaces including, parks and gardens,

roundabouts on entrance to the town, the

bus/rail station

• the development of cycle trails to ensure

adequate cycle route links from each of the

proposed eco-town developments and safe routes

to school

• support the initiative to make St Austell a plastic

bag-free town

• work closely with The Cornwall Sustainable

Tourism Project (CoaST) to encourage tourism

businesses in the area to become ‘greener’ and

promote those businesses which already support

green ideals

• support St Austell’s bid to become a Fair

Trade Town

• support the principles of St Austell

becoming a Transition Town

• introduce community allotments in

St Austell and Clay Country

• development of a regular local

FARMA accredited local

produce market

The Countryside

St Austell’s environment is unique – to the north of the

town sits the China Clay area while to the south, the

beautiful coast line and hidden coves provide a very

beautiful contrast. This should be taken advantage of and

celebrated by the local community. It is the environment

which gives the area its character and should be utilised

to its full potential to affirm our community identity.

This means making it accessible as well as preserving it

so that it can be retained in its full glory. More can and

will be done to ensure that conservation areas, including

parts of the World Heritage Sites and parts of the Areas

of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are preserved,

enhanced and promoted.

MCTi Proposals:

An annual festival or carnival to celebrate the town’s

‘green’ ideals, its cultural and historical and links with

the China Clay industry strengthening the town’s

sense of community and identity.

The Cycle Trails

The existing Cycle Trails are a huge resource and asset

linking St Austell with the China Clay area. The surface

of the trails is mainly gravel making them easy for walking

and cycling and most are suitable for horse riding. Trails

and pathways can also be used by electric mobility

scooters, making beautiful areas of Cornwall which were

previously inaccessible, available to a wider group of

outdoor enthusiasts.

MCTi Proposals:

• the development of cycle trails to ensure there are

adequate cycle route links from each of the proposed

eco-town developments into the town

• make signage and bike racks available in the

town centre

• the development of cycle routes between St Austell

town centre, Pentewan cycle trail, Charlestown and

Carlyon Bay.

Green Charter

A decision was made by the MCTi steering group to

use the resources of consultants to develop a Green

Charter for St Austell. The extensive consultation for the

Community Plan highlighted issues of concern in the town

which adhering to the Green Charter principles will help to

address cutting across the five key themes central to the

plan including environment, economy, leisure and culture,

social and community and infrastructure.

This Green Charter is in line with St Austell’s core

objectives and is for any resident, business or other

organisation operating in and around St Austell to sign

up to. The Charter will be a partnership between the

St Austell MCTi, and local people and organisations

who will work together to benefit the environment

and to make St Austell an inspiring place to

work, live and play.

Please refer to appendix 4 on the CD

Rom to view the full St Austell Green

Charter report.

Section 6 Environment

MCTI booklet final.indd 10-11 11/7/08 16:08:09

12

St Austell MCTi St Austell MCTi 13Aim: To make St Austell an inspiring

place to live and work, raise the financial

prosperity of local people through

appropriate training and development

opportunities, attract new business to

the town while supporting small and

developing local businesses.

Strategic Objectives

• To increase the number and variety of jobs

available in St Austell

• To raise the average salary in and around the

St Austell MCTi area

• To create more appropriate business

accommodation in the town in line with

eco objectives

• To attract investment in the town and

surrounding area

• To provide a support mechanism for new and

existing business

• To offer enterprise and training opportunities for

key cluster industries specifically; IT and media;

creative arts and new tech industries; food and

drink industry; medical and healthcare industry.

Employment

We are aware that key sector industries are attracted

to St Austell and its surrounding area due to its

central Cornwall location, national rail links and

proximity to the A30. The concentration of a

workforce trained to a high standard in these and

other sector-specific key skills would be a very

attractive proposition.

MCTi Proposals:

• that a survey needs to be undertaken to establish

what skill sectors local employers need to fill

vacancies appropriately, and what links need to

be forged with local schools and Cornwall College

(St Austell) to ensure these needs are met.

• development of training and education to meet

the identified industry cluster requirements for

Cornwall/St Austell.

Retail and Town Centre Services

In the past there has been a move to more out-oftown

business and office developments. However,

consultation undertaken by the MCTi suggests

that employers are concerned about travel-to-work

costs and regard the reliability of public transport

as a serious barrier to attracting people to work.

Consequently there is a desire to move back to town

centre work premises. In addition, our consultation

revealed that a town location for offices reduces the

need for the employer to offer additional services to

staff like a café and rest areas as staff are able to

walk to local cafes and restaurants thereby reducing

employer costs and supporting the town’s daytime

and early evening economy.

Research undertaken on behalf of

Restormel Borough Council (which included

a shopper survey) indicated a fairly negative view

of the town centre and the range and quality of the

services that it currently offers. This led to a relatively

short length of visit to the town centre and a relatively

low spend per visit. A number of key issues are raised

by that report, which should be addressed.

The new development of the town centre will help.

This includes a planned “adventure hotel”, which will

serve to bring more people into the centre for reasons

other than shopping or business.

MCTi Proposals:

• developments proposed in the Grimley report

on the northern and southern side of Fore Street

e.g. Sedgemoor / Priory car park be considered

seriously and if possible brought forward.

• further public realm works in the town which

will minimise the conflict between pedestrians

and vehicles

• business support and advice available to the town

centre businesses to enable them to make the

most of the opportunities presented by the

developments within and around the centre

• an action plan prepared to respond to the issues

raised by the Restormel Borough Council

Grimley report

• encourage businesses to gain assistance from

Cornwall Retail Skills

Commercial and Industrial Property

Needs

Through consultation the MCTi has identified that

many of the established businesses located within

the town are operating out of small and outdated

accommodation often from a number of buildings.

This hinders business growth and development. In

addition, office space needs to be made available for

those businesses wishing to locate to St Austell.

MCTi Proposals:

• additional purpose built eco-friendly office space

is made available to keep existing businesses in

the town

• offer appropriate business space, at an

affordable price to accommodate new businesses

in the town

• provide the opportunity for smaller independent

retailers and traders to locate in the town thereby

offering cultural diversity and a greater experience

for the shopper/visitor to the area

• ensure a mix of retail, office and residential

property available to help create a vibrant town

with a sense of community, independence and

cultural pride

• support the development of mixed business

unit development at Nanpean.

Business

Support

The need for funding and

support to small businesses

in the St Austell is key to

the economy of the area.

In light of comments made to

us, the MCTi is aware of concerns

regarding the role of the RDA with

regard to small business support

and document that as a government

organisation should be considerably more

accommodating to the needs of business

and small business in particular.

MCTi Proposals:

To develop a Mid Cornwall Business Network

to provide a range of support services for the start

up, expansion and success rate of small to medium

size businesses in St Austell.

Aggregates

provide a valuable resource for secondary aggregates

and their use fits well with the green aspirations of

the St Austell Plan and those of the Government. The

introduction of the aggregates’ levy, now standing at

£1.95/tonne demonstrates the Government’s desire to

reduce the amount of primary aggregate used and this levy

increases regularly. A decade or so ago the industry was

under considerable pressure to increase the use of waste

for secondary aggregates so as to reduce the amount of

land required for tipping.

The removal of some of the tips would have a number of

advantages for the area.

• It would create an industry which would provide a

wide range of jobs most of them being at or above

average wage levels

• The land liberated could then be used for any form of

desirable development and is generally reasonably

close to the villages

• The revenue generated would support the

infrastructure of the area.

• Develop a rail-connected site within the centre of the

clay area and close to the existing rail network to

process the waste material. Most of the aggregate

would be transferred to Fowey by rail for export

• Provide storage at Fowey so as not to conflict with the

clay operations

• Separate

valuable

minerals during

processing to create a

high tech, high value industry.

- The waste tips of the china clay industryMCTi Proposal

Lobby Government and industry to encourage the use

of this material thereby creating a project of great

value to the area.

Par Docks

According to the Clay Country Vision (O’Rourke 2008),

a hub of activity could be created around the water’s

edge. Residential development will offer a mix of housing

and create year-round vitality on the site. Business light

industrial units and a local boatyard will ensure mixeduse

development providing employment opportunities and

tourism facilities.

MCTi Proposal:

In the mid to long term of this plan, industrial operations

should be closed down and the entire port should be

regenerated as a marina and for other leisure activities.

Economy

Section 7MCTI booklet final.indd 12-13 11/7/08 16:08:19

14

St Austell MCTi St Austell MCTi 15MCTi Proposals:

• support the development of a community

arts strategy to improve and enhance art projects,

performances and exhibitions at all levels

• the development of an independent arts agency

to support arts groups and organisations in and

around St Austell

• increase the number of people participating in arts

at all levels in and around St Austell

• provide help to arts groups and organisations in

and around St Austell to apply for grants available

both nationally and regionally

• encourage the development of arts events

and festivals

• provide support for heritage groups and build

links between them and arts groups in and around

the town

• build more links between social care groups and

arts organisations in and around the town

Facilities and Venues:

Consultation carried out by the MCTi revealed a

perceived lack of venues for sports, leisure, arts and

community use. There have also been calls for more to

be done to celebrate the rich history of the town. More

needs to be done to improve the facilities which are

available to the community.

MCTi Proposals:

• support the development of a community centre

in the centre of St Austell

• support the development of a town museum/

heritage trails for the town

• support the development of a multi-function

community arts centre

Sport and Leisure

St Austell and the China Clay Area already have

a wealth of sporting clubs and facilities. However

participation in sport has been decreasing in recent

times and national and regional projects have made it

a priority to encourage more participation in sport and

leisure activities, particularly among younger people

and older people. To help build on the opportunities

which already exist in St Austell a Community Sports

Network has been proposed. This will take advantage

of Poltair School’s status as a specialist sports college

and build on the school sports network that has been

established there.

The MCTi supports the proposal for the development

of new and improved sports facilities to support the

development of gifted sportsmen and women and to

provide first-class facilities for the community.

MCTi Proposals:

• raise awareness of sport and recreational facilities,

clubs and associations in and around St Austell

• increase level of participation in sports –

particularly among under 20s and over 50s

• increase the number of people volunteering

in sport

• establish a programme of volunteer and coach

development schemes

• provide help to clubs so that they can apply for

grants available for sports organisations both

nationally and regionally

• build links between sports clubs and health

organisations

• develop new sport facilities and improve

existing facilities

Culture and the Arts

Arts have long been recognised as a good way of

bringing together different sections of the community

and particularly in encouraging participation among

young people in community activities. They are also

widely recognised as being a good and direct way of

helping those who are vulnerable or with disabilities

engage with the wider community and build their

self-confidence.

There are already a wide range of art groups and

organisations in and around St Austell which provide

a broad range of events and performances all-year

round. Restormel Arts has provided a lot of support for

many organisations and groups, but a more cohesive

approach is needed to encourage more members of

the community to participate and engage with arts in

the locality. More should also be done to encourage

touring art groups to visit St Austell and perform here.

More should also be done to build on Brannel School’s

status as a specialist performing arts college to

encourage more arts participation in the community.

The rich history of St Austell and the surrounding area

could also be used to stimulate and influence arts

projects in and around the town for the community.

The MCTi has proposed that a community arts strategy

could provide a clear process for how arts provision in

and around St Austell could be enhanced.

Section 8 Leisure and Culture

provide more

support for art

organisations

working in and

around St Austell

and the China

Clay Area

develop a

multi-functional

community

arts centre

develop a

first class centre

of excellence

for sport

Strategic

objectives

support the

development of

a community

sports network

engage more

people to take

part in sporting

activities

Aim: To build on existing leisure

and culture services, encourage the

development of new services and provide

more support for clubs so that the local

community can have more opportunity

to participate in and enjoy sports and

culture in and around St Austell.

develop a

community

carnival and/or

festival

develop a

community arts

strategy

provide more

community arts

opportunities

MCTI booklet final.indd 14-15 11/7/08 16:08:56

16

St Austell MCTi St Austell MCTi 17Aim: To ensure that future development

of St Austell recognises the special

character and needs of the community and

enhances the availability of employment,

housing (including social and affordable

housing), training and education,

community facilities and social care

and that the development is managed in

such a way as to reduce deprivation and

enhance quality of life and opportunity.

Strategic Objectives

• Ensure the provision of employment opportunities

which provide job satisfaction, adequate reward,

suitable hours and progression opportunities

• Ensure the provision of appropriate leisure

opportunities for all sectors of the community

• Ensure the provision of first class local health

facilities including access to dentists, primary

and secondary healthcare. Develop St Austell

Community Hospital to meet local need and to

reduce travel. Encourage innovative approaches

to preventative healthcare and ensure that there

is good quality support available for carers

• Access to varied, good quality local retail and other

sales outlets

• Access to good quality appropriate, eco-friendly

integrated transport systems

• Plan for education and training opportunities

to meet the skill requirements of new and existing

employers thus ensuring young people do not need

to migrate for education or employment

opportunities

• Provision of retraining opportunities for all ages

and groups of the community

• Integrate migrant workers into the community

by providing adequate information/facilities and

appropriate public services

• Set up (or provide more support for existing

mechanisms) to provide affordable housing for

local people

• Develop social enterprises to help address social

and community need especially for people

recovering from mental ill-health or those with

significant periods of unemployment

• Ensure expert and readily available advice and

guidance on financial management is available for

those with debt management problems

• Electronic communication facilities and training

for all – particularly older people in their homes

• Ensure crime levels are reduced sufficiently to

reduce fear of crime

• Specific facilities for people with special needs/

disabilities and for the increasing number of

people living in our community from ethnic

minority groups

• Good quality voluntary services, speedily accessible

electronically or face-to-face including library

services, advice and guidance

Young People

The culture of youth has changed to the detriment

of the community and the frustration of many young

people. We need to work with young people to plan how

best to meet their needs for the benefit of all in the

community.

MCTi Proposals:

• explore ways of ensuring that our young people

have the best and most appropriate educational

opportunities available. Higher education

opportunities should be encouraged to locate

in St Austell to maximise economic, social,

community and employment opportunities.

• provision of more youth activities particularly at the

weekend/evenings ensuring that these are planned

with young people’s input and are designed to help

increase the residents’ personal safety both at

home and in the community and to assist in

decreasing crime rates.

Older People

Many older people live unfulfilled and lonely lives and

as a community we need to proactively ensure that they

have the opportunity to become functional, committed

members of our community drawing on their skills and

experiences. We also need to ensure that fear of crime

does not affect their lives adversely.

MCTi Proposals:

• put in place a variety of leisure, recreational and

health maintenance opportunities for older

members of our community which may require the

development of an Older People’s Forum in

St Austell.

• specialist health provision e.g. podiatry; geriatric

services; dementia services

• support for those caring for others

• support for carers

• suitable and appropriate housing and

accommodation

• paid or unpaid employment opportunities

• good integrated affordable transport links

Children

Children are our future: we must ensure that family life

is the best possible for all sectors of our community

with good quality education, housing, care and support

services in place to ensure equality and the best start

in life for each of them.

MCTi Proposals:

• another Children’s Centre including

health visitors and midwifery

services, veggie boxes, links with

Job Centre Plus and other

employment opportunities,

learning and training

opportunities

• ensure that there is sufficient affordable, good quality

childcare available especially provision for school

holidays and after-school childcare

• excellent education available to meet the needs of

each child with top quality schools and appropriate

out of hours provision

• sufficient play, sport and a variety of other activities

to ensure our children are healthy, motivated, inspired

and have the opportunities to excel

• more excellent quality foster care places

Migrant workers and the Traveller/Gypsy Community Migrant

workers, travellers and Gypsies are a significant part of

the St Austell economy. They are frequently in poorly paid

employment with poor housing and not always accepted in

their local community.

MCTi Proposals:

• provision of adequate information, facilities and

support for migrant workers moving into the area with

good support mechanisms to ensure they are

welcomed into the community

• ensure adequate information related to rates of pay,

housing and environmental issues is made available in

their country of origin prior to travel

• good quality English language courses

• support the provision of adequate traveller/Gypsy sites

in St Austell and China Clay Area

Housing and Homelessness

Everyone has the right to live in clean, warm and dry

accommodation. It may be that the focus of aspiration

needs to change from ownership to rental, but this

can only be tolerable if rental is secure and culturally

acceptable. The local council does not currently have

sufficient access to housing stock to meet current

demand with resultant economic and emotional

stress. The homeless may comprise families

who have been evicted because

of non-payment of rent

rather than the more

traditional perception of people living on the street. These

families are often put in Bed and Breakfast with the

resultant stress on family life and public resources.

MCTi Proposals:

Ensure that adequate property is available through

existing or new housing trusts and work closely with

those organisations with skills in supporting those

with acute housing needs.

Community Facilities

Good community and recreational facilities are very

important for the well-being of our communities providing

opportunities for local areas to plan and design their

community and green spaces suitable for all to enjoy,

for example, youth groups, WI meetings, Parish Council

meetings, provision of training courses and workshop

opportunities including classes for qualification and nonqualification

groups. RBC has undertaken a community

Retail Facilities Survey across 39 settlements in St

Austell and its surrounding area. Please refer to appendix

6 on the CD Rom for further information.

The MCTi propose:

To empower local communities to agree, design

and deliver local facilities including cafes

and recreational facilities, allotments,

composting and innovative energy

saving schemes.

Section 9

Social and CommunityMCTI booklet final.indd 16-17 11/7/08 16:09:24

18

St Austell MCTi St Austell MCTi 19Aim: To develop an integrated transport

system that is environmentally sound

and economically sustainable enabling

easy access in and out of the town

through rail, road and cycle links. To

ensure that the town and surrounding

areas have sufficient schools, hospitals

and appropriate healthcare provision

to support the future development of

the area.

Strategic Objectives

To develop a green transport system through integrated

road, rail and cycle route by

• The development of a high tech green rail system

• Lobby for the A30 link to town centre

• Improved bus service and cycle routes

This will provide the main transport infrastructure

support for the proposed future development for the

town and surrounding area.

Rail

The MCTi see the development of an integrated rail

network as a priority to support the proposed housing

development of the town. Through our consultation,

particularly with Restormel Borough Council, Imerys

and FOCAL (Friends of the Atlantic Coast Line) we

have identified the need for an eco rail system to

service the China Clay and St Austell area.

This proposed new system will be high-tech operating

with low emission, small units which run on standard

gauge tracks. It will provide better support for the

mainline rail section between Burngullow and Par

and will provide a frequent, reliable and inexpensive

service. There will also be a number of additional

stations/drop off points along the routes. It is also

envisaged that in the long term the system be

electrified.

MCTi Proposals:

• upgrade the Burngullow to St Dennis mineral

line and reconnect it to the Newquay branch

line – providing a quicker and shorter route to

St Austell

• build new stations at St Dennis, Nanpean,

Foxhole and Burngullow to serve the proposed eco

town at Blackpool

• upgrade the Par to Newquay line to form a loop to

service the whole of the China Clay villages

- utilising spare time on main line for local traffic

Road

Our consultation highlighted recognition of a better road

link between St Austell and the A30. As documented

in the St Austell and St Blazey Strategy (2008) the

County Council concluded in 2001 that access should be

improved to the Clay Area and St Austell; provide a bypass

to Bugle, Stenalees and Penwithick. There is considerable

congestion in and around St Austell and a solution to this

issue needs to be implemented if the area is to benefit

from the planned economic growth of the town and

surrounding area.

MCTi Proposals:

• link the A30 at Innis Moor to St Austell via the North

East distributor road thereby creating a new

development corridor

• using some of the Imerys haul roads to create a

link from the above road to the proposed eco site

at Blackpool

• create an upgraded link from the top of the North

East distributor road to the new development at

Priory car park

Bus Routes

Our research shows that currently bus routes are in

place but are not used sufficiently to make the system

financially viable. We need to put in place a bus service

that operates frequent, reliable and cost effective services

that links surrounding villages to St Austell. The service

should be integrated with the rail system.

MCTi Proposal:

Lobby local authorities and bus companies to improve

and enhance services.

Cycle Trails

There is a need for further development of cycle trails

close to the town linking them with other transport

networks and the wider cycle trails. Once the new town

centre has been completed there will be opportunity to

ride through the town, across to the Pentewan roundabout

and then again linking with existing cycle trails.

MCTi Proposal:

To support the enhancement of the existing

cycle trails with better signage, building

on the current routes.

Transport Hub

The MCTi propose that a hub is created for St Austell

on part of the Sedgemoor/Priory site to provide the main

access point for the town. It will form an interchange

for car, bus, cycle and eco rail transport and serve the

proposed development of the remainder of the site.

MCTi Proposals:

• that an integrated traffic hub should be located on

the Sedgemoor / Priory car park site providing parking

and connections for the A30 link road

• a bus station

• a town centre station for the eco rail system

• an assisted pedestrian link to and from the main line

railway station, bike racks and storage facilities

Schools

The findings of a number of surveys carried out by the

relevant authorities have clearly identified the need for

extra schools. Whilst there are plans to provide primary

schools in the Imerys plan, there are no present proposals

to build a new secondary school.

With the construction of the proposed transport

infrastructure and the planned developments at Baal

and West Carclaze, we believe that the most appropriate

site for a new secondary school would be to the north of

the town. It is essential that the school be served with

appropriate access and drop-off zones such that the chaos

associated with travel to and from school is avoided.

If the new road link to the transport hub is designed

carefully with spurs to the college and Poltair School,

it could dramatically improve the traffic situation in the

Tregonissey/Carclaze area.

MCTi Proposal

An additional secondary school should be built situated

adjacent to the eco transport system and cycle routes in

order to reduce the traffic on the roads at peak times.

Healthcare

It is proposed that in the next 10 years Restormel will

experience the highest population growth in Cornwall.

If current trends continue there will be a disproportionate

increase of elderly people in the community. This

inevitably puts huge demand on our healthcare facilities

and so it is important these issues are addressed now.

MCTi Proposal:

To support the improvement of health care facilities in

and around St Austell.

Section 10 Infrastructure

Watercolour painting by Derek Oldfield NDD showing an articulated PPM railcar (photo: Parry People Movers)

MCTI booklet final.indd 18-19 11/7/08 16:09:30

In order for the St Austell MCTi Community

Strategic Plan to have significant

influence in the future development of

the town and the surrounding area it is

important that it is placed in a position

of influence and does not sit on the shelf

gathering dust as so many plans have

done in the past.

The unitary authority changes provide an opportunity

for the plan to have a strategic influence and be taken

forward as part of the new Community Network Area.

What is a Community Network Area?

The term Community Network Area describes a range

of locally based processes providing the basis for

local decision making and community engagement to

influence local services. Community Network Areas

will not deliver services; however, they will play a

critical role in shaping policy and service delivery to

reflect local need. Community Network Areas will bring

the community together to influence, lobby, oversee,

scrutinise and recommend to ensure local policy and

service delivery reflects local need.

Key principles

Community Network Areas must…..

Involve local people

Identify and represent local priorities

Empower local members

Engage all parts of local communities

Provide a focus for local partnership working

Enhance the role of town and parish councils

Core Components of the

Community Network Area

Community Network Area Board:

operates at strategic level and consists of decision

makers and is convened by the strategic authority

members representing the area.

This groupCommunity Network Area Support:

of a network manager with administration support.

This will consistCommunity Engagement:

that a significant amount of existing community

engagement activity takes place; however there is

undoubtedly duplication, lack of coordination and

limited escalation of issues at strategic level. One of

the key aims of the Community Network Area will be

to establish a more coherent framework within which

community engagement can influence decisions.

It is broadly recognisedCommunity Network Planning:

produce an action plan to articulate the needs and

priorities of the local community. In some cases this

may be based on an existing plan.

Each network willLocal Forums:

role within the Community Network Area Structure

providing a focal point for co-ordinated engagement,

a conduit between communities and the strategic

decision making level and importantly the ability

to apply for and manage funding on behalf of the

community. Forums will also play an essential role in

commissioning and management of one off projects to

meet local priorities.

For more information on Community Network Areas

please refer to the attached appendices.

For this plan to be successfully implemented it needs

to play a significant role in the Community Network

Area. However, it is also important that the Community

Network Area recognises the work that has already been

undertaken and adopts the St Austell MCTi Strategic

Plan as the foundation for the action plan for the

network. This will provide local opportunities to review

the role of the St Austell Partnership and St Austell

Forum thereby increasing the likelihood of community

aspirations being achieved.

Will play an extremely importantSt Austell Parish Council

With the forthcoming establishment of the St

Austell Parish Council it would be appropriate for

a representative of the St Austell MCTi to have a

place on the council. This would help greatly in the

implementation of the objectives and proposals of

this plan.

In addition it is important that we work closely with

the new Carlyon, Pentewan Valley and St. Austell Bay

councils as well as with the established parish councils

operating across the China Clay Area.

Cornwall Development Company (CDC)

CDC will streamline existing structures, bringing

increased effectiveness and clarity to the economic

development agenda under the Unitary Council. The

Cornwall Development Company will support future

economic development in St Austell and surrounding

area by responding to this community plan and to the

county-wide Strategy and Action document launched by

the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Economic Forum in 2007.

A Green Charter for St Austell

Through a prioritisation process, the MCTi steering

group asked consultants to look at how a green charter

could be developed in St Austell. The extensive

consultation for the Community Plan highlighted issues

of concern in the town. Adhering to the Green Charter

principles will help to address cutting across the five

key themes central to the plan including environment,

economy, leisure and culture, social and community

and infrastructure.

This Green Charter is in line with St Austell’s core

objectives and is for any resident, business or other

organisation operating in and around St Austell to sign

up to. The Charter will be a partnership between the

St Austell MCTi, and local people and organisations

who will work together to benefit the environment and

to make St Austell an inspiring place to work, live

and play.

Please refer to appendix 4 on the CD Rom to view the

full St Austell Green Charter report.

Section 11 Implementation 20 St Austell MCTiMCTI booklet final.indd 20 11/7/08 16:09:30