CAMBORNE TOWN COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT 2013/2014

CAMBORNE TOWN COUNCILLORS 2013/2014

Councillor M J Brown Flat 33, Chy Kensa, Jubilee Drive, , TR15 1DY Tel: 07557 956 112; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor M N Champion, 128 College Street, Camborne, TR14 7LA Tel: 01209 612840; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor T Chalker, 3 Kew Noweth, Camborne, TR14 7RA Tel:07809511920; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor J Chapman 8 Chapel Square, Troon, Camborne, TR14 9EA Tel: 07527 962 057; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor J P Collins (until October 2013) 4 Primrose Close, Camborne, TR14 7HS Tel: 01209 710636

Councillor A Crickett, 38 Street, Camborne, TR14 8JB Mobile: 07891 113195; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor Mrs V E Dalley 14 Rosemellin, Camborne, TR14 8QF Tel: 01209 713116; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor D Everett, 35 Lower Pengegon, Camborne TR14 7UL Tel: 01209 714083; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor Ms Z Fox 11 Pengegon Moor, Camborne TR14 7TY Tel: 01209 711791; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor J E Gillingham Chapel Hill Cottage, Bolenowe, Troon, Camborne, TR14 9JA Tel: 07956 123 036; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor C Godolphin, 108 Pengegon Park, Camborne, TR14 7UW Mobile: 07907 798 321

Councillor Ms J N Merrick, Carn Entral Farm, Brea, Camborne TR14 9AH Tel: 01209 710695; email: [email protected]

Councillor S Odgers, Prinair, 26 William Street, Camborne TR14 8JQ Tel: 01209 718300; email: [email protected]

Councillor S Richards, (until November 2013) 16 Higher Pumpfield Row, Pool, Redruth, TR15 3PY Tel: 01209 218814

Councillor Ms J Robinson 16 Higher Pumpfield Row, Pool, Redruth, TR15 3PY Tel: 01209 218814 e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor J Rowe 49 North Parade, Camborne, TR14 8BL Tel: 07751584341; e-mail: [email protected] 2

Councillor A Sanders, 14 Croft Common, Troon, Camborne, TR14 9HT Tel: 01209 714415; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor Graham Taylor 4 Rectory Gardens, Camborne, TR14 7DU Tel: 01209 710166; e-mail: [email protected]

Councillor R Webber, 1 Seton Gardens, Camborne, TR14 7JS Tel: 01209 711360; e-mail: rwebber@.gov.uk

Councillor R B White 9 Centenary Street, Camborne, TR14 8HW Tel: 01209 713689; e-mail: [email protected]

Camborne Town Council was set up by Statutory Instrument No 142 of 1985 [The Kerrier (Parishes) Order 1985]

The Order was made on the 5th February 1985. The Council came into being on the 1st April 1985. The first meeting of the Council was on the 19th of April 1985.

3

CHAIRMEN OF THE COUNCIL

1985 W D Williams Esq. 1986 J R King Esq. 1986/87 R S Godolphin Esq. C.C. 1987/88 P J Robinson Esq. 1988/89 A A Heffer Esq. C.C. 1989/90 P G Moon Esq. 1990/91 L R Ibbotson Esq. 1991/92 Mrs B Morrison 1992/93 P J Robinson Esq. 1993/94 M A Jeffery Esq. C.C. 1994/95 G D Ford Esq. 1995/96 Mrs M L Bailey 1996/97 R C Godolphin Esq. C.C. 1997/98 Mrs L R Hendra 1998/1998 J Bailey Esq. 1998/1999 Mrs B Godolphin 1999/2000 Mrs B Godolphin 2000/2001 A C Bunce Esq.

TOWN MAYORS

2001/2002 J J Wilson Esq. 2002/2003 R J Beare Esq. 2003/2004 C Waterhouse Esq. C.C. 2004 R J Beare Esq. 2004/2005 E J Pope Esq. 2005/2006 E J Pope Esq. C.C. 2006/2007 C Bickford Esq. 2007/2008 J P Collins Esq. 2008/2009 Mrs J Charman 2009/2010 W G Jenkin Esq. 2010/2011 R J Beare Esq. 2011/2012 J P Collins Esq. 2012/2013 Mrs J Charman 2013/2014 M N Champion Esq.

TOWN CLERKS

1985 - 1989 R H Sprosen Esq. 1989 - 2010 R D Bennett Esq 2010 – present Amanda Mugford

COUNCIL ADDRESS

Camborne Town Council The Council Offices Basset Centre Basset Road Camborne TR14 8SL Telephone and Facsimile 01209 612406

e-mail [email protected] web site www.camborne-tc.gov.uk

4 ABOUT CAMBORNE TOWN COUNCIL

Mayor 2013/2014, Councillor M Champion

The Council administers an area of approximately 2,800 hectares and nearly 23,000 people live within our boundaries which include the villages of Troon, Beacon, Brea, Kehelland, Penponds and Barripper.

The last main elections for the Town Council were held in May 2013 and the next will be held in May 2017 to coincide with elections. There are eighteen Councillors on Camborne Town Council representing the wards of Camborne Pendarves, Camborne Roskear, Camborne Trelowarren, Camborne Treslothan and Camborne Treswithian as follows:

Camborne Pendarves was represented by:

Councillor T Chalker Councillor J E Gillingham Councillor G Taylor Councillor D Everett

Camborne Roskear was represented by:

Councillor Mrs V E Dalley Councillor Ms J Robinson Councillor J Rowe Councillor R B White

Camborne Trelowarren was represented by:

Councillor A Crickett Councillor Ms Z Fox Councillor C Godolphin Councillor S Odgers

Camborne Treslothan was represented by:

Councillor Ms J Merrick Councillor A Sanders Councillor R Webber

5 Camborne Treswithian was represented by:

Councillor M Brown (from December 2013) Councillor M Champion Councillor J Chapman (from December 2013) Councillor J P Collins (until October 2013) Councillor S Richards (until November 2013)

Map of the Camborne Parish showing the five wards

Each year the Council elects a Mayor whose role is to act as the Civic Leader and chair Council meetings. Councillor Mike Champion was Camborne’s Mayor from May 2013 to May 2014. The Council meets on the second Thursday of every month at the Cornwall Council One Stop Shop, Dolcoath Avenue, Camborne. Our meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to take part in the public participation session which is near the start of each meeting. This is your chance to ask the Council questions or make us aware of things that are important to you.

We have three Standing Committees so that we can manage our business effectively. Each Committee has full delegated powers for specific areas of responsibility which are detailed below.

6 Budget and Development

Administration, Office, Insurances, Members Expenses, Miscellaneous Expenditure or Income, Handyman Services, Community Support, Grant Aid, Capital Works, Depreciation, Income, Budget Monitoring, Internal Audit, External Audit, Human Resources, Equality and Diversity, Property, Health and Safety .

Amenities

Small Purchases, Public Conveniences, Community Projects, Flowers, Christmas in Camborne Festivities, Open Spaces, Green spaces, Trees, Cemeteries, Allotments, Footpaths, Cornwall in Bloom and South West in Bloom.

Planning

Planning Applications, Community Projects, Pre-application Consultation, Highway Consultation, Licensing Consultation, Townscape Heritage Initiative, Conservation and Heritage Assets.

The public is also welcome to attend meetings of these Committees which take place once a month and are usually held at the Council offices in the Basset Centre, Basset Road, Camborne. Agendas for all Council meetings are posted on the Council notice boards which are located in Commercial Square, outside Camborne Library and the Council offices as well as in central locations in all the villages in the parish. A calendar of Council meetings can be found on the Council’s website www.camborne-tc.gov.uk.

The Precept

The precept is the main source of income for the Council and is collected by Cornwall Council as part of the Council Tax before being passed on to us in two payments each year. The precept from Cornwall Council for 2013/2014 was set at £316,104 which represented an increase of 17.40% over the previous year.

Code of Conduct

Camborne Town Council adopted a new Code of Conduct on 8th November 2012. All Councillors and members of the public co-opted to serve on Council committees or sub committees must observe this Code of Conduct. Camborne Town Council is committed to the principles of Selflessness, Honesty and Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Leadership, Personal judgement, Respect for others, Duty to uphold the law and Stewardship which are enshrined in the Code. Our Members pledge to conduct themselves in accordance with the Code and the Council looks forward to continuing to serve the people of Camborne to the highest standards in public life.

7

2013/14; the year under review Councillor Mike Champion Mayor

The Full Council

Annual Meeting and Annual Town Assembly

Councillors elected at the local government elections in May met for the first time at the Annual Town Meeting and Annual Town Assembly on 16th May 2013 at the One Stop Shop, Dolcoath Avenue. There were nine new Members in total as many Councillors on the previous Council decided not to stand. Councillor Mike Champion was elected Mayor for the municipal year 2013/2014 and Councillor Graham Taylor elected Deputy Mayor. Mike was pleased to invite the former Mayor, Jean Charman, to present the town plaque awards to residents of the parish for their outstanding contributions to the community. These were: Donovan Gardner for his work with Foodbank, Gaynor Hingston for preserving Camborne’s heritage, Eunice Woolcock for her promotion of Cornwall’s cultural heritage and David Oates for all his community work. Awards were also presented to retiring Councillors Mr R J Beare, Mr S Cullimore, Mrs H Cullimore and Mrs C Trengove, in recognition of their many years of service as Members of the Town Council. The new Mayor presented two awards to Mrs Charman in recognition of her many years of service and for serving as Mayor for the previous municipal year.

Mrs Barbara Godolphin presented the Sid Godolphin Youth Achievement Award to William Kevern. William, a Year 10 student at Camborne Science and International Academy, was given the award for his hard work, diligence and achievements in the performing arts through dance.

The meetings were very well attended by the public who heard an interesting presentation by Mrs Paula Tippett on the 9th International

8 Student Science Fair hosted by Camborne Science and International Academy in July 2013. Members were appointed to Committees and as representatives to organisations outside Camborne Town Council.

The Town Clerk

In July 2013 the Town Clerk, Amanda Mugford was diagnosed with breast cancer. Amanda was absent from work from 22 nd August 2013 until 9 th January 2014. The Council appointed a locum clerk, Ms Sarah Willsher, to work fifteen hours a week during Amanda’s absence. The Council’s consequent reduced capacity meant there were fewer meetings and less business could be progressed.

CCTV

Camborne Town Council has funded CCTV monitoring since April 2011 by working in partnership with , St Ives, Redruth, and . The initial agreement was made because Cornwall Council stopped its monitoring service although continued to provide the CCTV cameras. There are seven CCTV cameras in Camborne town centre and the monthly monitoring reports have convinced the Council that the service is invaluable. Monitoring not only helps the police to identify perpetrators of crime it also helps protect vulnerable people. In May, the Town Council was approached and asked if it would continue to contribute funding for CCTV monitoring if Cornwall Council were to agree to fund the development of a central CCTV Control room at Tolvaddon. In response, Camborne Town Council committed to continue to fund CCTV monitoring at the current level for the next four years. The other towns in the West Cornwall partnership also committed to continue funding the service.

In October 2013 Camborne Town Council was informed of Cornwall Council’s intension to withdraw the CCTV funding from the 2014/2015 budget and beyond. It later confirmed that it would not fund the transmission and maintenance costs of CCTV from 1 st April 2014. Furthermore, it would decommission and remove CCTV cameras from any town not supporting CCTV in the future. In February 2014 Camborne Town Council resolved to fund the CCTV transmission and maintenance costs. The Council is currently working with Hayle, Redruth, Penzance and Helston Town Councils to appoint a contractor so that CCTV is fully operational again as soon as possible.

Public conveniences

Camborne Town Council has been in protracted negotiations with Cornwall Council since 2011 regarding the provision of public conveniences. Gurney’s Lane public conveniences were closed in April 2013. Since then Camborne Town Council has worked to re-open this facility while mindful of any long term financial implications.

On 8 th April 2013 the Council resolved to take on the leasehold of the public conveniences at Gurney’s Lane and pursue the option of transfer of the freehold The Council’s solicitors were instructed accordingly and a report was made to the Budget and Development Committee on 27 th June 2013. As a result of this report and subsequent information, Bradleys 9 Surveyors Limited were contracted to carry out a survey of the public conveniences in Gurney’s Lane.

The results of this survey were received in November 2013. The Building Survey Report concluded that “the building will require considerable repair and refurbishment. Whilst it appears a good sum of money has been expended in the past, there are issues of poor maintenance, damage and vandalism so that a high capital sum will be required in order to bring the property back into fit and proper use”. Cornwall Council had undertaken to carry out improvements to bring the facilities up to an acceptable standard but this did not include all the work that was needed; it has refused to carry out the additional work identified in the Survey.

The matter was complicated by uncertainty regarding the property’s boundaries. The Land Registry’s title plans do not show the exact lines of the boundaries to the property but merely give a general indication of their location. Gurneys Lane public conveniences, therefore, has a number of party walls which would have shared responsibility with other owners.

The Council considered the matter again in April 2014 and is exploring other options such as a Service Level Agreement or Short term limited tenancy with Cornwall Council in an effort to re-open the toilets at Gurneys Lane. It has also invited local companies to provide quotations on the work needed on the building; a decision is hoped to be finally reached soon.

Workshop and Store

The Council identified the need for a new workshop and store in July 2012. The rented premises at Kieve Mill were simply not big enough for the Council’s storage needs and did not make a suitable workshop. Councillors spent a lot of time considering all the options in relation to the Council’s current and future needs, property available, cost and leasehold versus freehold arrangement.

In June 2013 the Council resolved to proceed with the freehold purchase of a unit at Carn Brea Business Park using a fixed rate loan available to parish and town councils through the Public Works Loan Board. The annual cost of the loan is almost the same as the annual rent for a similar property, but unlike rent will not increase. The sale was completed in December 2013 when the unit was purchased for £212,000.

In January 2014 the Council resolved that an independent organisation which understood the legal position of Town and Parish Councils carry out a full review of the documents and procedures relating to the purchase of the Workshop/Store after June 2013, the repairs to the roof of the new store and the removal of the mezzanine floor at the old store. This review was undertaken by Chris Rolley and Associates in February 2014 and a report made to the Council in March. Mr Rolley made a number of recommendations as a result of his work which were all approved. These recommendations are in the process of being fully implemented.

10 Camborne, Roskear and Tuckingmill Townscape Heritage Initiative

The Townscape Heritage Initiatives (THI) were the Heritage Lottery Fund’s first venture into regeneration funding. The programme took a conservation led approach and was designed to help areas that had both heritage merit and a need for public investment. Funding partners contribute to a ‘Common Fund’ with the Heritage Lottery Fund providing up to 75% of the total amount. Camborne Town Council has been committed to the Camborne, Roskear and Tuckingmill THI since its inception and invested £19,500 to Phase 1 of the project. This commitment continued into Phase 2 with a further £15,000 investment.

Cornwall Council Historic Environment Advice Team Leader, Mr A Richards, presented a report to the Council in February 2014 detailing THI achievements and progress to date. The Council was extremely concerned to learn that the project was in danger of being terminated as a result of cuts made by Cornwall Council and instructed the Town Clerk to write to Cornwall Council accordingly. In March the Town Clerk was pleased to report that the Chief Executive of Cornwall Council had responded by confirming that the employment contracts for the Townscape Heritage Initiative Team had been extended until the end of June 2016, the date of financial and practical completion as agreed in the THI Heritage Lottery Fund Action Plan. This will enable the projected outputs to be met, a number of new projects to be brought on line and ensure that current initiatives, including those of traditional skills training and energy saving monitoring and guidance, are maintained.

Community Resilience and Emergency Plan

A Community Resilience and Emergency Plan can help people prepare for an emergency and reduce its impact. It is a written document which details the steps to take before, during and after an emergency incident with the aim of reducing harm to people and damage to property. The bad winter weather in 2014 has shown how important a plan can be to protecting communities in an emergency through good management, communication and information. In April 2014 the Council hosted a workshop at Pool Innovation Centre as the first stage in producing a Plan for Camborne. This work will be continuing in the year ahead.

Designated Public Spaces Orders

In January 2014 the Council approved the purchase of up to eight new signs to inform the public of the Designated Public Spaces Orders that are in place in the town. We are currently working with the police and Cornwall Council to ensure the signs are put in the most appropriate locations; it is hoped they will help improve behaviour in the town.

A Fairtrade Town

The Council was delighted to welcome Ms Dorothy Agard, a banana producer from the Windward Isles, in February who gave an interesting and enlightening presentation on Fairtrade. Ms Agard was visiting Cornwall as part of Fairtrade fortnight and presented the Mayor with a Fairtrade flag in recognition of Camborne’s continued status as a Fairtrade

11 town. The flag was proudly flown outside the Council offices as soon as the weather allowed.

Trevithick Day

Camborne Town Council hosted its traditional Trevithick Day reception at the Wesley Centre in 2014. Visiting dignitaries were treated to a traditional Cornish lunch of a pasty and saffron bun; all washed down with a lovely cup of tea. Following the reception, the Mayor led the parade through the town.

Governance

Camborne Town Council was pleased to report that it had been given a clean bill of health by the Audit Commission. The Commission reviewed the Council’s financial management for the year ending 31st March 2013 and found no cause for concern or any other matters for attention. As part of its ongoing review of policies, the Council adopted the following new policies and procedures during 2013/2014:

Management of Contractors, Suppliers and Partnerships Safety Policy Policy

The Corporate Governance Working Party carried out a thorough review of the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations in January 2014. The revised versions were approved in February and formally adopted in March 2014. Copies are available from the Council offices and on the Council website.

Consultations

A summary of the consultations considered and the Council’s response is listed below.

Consultation Response

Weeth School re. Crofty Councillors to respond individually; Cooperative Trust letter of support sent to Weeth School.

Safer Camborne Delivery Plan No response .

Cornwall Council Home to Camborne Town Council has serious School Transport Policy concerns about the Home to School Transport Policy 2014/2015. The proposed change to ‘remove the current discretionary eligibility that provides transport free of charge to all children aged eight or above in primary education attending their nearest school (or designated school if it is not the nearest) where that school is between two or three miles from the home address (with the exception of those eligible under the statutory low 12 income entitlement) could have very grave consequences. The change would put immense financial pressure on low income families with more than one child, particularly those with children of different ages attending the same school. The Council is very concerned that the proposal would put young children in danger through being forced to walk to and from school as their parents could not afford the transport charges. Furthermore, the policy reflects an unrealistic view of the realities of working families’ lives.

Working with partners

The Council received quarterly reports from the Fire Service and from the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary which covered all aspects of crime and disorder in the parish. It was also pleased to receive quarterly reports from new Cornwall Councillors representing wards in Camborne, Councillors Blakely, Lewis, Stoneman and Webber. Monthly reports from Cornwall Council’s Community Network Manager, Charlotte Chadwick, were also received and the Council worked with Charlotte to progress a number of projects.

We look forward to continuing our good relationships and strong working links with all our partners for the benefit of everyone living in the parish.

13 The Amenities Committee

Chairman - Councillor Trevor Chalker (from October 2013)

Vice Chairman – Councillor Ms Jacqueline Merrick

Carved bench at The Spinney, Camborne.

Councillors: T Chalker, M Champion, J Chapman (from January 2014) , J P Collins (until October 2013) , A Crickett, Mrs V Dalley, Ms Z Fox, C Godolphin, S Odgers, Ms J Merrick, (Councillor G Taylor was an ex officio member of this Committee)

The Community Right to Bid is a new initiative which came into force under the Localism Act 2011. The Community Right to Bid allows communities and parish councils to nominate buildings or land to be listed by their local authority as an Asset of Community Value. A building or land can be identified as an asset of community value if its main use is to further the ‘social wellbeing’ or ‘social interests’ of the local community and could do so in the future. Social interests include cultural, recreational and sporting interests.

As a result of work done by the Amenities Committee, Camborne Town Council has registered the Recreation Ground, Camborne, the Recreation Ground, Beacon, the Recreation Ground, Troon, the Cricket Ground, Troon the Play Area at Boilerworks Road, Pengegon Playing Field, Pengegon Allotments, the playing field at Park Road, Camborne, Kehelland Horticultural Centre and Tuckingmill Valley Park as Assets of Community Value. The Council believes it is important that these assets are retained for their current use and not sold for development. The Amenities Committee is working on drawing up a list of other areas of land and buildings in the Parish to be nominated in an effort to protect these assets for the community.

The Committee accepted the terms of the agreements with Cornwall Council for Camborne Town Council to continue its maintenance of the footpaths in

14 the parish and cutting the grass verges at Treswithian, Killivose and Croft Common, Newton Road Troon, Roseworthy Hill and the Bell Lake/Coombe crossroad. These verges are being managed to encourage wildflowers and pollinators with the exception of the verge at Treswithian.

In October 2013 the Committee received a presentation from Mr S Wallace, Cornwall Council Public Space Officer regarding open space strategy work and Section 106 funding. It requested that funding recommended for schemes at Brea Playing Field and Tuckingmill Valley Park was released as soon as possible so that much needed improvements could be carried out.

The Committee implemented an ongoing maintenance programme for the litter bins and noticeboards owned by the Council in 2013. As a result the litter bins were re-painted and the one situated outside the White Hart was replaced. The noticeboards in Commercial Square and in Brea village have been repaired; our thanks to Carn Brea Parish Council for contributing to the cost of the repairs for the one in Brea.

In December 2013 it was agreed to make Seagull proof bags available for sale at the Town Council in response to a request from Cornwall Councillor Paul White. The bags cost £3.50 and help prevent the problem of litter and rubbish being strewn on the streets as a result of seagulls attacking black refuse bags that have been put out for collection.

In April 2014 the Committee approved the purchase and installation of a bus shelter to be situated at the bottom of Pendarves Street, Tuckingmill. It also recommended the replacement of notice boards at Barripper and Kehelland as well as litter bins in College Street and Cross Street.

The Spinney is the only green space close to the town centre and is cared for by a group of volunteers who make up the charity the Spinney Doorstep Green. Funds are very limited and the Group was finding it very difficult to maintain the area to a good standard. The Council was approached for help and, in January 2014, the Committee received a report from Councillor Godolphin who is one of the trustees of the charity. As a result, the Committee recommended that a donation be made to the Spinney to help with maintenance costs and lighting. This was approved by the Budget and Development Committee in February 2014 and a donation of £2,500 was made from the Council’s Environment Reserve. Councillor Ms Jacqueline Merrick has been appointed as the Council’s representative on the group and it is hoped, that with her help, a long term management plan will be developed which will enable the Council to provide continuing support.

Much of the work done by Councillors on the Amenities Committee was through its sub committees. This has been found to be the most effective way of managing projects and involving the community in the work of the Council.

15 Environment Sub Committee

Chairman: Councillor Ms Zoe Fox

Vice Chairman: Councillor Mrs Jacqueline Merrick

Floral display at Camborne Church July 2013

Purpose: To improve and develop open spaces, green spaces and visual amenities in the parish of Camborne.

To promote public participation in green projects in the parish of Camborne.

Scope: Hanging baskets, containers , parks, gardens , grassed areas, flower beds, trees, cemeteries, allotments, footpaths, Cornwall in Bloom, South West in Bloom, open spaces.

Councillors: M Champion, J Chapman (from January 2013), Mrs V E Dalley, S Odgers

Co-opted members of the public: Mr D Holmes, Mr A Gunderson.

The Environment Sub Committee appointed Kehelland Horticultural Centre to provide the floral displays in the town in 2013. Members were pleased to be able to award the contract to the centre, which submitted the lowest bid for the work, because of its invaluable contribution to the local community. Fewer businesses chose to take part than in previous years; however, Members of the Committee understood that times were challenging for many. Placement of the surplus units is restricted by the existing licence that is required by Cornwall Council. The Environment Sub Committee, therefore, decided to continue the mass display at the western entrance to the town and offer the remaining units to the Church and Chapels in Camborne. Camborne Town Council was delighted to learn of the town’s continued success in the South West in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards in 2013. The 16 entries were coordinated by the Environment Sub Committee; the awards are graded by the Royal Horticultural Society and were as follows:

Berkeley Homes; Thriving Coastline Homeless Service Garden Project; Thriving The Spinney Doorstep Green; Thriving Pengegon Allotments; Thriving Camborne Produce Association; Outstanding Camborne Churchyard; Thriving Kehelland Horticultural Centre; Thriving Treswithian Downs Crematorium; Developing The Conservative Club; Developing

Community Groups working to improve the environment in Camborne were also recognised at the Cornwall in Bloom awards held at the Eden Project in October. Cornwall in Bloom is sponsored by Cornwall Council and aims to support small resident led community groups and volunteers who come together to improve their area. ‘Sprouting’ awards are given to groups who have been set up, are in the early stages of their project and now moving in the right direction towards their goals; ‘Budding’ awards are for groups who are already established and are on their way to making a difference to their environment and the top award is ‘Full Bloom’. Groups in Camborne achieved the following:

Camborne Produce Association Full Bloom Camborne Town Council Full Bloom Kehelland Horticultural Trust Full Bloom Berkeley Parks Budding Camborne Conservative Club Budding Coastline Homeless Garden Project Budding Friends of Camborne Churchyard Budding The Spinney Doorstep Green Budding Treswithian Downs Crematorium Budding.

Don Holmes from the Friends of Camborne Churchyard and Carol Rogers, Chairman of the Spinney Doorstep Green were both recognised as local heroes. Brian Hosking from the Coastline Homeless Garden Project was given the Local Hero award for Cornwall.

Following a review of the flower beds in the town, in July 2013 the Committee contracted Kehelland Horticultural Trust to re-plant the ‘Welcome to Camborne’ flower bed and mine truck situated at Treswithian and to maintain the other flower beds situated at Treswithian. The beds will be filled with sustainable planting to provide a long term good display at the western end of the town. They were not being maintained by Cornwall Council and were in desperate need of attention; it is hoped the fruits of this work will start to be seen this summer.

The Committee was pleased to, once again, donate 100 flower bulbs to Camborne Churchyard to support the ongoing work there and provide a welcome splash of colour to the town in the spring. The Committee worked with Duchy Horticultural College to design a new sustainable planter and the first planter of this type was put on display at the junction of College Street and Church Street last summer. The planter was a pilot aimed at enhancing the environment throughout the year. The 17 Committee hopes to continue working with the College to improve the sustainable planter and in April 2014 resolved to provide another planter of this type.

The Council is keen to involve other organisations in its efforts to improve the town centre and has made the traditional floral planters filled with summer bedding plants available for sponsorship once again in 2014.

All meetings of the Environment Sub Committee are open to the public and take place at Camborne Town Council offices, the Basset Centre, Basset Road, Camborne. Please contact us if you are interested in taking part or have any good ideas to improve the environment near you.

Christmas in Camborne Festival Sub Committee

Chairman: Councillor Mrs V E Dalley

Vice Chairman: Councillor Colin Godolphin

Purpose: To provide and facilitate events and activities to celebrate Christmas in Camborne.

To promote public participation in the Christmas in Camborne Festival.

Scope: Christmas tree, entertainment, competitions, parades.

Councillors: M Champion, A Crickett, Mrs V E Dalley, Ms Z Fox, C Godolphin.

Co-opted Members of the public: Mr D Canham, Mr P Giannasi, Mrs L Stephens, Mr S Tremayne. The Lantern Parade is organised each year by the Town Council’s Christmas in Camborne Sub Committee which includes representatives from the Lyons Club and the Head Teacher of St Meriadoc Church of England Infant School, Linda Stephens, as well as Town Councillors.

The streets of Camborne town centre were filled with glowing lanterns on 18 19th December 2013 when school children took part in the sixth annual lantern parade. Eight Camborne primary schools took part and the lanterns were bigger and better than ever. Samba bands from schools from the surrounding area provided infectious pulsating rhythms as music accompanied the children through the streets with the Camborne Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades. Proper Job ended the evening on a traditional note leading everyone in singing local carols and songs in Commercial Square. It was the second year the Sub Committee had hired a professional sound system which was judged to have improved the event enormously as the music could be heard by everyone taking part and not just those lucky enough to be in the Square.

Councillors were grateful to the Donald Thomas Centre which opened its doors to members of the public so they could use its toilet facilities as the public conveniences in Gurneys Lane were closed. The Centre also provided hot drinks on the night which were very welcome to many. The police reported that the event went well and there were no incidents of crime or anti-social behaviour. The event continues to grow from strength to strength as each year we build on the previous one to improve the event. The Committee has a slightly larger budget next year and has resolved to use the increased funding to help the schools provide more lanterns.

Camborne Town Council once again donated money to BID Camborne for the Christmas tree in Commercial Square as well as for the Christmas lights. BID Camborne has chosen to have the lights provided by an external contractor. The Christmas in Camborne Sub Committee believed it was important to retain the old traditional lights as they might be needed or wanted in the future. The Committee arranged for these lights to be stored at a secure storage unit and approved payment for this facility. This arrangement continued until the move to the Council’s new Workshop/Store was completed in January 2014. The lights are now safely stored in the Council’s Workshop.

19 The Budget & Development Committee

Chairman Councillor Robert Webber Vice Chairman Councillor Stuart Odgers

Councillors: M Brown (from January 2014), T Chalker, D Everett (from July 2013), Ms Z Fox, S Odgers, Ms J Robinson, J Rowe, R White, R Webber, , (Councillors M Champion and G Taylor were ex officio members of this committee)

The Committee scrutinised the total spending of the Council on a monthly basis. Councillors carried out their own internal audit procedures each month to ensure that the Council’s finances were being properly administered in compliance with legislation and Standing Orders. A review of the effectiveness of the Council’s internal controls was completed as well as a review of the Council’s risk assessments, risk registers, asset register and insurance cover.

Health, Safety and Welfare were identified by the Committee as a priority for the Council in 2012. An action plan was developed and progress monitored every month. As a result the following progress has been made in 2013/2014:

 Health, Safety and Welfare training was arranged with Cornwall College for all Members of the new Council;  The Town Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Administrative Assistant and Handyman have all attended a Personal Safety course which included the precautions that need to be taken when working alone and when dealing with difficult people;  The Handyman and Assistant Handyman have received Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and grass cutting (lawn and pedestrian mower) training.  Risk assessments across the Council’s activities have been carried out;  New equipment for the office and Handyman has been purchased;

20  The new Workshop/Store was fitted with the necessary storage units and welfare facilities.  Health and Safety Policy was reviewed and adopted by Full Council;  Management of Contractors, Suppliers and Partnerships Safety Policy developed and adopted by Full Council  Emergency First Aid training for the Deputy Clerk, Administrative Assistant and Handyman was arranged.

The Budget and Development Committee was again faced with a difficult challenge when considering the budget, precept and finances for the financial year 2014/15. Councillors were faced with difficult decisions as the continued receipt of grant funding to make up for the decreased revenue received as a result of the localised arrangements for Council Tax support remained uncertain. Potentially this could leave Town and Parish Councils in a precarious financial situation in future years. The Council, therefore, decided to split the grant so that there was no increase in the 2014/2015 precept but an amount was still held in reserves. This action was taken to prevent future large increases in the event that the government stops the funding and introduces capping.

The Committee’s recommendations were approved by Full Council in December 2013.

The following policies were reviewed and amended by the Committee during the year:

The Mayoral Allowances Policy The Publication Scheme Risk Policy

The Committee also responded to a number of consultations as follows:

Consultation Response

Parish and Town Council Letters sent to Eric Pickles (Secretary of Precepts (Referendums) Bill State), George Eustice MP and all Cornwall Councillors requesting they not support the bill or any similar measures. Local Audit and Accountability Cornwall Association of Local Councils Bill (CALC) requested to co-ordinate a response. Cornwall Pension Fund – No response Funding Strategy Statement 2014 Celtic Media Festival An interest was expresse d on behalf of the town but the short deadline time for response was queried as it made it impossible for any constructive action to be taken.

21 Community Support and Grant Aid

Grant Aid awarded by the Budget and Development Committee during the year under review included:

All Saints Community Centre £500 BID Camborne £4,750 Camborne Community Centre/ Donald Thomas Centre £1,000 Camborne Cricket Club £750 Camborne Music Festival £250 Camborne Produce Association £500 Camborne Show Society £1,0 00 Camborne Town Band £150 Centenary Drama Group & CD Kids £500 Centenary Methodist Church £50 CHICKS £100 Citizens Advice Bureau Cornwall £1,000 Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust £200 Cornwall Blind Association £400 Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change £220 Donald Thomas Centre £24,000 Holman's Bowling Club £1,000 Kehelland Trust £360 Kernow Home Start £200 King Edward Mine Preservation Group £650 Little Acorns Pre School £259.95 Merlin MS Centre £250 Pengegon Institute Trust £750 Tap and Map Are a Panel £120 The Crooked Thicket £425 Trelawney Court Residents Association £230 Trevithick Day Committee £6,000 Troon Village Association £100 £4 5,71 5

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The Planning Committee

Chairman - Councillor Adam Crickett Vice Chairman - Councillor Graham Taylor

Godrevy Lighthouse from the coastal path in the Camborne Parish

Councillors: M Brown (from January 2014), J Chapman (from January 2014), J P Collins (until October 2013), A Crickett, D Everett (from July 2013), J Gillingham, C Godolphin, S Richards (until November 2013) Ms J Robinson, A Sanders (Councillor M Champion ex officio member of this Committee)

Planning Applications

During 2013/2014 the Planning Committee considered 176 planning applications which was a decrease on the previous year when 202 were considered. Once the applications are received from Cornwall Council, they are distributed to Members of the Committee, usually on the basis of the ward they represent. Councillors visit each site and make every effort to talk to the applicant and neighbours before making a report to the Committee. The Committee’s decisions are forwarded as recommendations to the Cornwall Council Planning Service. Amongst the notable applications considered last year were developments at Penponds, Trecarrack Road, Boilerworks Road, North Road and an appeal at Rectory Gardens.

The Committee received a presentation on Understanding Affordable Housing in the Planning Process from Sam Irving, Principal Development Officer, Cornwall Council, in November 2013 and a presentation from Victoria Regan, Senior Development Officer (Affordable Housing), Cornwall Council, regarding proposals for development at Rosewarne Extension Car Park in April 2014.

23 Councillors Gillingham and Sanders attended a ‘Local Landscape Character Assessment’ workshop in June 2013 and reported back to the Committee in July. Councillor Everett attended the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Annual Forum in March 2014 and submitted a report to the Committee in April 2014.

Consultations

The Planning Committee considered the following consultation documents last year. A summary of the consultation and the Council’s response is listed below.

Consultation Response

Cornwall Council Local Enforcement No response Plan

Cornwall Council draft Licensing Act Those Councillors wishing to respond 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy should do so individually.

Cornwall Council Renewable Energy That Councillors wishing to respond Supplementary Planning Document should do so individually Notice; the Mineral Safeguarding Development Plan Document Notice and the Allocations Development Plan Notice.

Cornwall Council Affordable Housing Those Councillors wishing to respond Supplementary Planning Document. should do so individually. Cornwall Council Prop osed Camborne Town Council was very Submission Local Plan Strategic disappointed that there was still no Policies Strategic Plan in place and, as a result, is seeing overdevelopment warned last year. Councillors also to forward their individual comments.

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TOWN PLAQUE AWARDS

Each year at the Annual Town Assembly the Council presents plaques to people who have made a valuable contribution to Camborne. This could be for voluntary work, representing the arts, sporting achievements, or anything that has improved the quality of life for people living in the parish. This year's recipients will be:

Mrs Sylvia Goodship for her charitable work;

Mr Alan Hampton for his years of charitable work for the Lyons and Christmas in Camborne.

Mr Brian Terry for his services to Fairtrade, Trevithick School, Camborne Regeneration Forum and other community groups in Camborne.

A town plaque will also be awarded to former Councillor J P Collins for his many years serving the community on Camborne Town Council.

The Mayor’s award will be made to Mr Neil Teague for exceptional service to the community over many years.

The Sid Godolphin Achievement award 2014 will be made to Chloe Yates, Camborne International and Science Academy.

FUNCTIONS ATTENDED BY THE MAYOR

May 2013

Welcome and Installation of the Right Reverend Christopher Goldsmith at Cathedral; Falmouth Mayor Making; Falmouth University Dedication Ceremony.

June 2013

Truro Mayor Making; Active Plus, Trevenson Church Hall and Pengegon Institute; Helston Civic Service; Truro Civic Service; Armed Forces Day, Falmouth; Camborne Science and International Academy Celebration of Achievement.

July 2013

Kehelland Tea Treat; Old Cornwall Society; Camborne Show; Roscroggan Memorial Service. 25

August 2013

Marie Curie Cancer Care launch of Camborne branch; Opening of Poundland, Camborne.

September 2013

RAF Portreath Battle of Britain Memorial.

October 2013

Wessex Reserve Force Annual Awards, Truro Poppy launch day, Camborne.

November 2013

Camborne Produce Association Prize Giving; Carn Brea Parish Council Remembrance Service; Youth Parade, Camborne War Memorial, Remembrance Service, Camborne. Opening of the Camborne Music Festival; Camborne Railway Station launch of new electronic system;

December 2013

Cornwall College Presentation Event.

February 2014

Boys Brigade 2 nd Company Camborne Annual Enrolment Service; Fairtrade Presentation of Flag.

March 2014

St Piran’s Day event, Truro; St Piran’s Day event, the Heartlands; Rotary Club Regional Young Chef Competition, Cornwall College.

April 2014

The Rainbow Multi Academy Trust launch in Camborne Wesley Camborne Trevithick Day

FUNCTIONS ATTENDED BY THE DEPUTY MAYOR

Falmouth University Dedication Ceremony. Civic Parade; Centenary Methodist Church Concert. Lord Lieutenant Pelynt Award Ceremony; West Cornwall Hospital Fete; Camborne Trevithick Day King Edward Mine Open Day

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ATTENDANCE RECORDS

Councillors attending official Town Council business are recorded as present for the purpose of the attendance record.

Full Council

Councillors No. of meetings Attendance

M Brown 100% 4 4 T Chalker 71% 14 10 M N Champion 100% 14 14 J Chapman 100% 4 4 A Crickett 71% 14 10 Mrs V Dalley 86% 14 12 D Everett 100% 11 9 Ms Z Fox 86% 14 12 J Gillingham 93% 14 13 C Godolphin 93% 14 13 Ms J N Merrick 100% 14 14 S Odgers 100% 14 14 Ms J Robinson 93% 14 13 J Rowe 86% 14 12 A Sanders 86% 14 12 G Taylor 79% 14 11 R Webber 86% 14 12 R White 79% 14 11

Amenities Committee

Councillors No. of meetings Attendance

T Chalker 100% 10 10 M Champion 80% 10 8 J Chapman 50% 4 2 A Crickett 20% 10 2 Mrs V Dalley 60% 10 6 Ms Z Fox 80% 10 8 C Godolphin 100% 10 10 Ms J Merrick 70% 10 7 S Odgers 80% 10 8

Budget and Development Committee

Councillors No. of meetings Attendance

M. Brown 100% 4 4 T. Chalker 91% 11 10 D. Everett 55% 8 7 Ms Z. Fox 82% 11 9 S. Odgers 64% 11 7 Ms J. Robinson 91% 11 10 J. Rowe 64% 11 7 R. Webber 100% 11 11 R. White 73% 11 8

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Councillors No. of meetings Attendance

M Brown 50% 8 4 J Chapman 38% 8 3 A Crickett 100% 22 22 D Everett 76% 17 13 J Gillingham 91% 22 20 C Godolphin 68% 22 15 Ms J Robinson 64% 22 14 A Sanders 82% 22 18 G Taylor 73% 22 16

Political Balance of the Council 2013/2014 Year End

6- Labour Members

Councillors M Brown, T Chalker, A Crickett, Mrs V Dalley, Ms J Robinson, R Webber

4- Mebyon Kernow

Councillors Ms Z Fox, J Gillingham, J Rowe, A Sanders

4 – Conservative

Councillors J Chapman, S Odgers, G Taylor, R White.

2 – Independent

Councillors M N Champion, C Godolphin

2 – Green Party

Councillors D Everett, Ms J N Merrick

Political Balance of Committees 2013/2014Year End

Amenities Committee

Labour - 3 Members Mebyon Kernow - 1 Member Conservative - 2 Members Independent - 2 Members Green - 1 Member

Budget & Development Committee

Labour - 4 Members Mebyon Kernow - 2 Members Conservative - 2Members Green 1 Member

28 Planning Committee

Labour - 3 Members Mebyon Kernow - 2 Members Conservative - 2 Members Green 1 Member Independent 1 Member

Camborne Town Council Representatives to Outside Bodies

Outside Body Councillor(s) Reporting To Assoc of Larger Local Councils in Cornwall S Odgers , R Webber , Full Council (ALLCC) A Sanders, The Clerk CAP TC/CALC/NALC S Odgers , R Webber , Full Council A Sanders, The Clerk Camborne Business Improvement District Vacancy Full Council Camborne Chamber of Commerce The Mayor Full Council

Cornish Language Fellowship M N Champion Full Council Camborne Pool & Re druth Youth C Godolphin, Full Council Management Committee A Crickett, J Gillingham Camborne Produce Association Ms Z Fox Amenities

Camborne Regeneration Forum The Mayor , Full Council S Odgers Mrs Dalley Camborne Trevithick Day The Mayor & Deputy Full Council Mayor, the Clerk CPIR Community Network Panel J Rowe Full Council

Cornwall Council Local Planning Forum J Gillingham Planning

Cornwall Deaf Centre C Godolphin Full Council

The Homeless Action Group A Crickett Full Council

CAB Cornwall Mr s V Dalley Full Council

Mineral Tramways Heritage Committee Ms Z Fox Amenities

OAK Mrs V Dalley Full Council

Park an Tansys Residents Association S Odgers Full Council

Ramblers Association Committee A Sanders Amenities

Safer Camborne Project G Taylor Full Council

Spinney Working Party Committee Ms J Merrick Amenities

29 Tehidy Country Park Advisory Group Mrs C Trengove Amenities

Townscape Heritage Initiative A Crickett Amenities

Tuckingmill Park & Brea Valley Panel M Champion Amenities

W. Cornwall CCTV Group G Taylor Full Council

The Mayor of the Council is Annually Appointed as Ex-Officio to Camborne Town Band Music Society and Camborne Twinning Association;

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CAMBORNE TOWN COUNCIL

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2014

Year ended INCOME Year ended 31 st March 31 st March 2013 2014 £ £ 334,014 Precept 316,104 CTS Grant 72,123 PWB Loan 192,000 27 Gross Interest 20 0 3,993 Agency Services 4,663 3,931 Sundry 3,062 238 Allotment Rents 238

342,303 TOTAL INCOME 588,390

EXPENDITURE

108,219 Administration 127,894 4,437 Agency Services 5,181 45,120 Operational 50,441 17,400 Community Support 30,623 9,350 Other Grants, Donations and S.137 10,160 6,000 Trevithick Day 6,000 Election Expenses 11,778 Loan Repayments 2,358 1,348 Capital Expenditure 237,887

191,874 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 482,322

Total Funds 89,696 Opening Balance 1 st April 201 3 134,4 26 342,303 Add Total Income 588,390 431,999 722,816 191,874 Deduct Total Expenditure 482,322 240,125 240,494 (105,699) Transfers to/from Earmarked Reserves (94,518) 134,426 Closing Ba lance at 31 st March 201 4 145,976

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CAMBORNE TOWN COUNCIL

BALANCE SHEET

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 ST MARCH 2014

As at 31 st As at 31 st March 2013 March 2014 £ CURRENT ASSETS £ 38 Debtors 53 1,678 Payments in advance 1,117 771 Recoverable VAT 4,181 278,416 Bank and Cash in Hand 381,136

280,903 TOTAL ASSETS 389,487

CURRENT LIABILITIES 5,517 Creditors and Accruals 8,033

275,386 NET ASSETS 381,454

Represented by 134,426 GENERAL FUND 14 5,976 140,960 EARMARKED RESERVES 235,478

275,386 TOTAL FUNDS 381,454

The above statement represents the financial position of the authority at 31 st March 2014, and reflects its income and expenditure during the year.

Copies of this Report are available from the Town Clerk’s Office, The Basset Centre, Basset Road, Camborne, or, from the Town Library, The Cross, Camborne.

Printed and published by Ms Amanda Mugford, Town Clerk, Camborne Town Council  2014

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