Council Corner

These are regular 'newsletters' from the Hayle Town Council to Hayle residents.  Thanks to the support of the Editor and Staff, they are also published bimonthly in the Hayle Pump Newsletter, subject to availability of space.

#16:  Report to Electorate

June/July 2008

New Mayor and Deputy
At the Annual Council on May 15th, Councillor John Coombe was unanimously elected Town Mayor for 2008-9. John, a life-long Hayle man, said that he was honoured and delighted to become mayor. He thanked outgoing mayor, Paul Birch, for his hard work and leadership over the last two years. John's wife Lorna is now Mayoress.
Councillor John Bennett was elected Deputy Mayor and his wife, Donna Anton, is Deputy Mayoress.

Council Move to Hayle Community Centre
As reported in the last edition, the Town Council is relocating to the Community Centre. The office at the Passmore Edwards Institute will be CLOSED to the general public from12.30p.m. on Wednesday 28 May 2008 and the NEW Council Office will open to the public at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday 3 June 2008 at: Hayle Community Centre, 58 Queensway, Hayle, TR27 4NX. Our telephone, fax and e-mail details remain unchanged.

Annual Citizens and Organisations of the Year
In April, the then Mayor, Councillor Paul Birch presented the Annual Awards to worthy recipients. The Male Citizen of the Year was presented to Mr Don McGeorge and the Female Citizen of the Year was awarded to Mrs Marjorie Roberts, who since has sadly passed away. The Young Person of the Year went to Miss Vicki Burlingham, a pupil from Bodriggy School. Hayle Rugby Club became the Organisation of the Year and the Girl Guide Association received Youth Organisation of the Year.

Hayle Harbour Planning Application Submitted 25/4/08
The long-awaited planning application for the Hayle harbour development has now been received by Penwith District Council. ING RE Ltd., in conjunction with their architects LDA Design of Exeter. Many of you will have visited the public exhibition at John Harvey House which took place mid May. If you were unable to attend, the plans are available for examination at the Planning Department at Penwith District Council and also at the Town Clerk's office. Details can also be viewed and/or downloaded from the Town Council’s website: - www.hayletowncouncil.net.
The target for a decision on the outline planning application is 'the end of the year'.

Town Diary
If you know of or are involved with organising any community events please forward all relevant details, including points of contact, to the Town Clerk so that they may be added to the calendar which may be viewed on the Town Council’s website.

Hayle Open Air Swimming Pool
Following further improvements to the facilities, the Swimming Pool will be reopening for the summer season on 24 May. This year season tickets will be available at £40 for an adult and £30 for juniors and senior citizens. Applicants need to bring a passport size photograph to the Council Office, between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 pm, Monday to Friday. The pool will open to the public daily from 10am until 6pm. It is hoped that the people of Hayle will continue to support the pool and enjoy this superb outdoor facility.

Civic Service and Parade
The Mayor’s Civic Service and Parade will take place on the Sunday 27 July 2008 and will signal the commencement of Heyl Fest

#15:  Report to Electorate

April/May 2008

Consultations.

There have been a number of important consultations in the last couple of months including:

• the Fire Brigade Integrated Risk Management Plan Consultation 2008-2011,
• the Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy and
• the Hayle Area Action Plan (HAAP).

The council was unimpressed by the Fire Brigade IRMP since it did not deal with response times to fires and seemed more concerned with finding ways of cutting costs. The LDF is an important part of land-use planning and sets the strategies and policies for the period 2006-2026. In its formal response to the Core Strategy, the council was particularly concerned with the allocation of between 3,250 and 3,900 new dwellings to Hayle out of a total of 7,500 for Penwith. Not only is the Penwith allocation far too high, Hayle's share is unacceptable. We have around 3,000 dwellings in Hayle now and these plans would cause us to more than double in size during the plan period. The HAAP caused a stir in the community because of the proposal to allocate a site on Water Lane for a Gypsy and Traveller transit camp. Although this part of Water Lane is in Gwinear/Gwithian parish, Hayle Town Council's response made it clear that the three potential sites were unsuitable due to their proximity to the settled community. The council resolved to:

a) inform Penwith District Council that the sites identified in the Hayle Area Action Plan (HAAP) for gypsies and travellers are unsatisfactory and the Council has been unable to find alternatives within the HAAP boundary and considers that it should encompass a broader area and
b) request that the issue of sites for gypsies and travellers be considered separately from the HAAP process and that, when it is debated, all those involved in the process, including the relevant officers from Cornwall County Council and other informed groups and persons, should be involved and to point out that flowing from this process this Council will expect firm evidence to emerge in support of the allocations in Hayle.

These points were also made in the council's response to the HAAP. You can read the full response to all 104 questions by contacting the Town Clerk.

Council Move to Carew House.

After receiving a report on the costs and benefits of moving the council's offices and meetings from the Passmore Edwards Institute to Carew House, the council voted unanimously to move 'at the earliest convenience'. Councillors who were also trustees of the institute withdrew during the debate and vote. The current target for the move is around the end of May - keep an eye on our noticeboards. The new offices are accessible to disabled visitors and provide additional space for services that may be devolved as part of the Unitary Council reorganisation.

Hawkins Motors Site.

The issue of the old Hawkins Motors site on Hayle Terrace has dragged on now for almost six years. The council resolved last year:
to support the construction of 5 market value houses maximum on the existing footprint subject to the open space being vested to Hayle Town Council prior to building, the open space is landscaped, the wave wall continued along the entire length of the site and all of the houses provide off street parking. Penwith District Council officers produced a design brief for 6 market and 6 affordable dwellings on the site covering much more than the current footprint and this plan was brought before the PDC planning committee on the 11th of March. Despite strong representations from town and district councillor John Bennett, town councillor Jayne Ninnes (officially representing Hayle Town Council) and planning committee member Duncan Cook, the planning committee voted to accept the ‘planning brief’ as the basis for a three-week consultation. Some progress was made in that PDC planning officers recognised that the Section 106 agreement calling for the construction of ‘a minimum of 26 affordable houses’ on the site was unworkable and in violation of the Council’s own policies. Please let the Town Clerk or PDC know your views.
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You may contact the council via the Town Clerk's Office at the address and numbers below. To contact your councillor, please get the details from the Town Clerk, the council's web site or from the notice boards at Copperhouse, Foundry and Angarrack.
Eleanor Giggal, Town Clerk, Hayle Town Council
13-15 Hayle Terrace, Hayle, TR27 4BU, Tel/Fax: 01736-755005, Email: townclerk@hayletowncouncil.net

#14:  Report to Electorate

February/March 2008

Hayle Area Action Plan

Penwith District Council has just circulated the Hayle Action Plan Issues and Options Paper for full public consultation.  It is your opportunity to have your say about how and where Hayle should be developed over the next twenty years.  Individuals, as well as organisations, are encouraged to get involved in commenting on what the document contains as well as suggesting new ideas.  Copies of the Paper are available from Hayle Library, the Town Council Office and, of course, Penwith District Council.  There is a six week period of consultation; all responses must be returned to the David Clough, Sustainable Development Policy Officer, Penwith District Council by 29th February 2008.

Annual Citizens and Organisations of the Year

Nomination packs are available from the Town Clerk’s office for the Citizens and Organisation of the Year Awards.  The Council is also seeking nominations for Hayle Young Person of the Year and Hayle Youth Organisation of the Year.  The deadline for all nominations will be Wednesday 12th March 2008.

Precept

The Resource Committee has met several times to consider the precept (the Town Council’s part of the council tax) to cover costs of the services provided by Hayle Town Council.  Despite many rising costs, the Committee has tried to contain the precept to the same amount as last year, increased by an inflation rate of 2.2%, but with an additional amount to cover the cost of the refurbishment of the town’s CCTV system.

Town Diary

If you know of or are involved with organising any community events please forward all relevant details, including points of contact, to the Town Clerk so that they may be added to the calendar which may be viewed on the Town Council’s website.

Hayle Community Centre

If you are planning on holding any meetings, events, classes or even parties the Community Centre has rooms available for hire.  Space is available for regular sessions or one off bookings.  Remember that CAB, Penwith Credit Union, Link into Learning and others hold regular sessions and surgeries.  Contact the Town Clerk for details of services and available space.

Eleanor Giggal

01736 755005

townclerk@hayletowncouncil.net

#13:  Report to Electorate

December 2007/January 2008

Small Grants Available

Hayle Town Council annually awards capital grants to local clubs and organisations. If your group is in need of new equipment, kit or requires funds to secure other sources of funding for larger projects please contact the Town Clerk for an application form.  The Council’s Resource Committee considers grants quarterly; the next meeting is scheduled for 10 January 2008.  For consideration at the next meeting please submit your completed application form by 3 January 2008.

Land for Allotments

The Town Council remains keen to secure land suitable for the provision of allotments.  The list of people wishing to have an allotment in the town is growing and at present the Council is finding it difficult to locate and secure an appropriate site.  If you own or are aware of a suitable pocket of land please contact the Town Clerk to discuss. 

Hayle Community Centre

If you are planning on holding any meetings, events, classes or even parties the Community Centre has rooms available for hire.  Space is available for regular sessions or one off bookings.  Remember that CAB, Penwith Credit Union, Link into Learning and others hold regular sessions and surgeries.  Contact the Town Clerk for details of services and available space.

Town Bus Service

Concerned members of the public have recently contacted the Town Council about the town’s bus service.  The Town Council has written to the County Council asking for an explanation of the proposed reduction of services in the town from 14 to 6 particularly in the light of the undertaking given when Western Greyhound took over operation of the routes that there would be no reduction in services.  However, the Town Council also recognises that it is important that the public use the services provided or there is a danger of further cutbacks or even losing them altogether. So when convenient, please make the effort to use the services in the town.

#12:  Report to Electorate

October/November 2007

Fire Service
Hayle Town Council remains extremely concerned about fire provision for Hayle and for Cornwall.
Having studied the response statistics for the fire service, and noting that Cornwall has the second worse response times in the country, the Council has expressed outrage at the current plans to make further cuts.  The recent tragedy in Newquay has alerted everyone to the dire situation that Cornwall's fire service is in.  The hard-working fire fighters are having to cover for as many as 100 unfilled vacancies and the current threat to remove 24-hour manned coverage at Camborne would leave our response times in Hayle for night fires, which are the most deadly, even worse than they are now.  Hayle Town Council is strongly urging town residents to write to:

Cllr K Yeo,

Public Safety Portfolio Holder
Cornwall County Council,

County Hall
Truro, TR1 3AY,

kyeo@cornwall.gov.uk and

The Chief Fire Officer,

Mr M Littmoden
Cornwall Fire Brigade,

Old County Hall
Truro, TR1 3AY, enquiries@fire.cornwall.gov.uk

to express your concern at the current state of the fire service and to oppose any further cuts until a full report is issued on the Newquay hotel fire.
It would be helpful if you would copy your letters to the Town Clerk.
Hayle in Bloom
The Council send their congratulations to Hayle in Bloom, led by former mayor, Marjorie Roberts, for winning Gold in the SWTA Cup and for a Merit Award in the Neighbourhoods category for the Millpond.  Well done to all of the volunteers and Hayle's professional gardeners and to PDC for its marvellous support.
CCTV update
After a lengthy consultation process, multiple meetings and a great deal of debate, the Council voted to support the refurbishment of the CCTV system.  This will cost the average council tax payer in Hayle £1.54 per year and will continue for at least 6 years.  St. Ives has also agreed to support the upgrade and Penzance is due to vote on it on October 1st.  If Penzance Town Council agrees to support it then the CCTV ssystem will stay - otherwise it will be decommissioned.
Footpaths
Please continue to send in information on any footpaths that are closed, obstructed or do not appear on the 'definitive map' (copy in the Clerk's office).  We have formed a working group to try to resolve as many of these issues as possible but we need your input.
Community Centre
A reminder that the Community Centre on Queensway has rooms that are available for hire.  Please contact the Clerk for details.

#11:  Report to Electorate

August/September 2007

Footpaths

The Council is mindful that there are a number of footpaths in the town that do not appear on the definitive map and that the deadline for registering footpaths is fast approaching.  We would like members of the public to identify paths they would like to see protected and would welcome information on paths that have been used historically and are now closed.  Members of the Council have formed a working party to progress this issue so please do not hesitate to contact the Town Clerk with information.

CCTV

The thorny of issue of the upgrading of the CCTV system has again raised its head.  The Council will debate this matter further in September and will have to decide whether to commit to making substantial annual financial contributions for the foreseeable future.

It has become apparent that the CCTV system, which covers Hayle, St Ives, and Penzance, needs a complete overhaul.  The existing system is over eight years old and has reached the point where significant investment is needed to ensure that it can provide improved identification quality and to replace worn out equipment.

The District Council will continue to commit in the region of £200,000 per annum to keep the system running, but it is asking the three Town Councils concerned to contribute to the cost of the upgrade, to the sum of approximately £32,000 per annum.  This will be split proportionally between the three towns.  Without the agreement and support of the towns it is likely that the CCTV service will be withdrawn.

It is estimated that Hayle’s contribution will be around £5,000 – £6,000 per annum for the next five years.  This will mean an increase on the town’s precept (and the Town Council’s element of your overall Council Tax) of approximately 6.5% or in real terms, £1.95 per year per Band D property. 

The Town Council would welcome your views before making this important decision.

Britain in Bloom

The judging for the Britain in Bloom competition took place on Wednesday 18 July. The weather was kind, Copperhouse Pool was full of water and the town looked truly wonderful.  Many improvements to the displays have been introduced this year town, so why not keep an eye on the Britain in Bloom website for new updates, are all keeping our fingers crossed for positive results! 

There will be an additional judging day this year as Hayle is now in the National Competition due to last year’s fantastic results. Our thanks go to Paradise Park for hosting and providing the successful lunch buffet and also to those involved on the Britain in Bloom Committee for their excellent work and making Hayle look so beautiful.  Good luck!

Hayle Community Centre

If you are planning on holding any meetings, events, classes or even parties the Community Centre has rooms available for hire.  Space is available for regular sessions or one off bookings.  Contact the Town Clerk for availability.

Hayle Open Air Swimming Pool

We hope that August brings better weather so remember that the improved outdoor pool is open daily from 10am – 6 pm. Prices are as follows, Adult Bather £2.50, Junior and Senior Bathers £1.60 and Season Tickets are still available. Additionally, there are very pleasant sitting areas and good food is available from the café.

West Cornwall Retail Park

The Town Council is delighted to welcome Costa Coffee and Marks and Spencers to our town.  It is great to see that all units are full and successfully trading.  As a Council we fought hard to get the retail of food restrictions relating to the site lifted and our endeavours have now borne fruit!  

#10:  Report to Electorate

June/July 2007

Footpaths
The Council is mindful that there are a number of footpaths in the town that do not appear on the definitive map and that the deadline for registering footpaths is fast approaching. We would like members of the public to identify paths they would like to see protected and would welcome information on paths that have been used historically and are now closed. Members of the Council have formed a working party to progress this issue so please do not hesitate to contact the Town Clerk with information.

CCTV
The thorny of issue of the upgrading of the CCTV system has again raised its head. The Council will debate this matter further in September and will have to decide whether to commit to making substantial annual financial contributions for the foreseeable future.
It has become apparent that the CCTV system, which covers Hayle, St Ives, and Penzance, needs a complete overhaul. The existing system is over eight years old and has reached the point where significant investment is needed to ensure that it can provide improved identification quality and to replace worn out equipment.

The District Council will continue to commit in the region of £200,000 per annum to keep the system running, but it is asking the three Town Councils concerned to contribute to the cost of the upgrade, to the sum of approximately £32,000 per annum. This will be split proportionally between the three towns. Without the agreement and support of the towns it is likely that the CCTV service will be withdrawn.

It is estimated that Hayle’s contribution will be around £5,000 – £6,000 per annum for the next five years. This will mean an increase on the town’s precept (and the Town Council’s element of your overall Council Tax) of approximately 6.5% or in real terms, £1.95 per year per Band D property.

The Town Council would welcome your views before making this important decision.

Britain in Bloom
The judging for the Britain in Bloom competition took place on Wednesday 18 July. The weather was kind, Copperhouse Pool was full of water and the town looked truly wonderful. Many improvements to the displays have been introduced this year town, so why not keep an eye on the Britain in Bloom website for new updates, are all keeping our fingers crossed for positive results!
There will be an additional judging day this year as Hayle is now in the National Competition due to last year’s fantastic results. Our thanks go to Paradise Park for hosting and providing the successful lunch buffet and also to those involved on the Britain in Bloom Committee for their excellent work and making Hayle look so beautiful. Good luck!

Hayle Community Centre
If you are planning on holding any meetings, events, classes or even parties the Community Centre has rooms available for hire. Space is available for regular sessions or one off bookings. Contact the Town Clerk for availability.

Hayle Open Air Swimming Pool
We hope that August brings better weather so remember that the improved outdoor pool is open daily from 10am – 6 pm. Prices are as follows, Adult Bather £2.50, Junior and Senior Bathers £1.60 and Season Tickets are still available. Additionally, there are very pleasant sitting areas and good food is available from the café.

West Cornwall Retail Park
The Town Council is delighted to welcome Costa Coffee and Marks and Spencers to our town. It is great to see that all units are full and successfully trading. As a Council we fought hard to get the retail of food restrictions relating to the site lifted and our endeavours have now borne fruit!

#9:  Report to Electorate

April/May 2007

Elections

Local elections will take place on Thursday 3 May 2007 for all 15 town council positions and one district seat in the North Ward.  There are seven town council seats in the North Ward, six in the South Ward and two in the East Ward, and Hayle residents can stand in any ward.  For information and nomination packs please contact the Town Clerk’s office or Richard Dunn, Deputy Returning Officer, Penwith District council on 01736 336724 (richard.dunn@penwith.gov.uk).

Mayors Awards

The Mayor is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s awards.  The Citizens of the Year are Miss Marion Coombe and Mr Bill Smith and the Young Person of the Year is Miss Clare James.  Hayle Britain in Bloom and Hayle Surf Lifesaving Club will share the award of Organisation of the Year.  Both organisations have had outstanding success in the last year and the Mayor thought it appropriate to acknowledge the achievements of both! Hayle Association Football Club is the Mayor’s choice for Youth Organisation of the Year.

New Noticeboard in Copperhouse

Thanks to the Streetscape Working Group, the Liveability Fund, Penwith District and Cornwall County Councils and to funding from the Townscape Heritage Initiative, we now have a brand new noticeboard next to the Job Centre at Copperhouse.  It replaces the dilapidated wooden one and matches the colours of the street furniture now adorning Fore Street. If there is anything that you would like displayed there, contact the Town Clerk's office.

Town Guide

The Council has awarded a contract to Burrow Communications Limited to provide a Hayle and Area Guide.  Burrows provides the guide free to the Council and covers its costs through advertising.  There will be 24 pages of information about the town and surrounding area and will include two maps.  Both Penzance and Camborne guides were produced by Burrows and are very attractive products.  The Hayle guide will be available for distribution in the Spring of 2008.

Cemetery Extension and Allotment Update

After years of negotiation, proposals for more burial ground and allotments were considered by the Town Council at a recent meeting.  It is clear that further discussion is required to resolve certain issues but the proposals are a sure sign that the Glebe Committee and the Town Council are nearing agreement and progress is being made.

Local Development Framework and Action Plan for Hayle

A revision to the planning system is under way and involves the preparation of a number of plans.   These plans will affect the development of Hayle for the next decade or longer, and it is important that as many people get involved as possible.  You should have received the Core Strategies and Options Booklet from Penwith District council together with a questionnaire.  This is one of the first steps in the process – please join in.  Another important step is the Hayle Action Plan.  This is a more detailed document focused on issues such as ‘what goes where?’ Questions answered include: where will new housing go?  Where shall we reserve land for business development? Will there be room for recreational facilities? And many others.  Come along to Council meetings or chat with your local Councillor to pass on your views.

Hayle Community Centre

If you are planning on holding any meetings, events, classes or even parties the Community Centre has rooms available for hire.  Space is available for regular sessions or one off bookings.  Contact the Town Clerk for availability.

Hayle Open Air Swimming Pool

Work has begun at the Pool in preparation for the forthcoming season.  The Pool and the Oasis Café open on Saturday 26 May 2007.  Once again season tickets will be available at £40 for an adult and £30 for juniors and senior citizens. Applicants need to bring a passport size photograph to the Council Office, between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 pm, Monday to Friday. It is hoped that the people of Hayle will continue to support the pool and enjoy this superb outdoor facility.

Eleanor Giggal
Town Clerk

755005, townclerk@hayletowncouncil.net

#8:  Report to Electorate

February/March 2007

The Resource Committee met on 18 January to consider the precept for 2007/2008 – this is the amount that Penwith District Council (PDC) adds to the council tax on behalf of the Town Council.  But first the committee had to consider a potentially major impact on the precept.

CCTV:  The Council has been very concerned about the need to raise a large amount of money to fund an upgrade of the CCTV system.  The amount Hayle was being asked to pay would have required a 10% increase in our precept for a period of at least five years - and the Council has managed for many years to keep any rise in the precept in line with inflation.  After a lengthy debate the committee resolved to recommend that while we do “not wish to lose the CCTV system, it is regretted that the Council is unable to contribute to the scheme in the financial year 2007/8.  It is the opinion of the Council that funding for the CCTV system is wholly a PDC responsibility and that the percentage increase to the Town Council’s precept is unacceptably large.”  This recommendation must be ratified by the full council.

Precept 2007/8:  Without the need to add a large sum for the CCTV, the Resource Committee recommended a precept for 2007/8 that is a 3.2% over 2006/7.  Since the figure for inflation for the period is forecast at 4.0%, this represents a reduction of 0.8% in real terms.  Again, this recommendation must be ratified by the full council.

Elections, 3 May:  Elections will take place on May 3rd for all 15 town council positions and for one district council position in the North Ward.  We have a “Democracy Pack” from the National Association of Local Councils in the Town Clerk’s Office giving details of why you should vote and how you can stand for election.  Pop in, or contact the office for more details.

#7:  Report to Electorate

December 2006/January 2007

The Council remain gravely concerned about health care services in Cornwall and, on the 28th of September:
Resolved a) to take a vote of no confidence in the Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee and
b) to call for the resignation of the Chairman of the Committee, the Committee, the relevant portfolio holder and the leader of the County Council.
However, we are pleased to hear from the Secretary of State for Health, Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt MP, that St. Michael's was never in danger of closing, a fact that many of those staff at St. Michael's who received "risk notices" in August might be forgiven for doubting.
We remain committed to maintaining and improving the health services we receive in Cornwall and to preventing the irreversible damage that could be caused in the process of remedying the huge deficits run up by the poor management of the Royal Cornwall Healthcare Trust.

On a lighter note, it has been suggested that a 'Town Calendar' be created so that groups can enter their planned meetings and events well in advance and avoid conflicts with other groups.  This was discussed at a recent council meeting and it was agreed that the calendar will be kept in the Town Clerk's office.  We will also post the information on the town's web site (www.hayletowncouncil.net) which, if you do not have a computer at home, can also be viewed at the library.  If you have an event, or regular meetings, that you would like to publish, please contact the Town Clerk.

Eleanor Giggal
Town Clerk

755005, townclerk@hayletowncouncil.net

#6:  Report to Electorate

October/November 2006

As everyone knows by now, led by the banner "Save Cornish Hospitals," thousands of people from all over Cornwall marched through Hayle on 27th August. With the dual objectives of pressing for an independent review of health care services in Cornwall and protesting further cuts in services at St Michael's and West Cornwall hospitals, almost 30,000 people thronged our streets, stretching in a continuous line from St Michael's to the recreation ground.

The march was organised by Hayle Town Council under the leadership of Mayor Paul Birch with strong support from Penwith District Council and the Mayors Parlour Campaign Team.  Nick Reynolds of Paradise Park had generously offered his car park as the mustering area and helped enormously with the management of the march. The march coordinator was Cllr. John Bennett, and his team comprised Cllr. Brian Capper (transport and parking), Dave Raymer (marshalling manager), Steve Benney (safety and security), Cllrs. John Coombe and Dick Horwell (infrastructure, signs and facilities), Jeremy Joslin (press liaison), Harry Blakeley (HQ manager), Ray Wyse (communications), John Pollard (MC), Roy Hayes (march leader) and Howard Curnow (Penzance and west). There were literally hundreds of others involved, and Sarah won't let me mention them all!

A few thanks are in order: the management team named above; Inspector Jean Phillips of the Devon & Cornwall Police, who was tremendously supportive; Jim McKenna, Peter Rylett, Arthur Roberts, Simon Glasson, Dawn Bailey and many others at PDC without whom the march would not have been possible; MulteSigns, for all of the banners; St. John's Ambulance; NHS; Fire Brigade; Hayle Community School and Hayle Harbour Management for car parking; Chris Head for photography;  Jewsons; Peter Collins; Hayle Rugby and Football Clubs; and to Barrie and Debbie at the Town Council.

Thanks too to the Hayle Male Voice Choir for a rousing Trelawny to start the march, and to the Heyl Town Band, Camborne Band, Golowan Band, Hayle Samba, Samba Kernow and Pen Samba for entertaining us during the march.

Was it worth marching?  Since the march, three RCHT directors have resigned and the board has been sent back to come up with a proper business case justification for future changes to services.  A senior member of NHS South West, at a special meeting of Penwith District Council, admitted unequivocally that mistakes had been made and that communications with the public had been poor. The message has been received and your town councillors are committed to following through.  If you can, keep an eye on the town's web site at www.hayletowncouncil.net for the latest information.

Thanks to everyone for marching, for hosting many thousands from elsewhere in the County and for sending a strong message that we expect better from those appointed to manage our health care.

Eleanor Giggal
Town Clerk

#4:  Report to Electorate

June/July 2006

The year continues to be a busy one for the Town Council with many notable events taking place in addition to the normal calendar of Council meetings. The most significant events of recent weeks and in the immediate future are: -

• A Special Council meeting with representatives of ING to discuss the redevelopment proposals for the harbour was held on 10 May. The key points to emerge were: -

• the intended submission of the first planning application in August;

• the project will focus on improving employment prospects in for areas: shellfish added value; the arts; ICT business and the Wave Hub;

• facilities for the local community will be included;

• housing will supply the main source of income to finance the essential infrastructure improvements;

• care will be taken to avoid conflict between new retail provision and the interests of existing shops in the town;

• there will be a focus on access for the handicapped;

• considerable thought has been given to screening the development behind Clifton Terrace and negotiations have taken place with SWERDA and GOSW with regard to the Local Plan policies that apply in this area;

• ING is lobbying for a junction with the A30 at Tolroy and

• restrictions on further development around Phillack and the Towans can be achieved through Section 106 Agreements.

• The Annual Council meeting was held on 18 May at the Day Care Centre when Councillor Paul Birch was elected as Mayor for 2007-2007 and Councillor John Coombe became the Deputy Mayor.

• Following further improvements to the quality of the facilities the Swimming Pool will be reopening for the summer season at 11.00am on 27 May. This year, for the first time, season tickets will be available at £35 for an adult and £25 for juniors and senior citizens. Applicants need to bring a passport-size photograph to the Council Office, between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 pm, Monday to Friday. It is hoped that the people of Hayle will continue to support the pool and enjoy this superb outdoor facility.

• The forthcoming meetings of the Council and its committees are as follows: - Full Council - 1 June, 15 June, 6 July and 20 July, Resource Committee Grants and Donations (2nd Tranche) – 13 July.

• The Mayor’s Civic Service and Parade will take place on the 30 July and this year there will be a break with tradition in that it will commence 11.00am in order to avoid conflict with the annual raft race.

 Further information on the above and other local issues can be obtained elsewhere on this website.

Eleanor Giggal

Town Clerk

#3:  Report to Electorate

April/May 2006

1. The issue of the inclusion of a Marks & Spencer store in the retail development currently being constructed adjacent to the Loggans roundabout at Hayle has generated a considerable amount of comment by the public, various bodies in the town and in the media.
There has been planning permission for the development of non-food retail development on this site for a number of years and the current application is for the amendment of one of the conditions attached to the earlier permission in order to permit a relatively small floor space of food sales . The Town Council has supported the current application as, in line with the majority of public opinion, it is seen as being beneficial in terms of the choice of shopping on offer, improved employment opportunities and encouraging people to Hayle who would not otherwise visit the town. In addition, the development will benefit West Cornwall through retaining expenditure that would be lost to Truro and, on an even wider front, it will limit the need to travel, reduce emissions and support the principal of sustainability.
However, although the advantages may seem clear, the process of considering the application is more complex and the Town Council is anxious that the public should be aware of this process and not view it as a series of ‘hoops’ purposely erected for this particular proposal to ‘jump’ through.
Penwith District Council, as planning authority, is obliged to consider the application within the context of government and regional guidance and local policies that place an emphasis on locating retail developments in or adjacent to established town centres as opposed to on the edge of towns. As a result, it has been necessary for the District Council to commission a ‘retail impact study’ to determine the suitability and effect of the Marks and Spencer proposal. In addition the access to the site, which is via the roundabout at Loggans, may present some problems for the road network, and the Highways Agency has identified that these need to be addressed. It is not just a question of access and road capacity; the study must also address the concerns regarding the potential shortage in car parking provision at the site. It should be stressed that these are normal procedures that would be applied in any similar circumstances, not just throughout Cornwall, but the whole of the country.
Once these requirements have been satisfied, and the relevant information is available, the application can be determined. This may be the relatively simple procedure of the District Council granting permission where all the issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of the parties involved - for example the County Council and the Government Office South West - or refusing it where the reverse is the case. A refusal of permission can be taken to a planning appeal by Marks and Spencer and will then be determined by an independent government inspector. Where Penwith may wish to approve the application but one of the other parties, for example, the County Council, does not agree, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (OPDM) may ‘call in’ the application. Where the OPDM is content with the planning authority’s stance, Penwith District Council will be allowed to determine the application but, if the ODPM is not satisfied, it is likely that there will be a ‘call in’ public inquiry to resolve the matter.
This is necessarily a simplified description of the processes involved but it is hoped that it will serve to illustrate that there are procedures that have to be followed and the outcome cannot be foreseen at this point. However, throughout the consideration of the application, there are many occasions for those in support of Marks and Spencer to make their views known and it is essential that every opportunity to do so is taken.

 2.  Scaffolding has started to go up around Loggans Mill.  The mill is owned by Penwith District Council and they have determined that scaffolding is necessary in the interest of public safety (and they will include further measures to prevent access).  The scaffolding is also designed to support the existing structure and will help to preserve what is a landmark listed building at the gateway of Hayle while we continue to try to find sources of funding to restore it.

3.  The Annual Electors' Meeting will be held on Thursday 20th April at 7 PM.  This is normally held at the Passmore Edwards Institute but we were very full last year and we are considering other venues.  Please check with the Town Clerk nearer the time.  The meeting will include a presentation by the Mayor on the issues facing the town and the actions of the council over the last year, with a look forward to the coming year.  You will have an opportunity for questions and comments following the presentation.

4.  One final hurdle had to be overcome when a sharp rise in material costs put the skate park over budget.  The price of steel alone has risen 60% over the last few months.  Penwith District Council was able to find the shortfall, and construction is due to begin on Monday, 27th of March.  Our thanks to PDC for finding the extra funds when budgets are tight.

Eleanor Giggal

Town Clerk

#2:  Report to Electorate

January/February 2006

Since our last report, the Resource Committee has met to consider the precept (the Town Council’s part of the council tax) to cover costs of the services provided by Hayle Town Council.  Despite many rising costs, and a national review of Town Clerk salaries, the Council has been able to contain the precept to the same amount as last year, increased by an inflation rate of 3.2%, but with the addition of an amount of £2,313 to cover the cost of the Hawkins site parish poll (referendum). 

Other news includes:

• The skate park project is now under way with tender documents having been sent out to contractors specifying a start date of 6 March and a scheduled completion date of mid-June.
• The future of the former brewery office in Sea Lane is due to be considered by Penwith District Council on 25 January with a view to submitting a Repairs Notice under section 48 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.  Although the building is in bad repair there are still hopes of saving it.
• The Revitalise! Hayle Coast and Country team has produced a document on 'branding' Hayle prior to the preparation of a Community Strategic Plan for Hayle covering the next 10-20 years.  The work is based on the recently completed Market and Coastal Towns Initiative (MCTi) report which included a 'health check' and a survey of over 1200 people in the Hayle area.  The Town Council Development Committee is looking forward to assisting in completing the long-term vision for Hayle and in turning the plans into reality.
• Nomination packs are available from the Town Clerk’s office for the Citizens and Organisation of the Year Awards.  Additionally, this year for the first time, the Council is seeking nominations for Hayle Young Person of the Year and Hayle Youth Organisation of the Year.  These two trophies have been donated by Hayle Rotary Club and the Mayor, Councillor Mrs Terry Lello, respectively and again, the nomination forms are available upon request.  The deadline for all nominations will be Wednesday 1 March 2006.
• Hayle Town Council is looking to secure land suitable for a new graveyard and/or allotments.  Anyone who may have an appropriate area of land please contact the Town Clerk.

Eleanor Giggal

Town Clerk

#1:  The Annual Budget Process

20 November 2005

Each year, at about this time, the Resource Committee of the Town Council holds a series of meetings*, with the Town Clerk and Financial Assistant, to decide how much money the Council needs to carry out its functions and responsibilities in the next financial year. The first of these meetings was held on Thursday 10th. November with the second scheduled for Thursday 24th. November and the final one on 12th. January, when the Resource Committee will recommend a budget to the full Council, for its approval on 2nd. February. Council will then ‘Precept’ Penwith District Council for a total sum to be added to their Council tax in respect of Hayle Parish.

Apart from the normal ongoing expenditure on staff, offices, equipment etc. we are currently considering things like:-

• The anticipated Rate of Inflation for 2006/7 will be 3.2%
• Employee salaries will be increased by 3.2%
• Ongoing improvements to the Swimming Pool (Swimming Pool Committee budget due 24th. Nov)
• 2005 Town Referendum – anticipated cost - £2,500
• Hayle Heritage support - £1,000
• Dial-A-Ride – request £2,000
• Hayle Archive support grant - £520
• Footpath/Council Property – Health & Safety Risk Assessments - £1,000 (Estimate)
• Full Council Legal & Risk Assessment Audit - £1,000 (Estimate)
• Insurance increase, anticipated to be 8% increase (£300)  (Estimate)

We are constantly striving to reduce expenditure and areas for potential savings are:-

• Office Telephones (£200)
• Contingency, reduce to 5% of Precept, (currently nearer 10%) - £4,400

It is always a difficult process with so many things that the Council wishes to do on behalf of the Townsfolk and so many demands on the Council from external bodies. Whilst there are often requests for more services or facilities, we have to consider that the electorate are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with Council Tax bills which rise far greater than their incomes. Whilst our input into the total Council Tax demand is quite small, every extra bit added just makes the situation worse. The Council normally tries to ensure that the annual percentage increase is no greater than the Annual Inflation rate and we are hopeful of achieving that again for 2006/7.

Brian Capper

Chairman of Resource Committee

*[The public are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings. Occasionally, we are required to exclude the public for short periods while discussing confidential matters, but this is rare.]