A LOCAL Cornwall Councillor has called 2024 ‘another frustrating year in the council calendar’ as he looks back on the year.

Cornwall Councillor for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland, Adrian Parsons has reflected on 2024, stating that: “Once again, it feels like power and investment are centralised in Truro, leaving those of us in the East of the Duchy missing out. It's crucial now more than ever to have elected members passionate about their communities and the place they call home!”

He added: “We continue to push for improvements on the A388 despite funding cuts. A pedestrian safety crossing refuge was installed at Treburley, and public consultations are ongoing for improvements at Landue Bridge and Tre, Pol & Pen. These include carriageway widening and new right-turn ghost islands for safer movements at the Lezant junction and into the farm shop. However, with cuts in highway maintenance, our roads are deteriorating, with drainage issues and potholes becoming more prevalent.

“At Plusha, we tragically saw three more fatalities at this junction. This prompted National Highways to take emergency action, closing the right turn at Plusha from the B3257 onto the eastbound A30 and the right turn movements at the Trevell junction. The right turn from the A30 onto the B3257 at Plusha will remain open, with a new 50 mph speed limit. We will continue to lobby for improvements to ensure the road works for all who live locally and pass through here, ensuring those responsible for this road network are held to account.

“For those traveling to Plymouth, expect further road disruptions in the New Year as National Highways continue upgrades to the Saltash tunnel to add to the misery of the ever increasing toll charges!”

Cllr Parsons also expressed his frustration with Cornwall Council’s decision to close seven Adult Education Services, a number of which were in North and East Cornwall.

He said: “Recently, Cornwall Council's Conservative cabinet decided to close seven Adult Education Services, mostly in the East, following a devolution deal. This shift of services to Bodmin, with poor public transportation links, removes opportunities for those most in need, we will endeavour to get this poorly thought through decision reversed.

“Additionally, Cornwall Council has upped car parking charges with the additional loss of free parking on Sundays, with plans now to privatise some parking services, inevitably hitting town vitality.

“The redevelopment of the Launceston Refuse Transfer Station (RTS) is complete, and the site is fully operational. Launceston will also accept upholstered furniture items following new regulations. However, the new booking system is unpopular, and we will challenge this decision.

“The new waste and recycling services have had some teething problems but in general have probably bedded in better than I expected.

“Rural bus services remain vital, so it was a relief when Cornwall Council removed the threat of cutting free transport for children in South Petherwin after a lengthy battle. However, bus users will face price rises with the new fare cap of £3 starting January 1, inevitably hitting rural patronage the hardest!

“The Launceston Health Inequality Hub has opened, providing essential services to residents which is a real positive.

“The Leisure centre is now on a secure footing with further improvement plans in the pipeline the community have been pivotal in this with also the new Library provision in the town square progressing.

“The summer saw Labour sweep into office, but their economic policies have quickly caused issues. Cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners, a budget that harms local businesses and farming, and increased National Insurance contributions have hit confidence. Farming was already struggling with low margins, and now faces additional pressure with the newly introduced IHT and BPR. These are all measures which our elected MPs should be doing all they can to ensure such policies which have a negative impact on our economy are again looked at and over turned.

“The government pushes ahead with its green agenda, including the support of large scale solar development and undersea carbon capture projects, which appears to be ill thought out and extremely costly to the tax payer, when there are far more sensible approaches that could be taken!

Labour's commitment to 1.5-million new homes will increase Cornwall's housing target, putting pressure on local authorities, Cornwall desperately needs affordable housing, but the current approach will lead to inappropriate development and add further pressure to communities without necessary infrastructure put in place.

Despite proposals to save £49-million next year, Cornwall Council still faces a £9-million budget gap. The council operates with an annual spend of over £1.5-billion, delivering a wide range of services to a dispersed rural population. With static funding levels and rising demand, especially in young people and SEND, adult social care, and temporary housing, further challenges lie ahead. A 4.99 per cent rise in council tax is expected.”