New Planning Applications

Dear All,   New applications in this week, have resolved problems with getting these now.   If you have any comments let me know at 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk.       Armand

Looe (Looe East Electoral Division)
Land At Shutta Hill Shutta East Looe Cornwall
Redesign of dwelling to existing approval, installation of new
access, driveway and associated works. - Mr G Stevens -
PA13/10143 (Case Officer - Davina Pritchard)

Looe (Looe East Electoral Division)
Adjoining Looe Comprehensive School Barbican Road East
Looe Looe Cornwall PL13 1EU
Construction of 22 dwellings constituting a partial re-plan of
Phase 1 (99 dwellings approved by planning permission
reference PA12/04367) - Mr N Lush - PA13/10664 (Case
Officer - Mr Stephen Kirby)

Looe (Looe East Electoral Division)
Land Adjacent To Glebelands Looe Cornwall PL13 1NP
Residential development to provide 13 affordable rented
dwellings, public open space and a children's play area on
vacant land. - Ms Michelle Richards - PA13/10810 (Case
Officer - Victoria Regan)

Looe (Looe East Electoral Division)
Barratt Homes St Martins Road East Looe Cornwall
Screening opinion for the construction of 22 dwellings
constituting a partial re-plan of Phase 1 (99 dwellings approved
by planning permission reference PA12/04367) - Mr N Lush -
PA13/11093 (Case Officer - Mr Stephen Kirby)

1. 

NEW PLANNING APPLICATION

Dear All,  New appication any comments to me asap at 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk    Thanks Armand

Looe(Looe EastElectoral Division)

The Fellery Shutta East Looe Looe Cornwall PL13 1LS

Replacement of single glazed windows and doors with double

glazed UPVC windows and doors - Miss Rosalind Benton -

PA13/08728 (Case Officer - Sarah Stevens)

Submission into the extra charges for the Tamar Tag

TAMAR BRIDGE AND TORPOINT FERRY

Dear Mr Boother, Thank you for giving me the chance of making a submission regarding the issue of raising payments paid by those with the Tamar Tag system. I do hold a tag as well as being a local councillor which represents a division in an area that will be affected by the surcharge. Having spoken to many people over the issue of raising this fee i would like to submit this to the committee.

The charge will affect those with jobs that need to use the Tamar Bridge especially those who cross from South East Cornwall to work in the areas economic centre Plymouth. It will also add to the costs of local business and thus reduce the benefits of having an employment centre West of the bridge. Currently the wages of the South East of Cornwall of those people who live and work in the area are the lowest in Cornwall at 14k which is 2k lower then all other areas of Cornwall. Plus the average of the wages of all working groups only raises with the impact of those working in Plymouthto 3rd out of 6 areas of Cornwall. So by increasing the charges to locals working in Plymouth will have a great impact to them and the local economy.

Set this against the 60m that is due to be spent on duelling the A30 it may well drive economic growth North as there will be no toll on this road for both business or tourists. There is a lot of talk about how the recession has hit the number of crossings yet to do what is proposed will hit it even further. To put up the charges will have a duel impact reduce the number of crossings and affect the economy. The main impact on the Bridge would be for the A38 to be duelled from Saltash to Bodmin to provide the economic growth to bring more business and tourists to the South and South East of Cornwall.

My major worry is that the councillors for Plymouth see the bridge of a lost opportunity for business and economic growth as what stays East of the Bridge helps them. The residents of my area are not happy with the proposal

Regards

Armand Toms cc
Looe East and St Martins

MARITIME ORGANISATION BAN PIBs FANTASTIC NEWS

Below is a press release from the International Maritime Organisation regarding the ban on the chemicals that killed so many seabirds, great news and very quick, 

Seabird death chemical to be banned

Wildlife charities have welcomed the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) swift action to ban ships across the world from discharging all forms of high viscosity polyisobutylene (PIB) into the sea during tank cleaning operations. PIB was the chemical responsible for the deaths of over 4000 seabirds on the south west coast earlier this year.

The tragedy, the largest marine pollution incident of its kind in the region since Torrey Canyon, shocked thousands of people.

At a meeting of the IMO’s working group on the Evaluation of Safety and Pollution Hazards of Chemicals (ESPH) in London today, it was decided to change the classification of high viscosity PIBs to require full tank prewash and disposal of all residues at port and prohibit any discharge at sea from 2014. This will also apply to new “highly-reactive” forms of PIB, which are currently being transported un-assessed.

The recommendation to do this had been made by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) on behalf of the UK Government, following vigorous campaigning by wildlife charities and the public.

Alec Taylor, Marine Policy Officer for the RSPB said; “We are delighted with the action taken by the IMO. The global trade in PIB products is increasing and with it the risks to our precious marine environment. Today’s global ban on the deliberate discharge of high viscosity PIBs into our seas is a real step forward and one that we hope will end this particular pollution threat to seabirds and other marine life.”

Between February and April this year over 4000 seabirds, of at least 18 species, mainly guillemots, were washed up on beaches from Cornwall to Dorset in two separate incidents. The majority were dead, but some were alive and taken for treatment by the RSPCA at their West Hatch Centre. The subsequent MCA investigation revealed that the birds had been smothered with high viscosity PIB. The same substance was also responsible for the deaths of hundreds of seabirds off the Dutch coast in March 2010.

RSPCA senior wildlife scientist Adam Grogan said: "We welcome this decision. Our staff worked around the clock washing and treating these poor birds in January and April and it was heartbreaking seeing the pitiful state they were in.  Hopefully this will help stop incidents like these happening again, and save wildlife from suffering and dying like this in the future.”

Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts, said:  "We welcome today's ban. The thousands of dead and dying seabirds witnessed earlier this year were the most visible victims of mismanagement. Impacts on other parts of marine life support systems may have been just as widespread, and more serious. Not to mention the impacts on tourism of dead seabirds on the beach - particularly pressing in south-west counties which rely so heavily on summer visitors."

Peter Burgess, Devon Wildlife Trust's Conservation Advocacy Manager said; "This is an important decision for wildlife. It's pleasing to see how quickly the IMO has acted and heartening to hear that local people's concerns have helped build momentum towards achieving this. However, we do see the PIB incidents of 2013 as a wake-up call. Dead and dying seabirds washed up on some of the south-west's most popular beaches were hard to ignore. But how many unseen and unreported activities are damaging our precious marine wildlife in undersea habitats that are almost completely unprotected by law?"

The public response to the tragedy was significant, with more than 25,000 people signing petitions organised by 38 Degrees and Avaaz calling for a ban on the discharge of PIB.

Alec Taylor from RSPB added; “There was a lot of hard work by RSPB, other wildlife charities and the MCA, with support from several MPs on the south west coast. But the huge support we received from members of the public, many of whom experienced the effects of this pollution first hand as they walked the beaches, was perhaps the clinching factor in achieving such a quick decision to prevent discharges of harmful PIBs.”

ENDS

HARBOUR ELECTIONS ON THE 17TH OCTOBER, 2013

Dear Electorate,   I once again but myself forward for the Harbour Commissioners Elections on which i have acted as a commissioners since 2001.   Having been a commercial fisherman for 25 years working from the port, this part of my life is something that i have always not only enjoyed but is part of my families history going back 14 generations in the area.    The harbour is the heart of the community and it is why so many people wish to come to visit and live in Looe, it is governed by an Act of Parliament.  It is an important part of Cornwall's fishing community and a jewel in the crown of South East Cornwall.    As such it is a major economic driver for the area and helps sustain many local jobs, the harbour and it's success is important to the people of Looe and the area.

When i first became a commissioner it had depleted funds and some poor infrastructure and buildings.   Over that period i have been very proud to play my part in the regeneration of much of the harbours fabric but the success of many of the towns fishermen and decommissioning of some of the fishing fleet the numbers of working boats has decreased.  Recent discussions have, i believe put in place the seeds for a bright future for the towns fish market, which i hope will bring new boats to the town and it's market.  Also the new development in West Looe The Quayside Centre (Mally's Shed) has brought new vigour to the business of West Looe and a asset for the town and it's people.

What will the future bring, well some of the quay walls are in need of some works to keep them safe and the Sardine Factory needs some major works.   With it's sound finances the harbour is well placed to assist the town in holding and helping with events to bring people and business to the town.  The key element  for the future is looking at an outer breakwater or harbour to aid with the flood defences and economic growth for the town.   It is necessary to develop plans and consult with the residents so we leave a town that is not to succumb to a storm as it did in the 1840s and why the Harbour Commissioners were formed.   People often believe that they can become a Harbour Commissioner and change the way the harbour is run but the commissioners are governed by a Act of Parliament and Port Marine Code so what you can do is somewhat restricted.   But i have always put the town, it's people and the economy of it at the forefront of my involvement.

Just to give you a flavour of why to commissioners were formed i am including an abstract from the Corporation  Chronicles for East Looe

Shortly before 1848 East Looe was threatened with destruction by an irruption of the sea, which disturbed by the erection of wharves within the mouth of the river, had made a large breach in the shore at Churchend.   The harbour was injured in many places by boulders and rocks in it's bed, the quays were inconvenient and dilapidated, and the narrow time eaten bridge of fourteen arches, with the steep approach from West Looe, has become ruinous and dangerous.   At this time the place had to depend on the exertions of it's inhabitants and neighbours for existence and improvement.  Mr J Buller, of Morval and his family, always evinced an interest in it's welfare, and with his advise and that of his nephew, the member for Liskeard and the Rector of Lanreath, it was decided to seek Parliamentary powers to improve the port Under the Act which was entitles "the East and West Looe Harbour and Bridge Act" thirteen commissioners were elected, viz;- The Mayors of East and West Looe and Liskeard, the Treasurer of the Looe and Liskeard Canal, six persons of Looe, St Martins and Talland, and three from Liskeard.  The board caused a breakwater to be constructed at Churchend and a groin at the mouth of the river, and this fully repaired the former injuries from the sea.   New and convenient quays were built and others repaired and altered.   The harbour was deepened by removal of rocks and stones from the bed, in consequence of these improvements much material prosperity was experienced by the inhabitants.

This abstract shows that the protection of the town relies on the harbour being maintained and kept in order, whilst getting this right in the future it will assist with the problem of flooding and drive the local ecomomy.  

Thank you for reading this and i hope it helps making your choices for the forthcoming election

Regards Armand Toms

PROMISES AND AFFORABLE SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

PROMISES AND AFFORDABLE SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

With the greater part of the party conference season over it has become clear that we live in the promised land and no wonder so many people want to come to live in this country.   Our party political system is geared to making promises that are in the main not costed or undeliverable and in truth will do nothing to support the normal working man or woman of this country.  How can i say this because take the minimum wage for years they have kept this at the true level of poverty as without the benefits system to back this up they would be in poverty.   For many of these people it would be better for the family finances if they left work and were on the dole, so it is clear that all the political parties do not understand how to make work pay.    Now they go onto the saga about the living wage and this is more of a comedy then the minimum wage, they claim that this is £ 7.20 per hour times 40 per week = £288.  Now take rents at £100 plus per week add rates, electric, gas, water and natural living expenses they still need the benefits system to keep them where they can live a normal existance.   How is it that we keep people on such low wages and then need to top this up with public finances to help them survive, wouldn't it be cheaper to remove all payment of income tax until they earn above a true living wage which in truth is around £400 per week.  The saving in the tax, tax credit and benefits system would cover the costs of the shortfall in lost tax, as someone who has helped people fill in forms i know how complicated they are and how over administered the system is.

After looking at the wage structure they need to look at the housing problems which are much of the cause of why we need such a high benefits structure in this country.  We all know that when they started to sell council houses it was the start of a big problem for the country as the failed to reinvest the money from those sales into building new homes.   This has caused a shortage of social housing which created both larger markets with social landlords and private rented housing.  It is clear that with the lack of investment by government in true social housing (the old council homes)  the private sector is now in control of the public finances in this area.  Look at it this way because there is a lack of social housing and an ever increasing demand it pushes up the prices of housing.   As the price of houses increases the so does the need to meet the greater investment costs by increasing the rent to meet the social need the costs are spiralling out of control.  With a million people on council social housing lists waiting for homes and increasing by the day the costs of rents will go up and the costs to the nation in housing benefits will increase also.  Since the last election the government has cut the money given to councils (outside London) for the provision of social housing but without this investment the costs to the welfare system are increasing.   But thats where i started this conversation, politicians making promises that are not costed, unaffordable and not sustainable, with a get rich quick (or richer) side to the polices they have.   Many will be the same as me i bought my home for £56k in 1991 and it is worth £180k now, great for me but is it really ?  If i sell i have to live somewhere and although i could choose to move somewhere smaller and cheaper i would gain out of it, i'm not so sure.   But then again i could wait for old age and let the state take it for my social car (another blog another time).    

For nearly 11 year i have been involved in council work and it is clear that the system is broken and what needs to be done is put councils of a sustainable footing to meet the demands for housing needs of it's area.   I have an idea but it's no good sharing that without a council and bank/building society that are brave enough to look at it.   Some years ago i put an idea to Cornwall Council and i wasn't even asked to the committee meeting when they discussed it, so no luck trying there again.  Are you able to help, do you work for a bank or mortgage company and would they be willing to try something if so get in touch   Armand Toms 01503 264823

DO WE CARE ENOUGH ?

Getting older sometimes give you an insight into what the future holds as your elder peer group are where you will be in such a short space of time.   I remember when I started work many of those who i worked with were fit strong men, they worked hard and enjoyed life to the full.  Now many of them are in there 70s and 80s not so mobile and some in the need of help to stay within the community.   As the age demographic in Cornwall changes so will the difficulty to meet the demands place on it by the increasing numbers of people needing adult social care.   To show this look at the figures, in April 2010 there were 3238 service users then come forward to April 2013 and that figure has increased to 4766 not far off 50% increase.    You will know that costs have not gone down in the same period which will also impact on the budget, yet the current coalition government have place further cuts into the system.   My question is and will always be how do we continue to provide a service whilst the money to meet the increased demand is not there, a question that has no easy answer and places enormous pressure on those in charge of social care.  So far social care services in Cornwall have managed by taking out management costs and removing or reducing costs to services on the edges but there is only so much you can do to meet the extra demand.

Talking to local people they want to keep public conveniences, bus routes, repair roads whilst cutting car parking charges but they say very little about social care.    Perhaps much of this is about them not knowing what social care does and will only know when they need it or one of their family needs it.  So how does the Council meet all the demands of the public to keep services and meet demand, well the truth is that they will not be able to do so.    Unless council tax goes up to cover this or the government realises that the cuts they have introduced will hurt local people and reverse them, but i don't think either of those will be allowed.  In 10 years of being a councillor i have never known a time like it, you can reorganise, reduce, cut and shed staff but there becomes a point that to go further will hurt people.    I believe that we are at that tipping point when the balance of services in social care are such that demand will exceed the available resources.   Please don't get me wrong the decisions to be made in the next couple of years will be more then difficult, some will be life changing for the people of Cornwall and the Council.  

This financial year Adult Social Care needs to save £18.5m to keep pace with demand, next year it will be £13m and this from a total budget of £140m this on the back of three years of tough budgeting.  Everyone who works in social care do so because they want to help and support the community, yet with savings to meet such as those above it is near impossible to do what is needed for clients they meet.   I have at first hand seen how hard those involved have worked to improve the services provided in Cornwall yet are we helping them with such budget constraints ?

It is for all the people of Cornwall to make our voices heard to make sure that Cornwall gets a fair share of funding to meet the basic demands on services, so write to your MP and councillor to make your views known.  My feelings are that those in London don't see Cornwall as a priority, our road, rail links are poor and our funding per head of population is less then the city.  We get European funding because of the inequality we have with the average european living standards why does our own government not care about us.

New Planning Applications

Dear All,    Two new planning applications, comments to atoms@cornwall.gov.uk or 01503 264823   Thanks Armand

Looe

(Looe East

Electoral Division)

Pixies Holt Shutta Looe PL13 1JD

Demolition of existing artist studio (restricted C3 Use class)

and construction of single storey dwelling. - Mrs C Eastley -

PA13/07584 (Case Officer - Jonathan Luker)

Looe

(Looe East

Electoral Division)

Pixies Holt Shutta Looe PL13 1JD

Application for conservation area consent for demolition of

existing artist studio - Mrs C Eastley -

PA13/07585 (CaseOfficer - Jonathan Luker)

Three New Planning Applications

Dear All,   Three new planning applications this week, any comments to atoms@cornwall.gov.uk or 01503 264823   Thanks Armand

Looe

(Looe East

Electoral Division)

2 Sunrising Looe Cornwall PL13 1NA

Proposed new dwelling - Mr Paul Penhaligan -

PA13/06708

(Case Officer - Julie Mitchell)

Looe

(Looe East

Electoral Division)

Barbican Sports Field And Premises Barbican Road East Looe

Looe Cornwall PL13 1QQ

Proposed replacement clubhouse, additional parking and pitch

levelling - Mr B Horsfield -

PA13/06739 (Case Officer -

Julie Mitchell)

Looe

(Looe East

Electoral Division)

Barbican Sports Field And Premises Barbican Road East Looe

Looe Cornwall PL13 1QQ

Conservation Area Consent: Proposed replacement clubhouse,

additional parking and pitch levelling - Mr B Horsfield -

PA13/06740 (Case Officer - Julie Mitchell)

Joint working between Health and Social Care - First part letter to newspapers

Letter

Dear Editor,     After four years as the portfolio holder of Adult Social Care for Cornwall Council I have had a great insight into the effects of the governments spending review has had on service provision.   I feel very honoured to have worked with so many hard working people from the director to care worker who contributed to delivering a more efficient department and finding savings in many areas.   Over a 9 month period last year the demands on Social Services in Cornwall grew 4% month on month which has added immense pressure on the workload of the staff and a budget overspend which will in my view not decrease in the future with Cornwall's demographics.  In the next spending review the pressure on Council spending will get even greater and this will exercise even greater pressure on their spending power which will add to a pressure on the spend on Social Care.   

With the local health service it is no different, the proposed call 111 line did not happen, there have been delays at A and E cancelled operations etc etc.  It is obvious that they system is under great pressure yet health and social care deal with the same people every day and there should be greater links between the services and an integration of the money and services available for Cornwall.  It's about time integration of health and social care become a reality to deliver a single budget and service for Cornwall that meets the demands places on it for all the residents.

But where to start, with a budget of over a billion pounds across all the organisations but are we getting the best use of this money and are we using the available staff and buildings to maximise output of services.   Are they delivering value for money and delivering services needed closer to home and in a way that uses resources in the best way.  Currently we have great capacity in our community hospital for services to be delivered including operating theatre capacity.    The following are my views and should be considered as a starting point

Firstly i would have a joint telephone system across all the services in Cornwall that delivers directly triage calls to the right place and department, delivering the person to GPs, Hospitals and Social Care in an efficient manner 24 hours a day 7 days a week(including the current out of hours Serco contract)   This should also include Cornwall's charitable and voluntary sector who provide many services not available within the area such as befriending etc.  The current Serco out of hours service should be integrated with PCH and delivered from Community Hospitals and include an out of hours GP service with active support to the current MIU services.  This would take the pressure from A and E during the evenings but there needs to be an added radiography support for breaks and fractures.  With the best outcomes coming from keeping people out of the acute sector this would give our main hospitals the focus on delivering life saving acute services for emergency situations.  

Cornwall has been a leader in Tele Health and Care systems which is delivering assistance to people within their homes.   This needs to be taken further with video links in homes of patients to allow health and care to be monitored and provided.   Just think of someone at home during the day without transport having the ability to access a GP to take advice.   If your Care provider does not turn up and you want a back up service or a link to a out of hours service outside working hours without the cost of having to find transport especially in our rural areas.   The possibilities are endless, communications with patients with mental health problems or mobility problems phobias etc etc.  Or take it further with the provision of services from the charitable or voluntary sector, befriending, carers, bereavement and many others.  

A process that has a single assessment system, assessment form and IT delivery that allows for skilled people to access the right information about patients to provide the right services.  Reducing form filling and making staff more productive will deliver a more efficient and cost effective service for all.

The management of this would be from a board, who would manage the money from a pooled budget to meet the pressures and demands placed on it.    These people would be the current directors of the trusts and social care who would still have to meet their own responsibilities within their organisations but have the authority to move money around the system to provide the best outcomes.

One New Planning application

Dear All,   Just one application this week, any comments etc to atoms@cornwall.gov.uk or 01503 264823  Thanks Armand

Looe

(Looe East Electoral Division)

The Coddy Shack Great Tree Widegates Looe PL13 1NX

Retention of North and South walling to enclose restaurant

seating - Mr M Peacock -

PA13/04991 (Case Officer -Jonathan Luker)

Education thoughts to ponder

Approaching the age of 60 my thoughts turned to the possibility of retirement and a life without work, not something i'm looking to as for me having something to get up for every morning is very important. Yet even if i thought i was going to retire at 65 like so many of my generation these were dashed because i received a letter saying i need to work another year. This means that i will work another year before getting my pension but it also means that i will take a job for that extra year. This is great for me but not so good for someone that may need work and especially for the youngsters that are leaving school and hoping for work. Last year i held an apprenticeship event in Looe with the local Job Centre Plus trying to get youngsters into work to give them a career and a great start to their working life. Currently there are a million OAPs working and 2.5 million unemployed the problem is that about a million of these are youngster who are not gaining experience in the jobs market. They sit at home without purpose, a future and more importantly the lack the self esteem of being part of society gaining respect and contributing to the country. The following are only my thoughts from my experience with apprenticeships and my children's education.
My fathers generation left school at 14, my generation left school at 15, the current generation leave school at 16 and the next generation it will extend to 17 then 18. With the adage of you get out what you put in it's clear that most will put in 50 years of work to get a pension, except the current generation because they have limited choices either take further education or for a great number of them life without employment. Ambition seem to have gone for so many of our youth or is it the way we treat them, for so many they will vote before they take up paid work. Think about it your 16/17/18 what future have you got, for some it's an opportunity further education and a degree. But for so many they find education a bind don't want to be at college but want to get on in life. Do we give them that opportunity of a careers maybe not, but we will fund education for two extra years.
I would challenge the way this country is going with the education system, making our youth stay in education longer is not always best for the individual student. A career for life and the opportunity for skills for life is what many of them want, we teach maths but it's arithmetic that many employers say is needed. Should we be teaching for employment and life skills not for education sake giving a student the right skills for the job or career they wish to take. With the new eduction system we will pay for a student to go to college until they are 18 (about 4k per year average) why not use this in a different way. Allow employers to take on youth at 16 and give them an apprenticeship or career skills with the 4k a year bursary the costs to government are the same but the difference is that the country gets someone with skills. Employers are always saying that the youngsters leaving school are not equipped for work why not allow them to build the skilled workforce they need. A construction worker, engineer or care worker with the right skills will have a job for life contribute to society and the country. You get what you put in and the younger they contribute the more goes into the pot for their retirement. Also the most valuable lesson is getting up and having a purpose in life and being a valued member of the community.
Now for my thoughts on further education and university especially when i see my children's generation coming to the workplace with debt that affects them for many years. Having spoken to many of them it appears that the education does not meet the costs incurred, some degrees have tuition for only a few hours per week, but have a 9k cost. The cost per hour is expensive and if these were paid weekly the true costs would be counted by the student but these just amount to debts to be paid later in life if at all. Even when most get their degree many of them still need to be moulded by employers to fit the needs of their industry.
This idea is just a thought, why not look at starting University schools courses would be shorter because they would have a 9 to 5 lesson plan but cost the same in tuition fees. The students would be in school for 37 week year with 10 weeks working with employers and 5 weeks holiday, just like being in work. Give the student less debt an employer chance to snap up good skilled graduates and people who know what to expect when the complete the course. The country needs skilled graduates to put it ahead of others, getting the right skills for the job and work ethic is good for them and the country.
These are my thoughts, sorry if you do not like them but i am happy to receive comments.

Four planning applications this week

Dear All,   Four new applications this week as always your view appreciated, contact atoms@conrwall.gov.uk or 01503 264823

Regards Armand

Looe

(Looe East Electoral Division)

Jackdaw Cottage Shutta Road Looe Cornwall PL13 1HW

Provision of a parking area (Resubmission of previous

application PA12/02292 withdrawn on the 19th April 2012) -

Mr A Sinkowski -

PA13/02080 (Case Officer - Sarah

Stevens)

Looe

(Looe East Electoral Division)

Glendower Dawes Lane East Looe Looe Cornwall PL13 1JE

Construction of entrance lobby. - Mr And Mrs J Warne -

PA13/02695 (Case Officer - Sarah Stevens)

Looe

(Looe East Electoral Division)

Three Ways Pendrim Road East Looe Looe Cornwall PL13

1HX

Construction of two space parking bay (revised to withdrawn

application PA12/09954) - Mr David Mark Roberts -

PA13/03267 (Case Officer - R Baker)

Looe

(Looe East Electoral Division)

Pen Y Bryn Barbican Hill East Looe Looe Cornwall PL13 1BQ

Notification for consent to remove Fir Tree within a

conservation area. - Mr Brian McCarthy -

PA13/03286 (CaseOfficer - Sarah Stevens)

A MANIFESTO FOR ONE AND THE PRICE OF A MARS BAR

Well i can't bring you a political heavyweight like David Cameron or Nick Clegg, a host of MPs from the Cabinet ministers or shadows in opposition.   Just a hard working family who support me day in day out for FREE and happy to do so.  

The next bit is my leaflet which i will be distributing to resident of the town and parish during the election as my 'election address'.  I'm not sure that this will go onto a A4 sheet so i hope you will read this and pass the information on and call me if you have any questions.  

Dear Elector,   My name is Armand Toms a Looe man born and bred, married to Rayna with three children.   I have been very luck to represent Looe as a County/Cornwall Councillor, a Town Councillor as well as a member of other towns organisations for up to 12 years, I am currently the Deputy Mayor of the town. 

Over this time I have a proven track record of delivering for the town, from a simple footpath at the Globe, Station Road to stop people having to cross the road.  Whilst my idea of Seagull proof sacks has gone on trial county wide and has been very successful.  At a local level I work across organisations to get the best outcomes for the town and at Cornwall Council I have worked across political parties to do the same.   During the last four years I have been the portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and worked hard to raise the standards with the department improving from performing adequately to performing well.  Doing the best for Looe and Cornwall is the most important part of being a councillor.

I love the job I do and have always felt honoured to represent my home town.  Being out and about in the community helping with events in good times or when there are floods and other major events is what the job is all about.   It’s about being there for the vulnerable individuals, groups, businesses in good and bad times.   Seeing the problems and doing something about it, whilst helping when and where needed.  

Yours Faithfully   Armand Toms

ALLOTMENTS

The amount of people who want allotments in the town has always been greater then the space available for them.   I wrote to the glebe (church) committee and they allocated land at St Martins and this should be available soon to provide space to meet the needs of the town.   A lease is being drawn up between Looe Town Council and the Glebe committee solicitors in the near future.   If you wish to register for an allotment please contact the town council on 01503 262255

NHS DENTIST FOR LOOE

Over the last couple of years I have been campaigning to get an NHS dentist for Looe.   The last one closed in December 2010 and local residents now travel miles to receive dental care.    On highlights the problem recently the numbers on the waiting list for Looe increased from 8 to 300 with many local families joining.   Whilst two local practices showed an interest in coming to Looe they are businesses and a client list of 2000 to 3000 is needed to make a practice viable.   To register please call the helpline 01726 627990

FLOOD DEFENCES

During recent flooding events I have been talking to the local Environment Agency officer about the situation in Looe, as it is the most flooded place in the South West.     We talked over the problems in the past and the failed schemes of the 90s and how to bring forward a scheme for Looe now.   On his advice we have visited to Harbour Commissioners to discuss bringing together a scheme for the town.   Recently I organised a meeting with a number of the towns organisations to put the idea of a scheme being put forward by the town to meet the towns needs.    With the help of the local EA officer a bottom up approach to a scheme, funding from the EA is available to  support this and the town could bring something that not only delivers flood defences but a outer harbour/breakwater.   Thus bringing the full benefits of defences and providing a regeneration project as well, this is only the start of a long awaited scheme which needs the backing of the town and it’s resident.  I look forward to working on this project further with everyone involved.

There is also a need for a flood defence plan for the town in the areas most a risk with the businesses and residents involvement.

MILLENDREATH

Millendreath had seen some great changes in the last year with a number of planning applications coming forward and being approved.   The Valley has improved with the works already carried out along with the great work of “Millendreath in Bloom”.   Whilst any further developments must involve the tenants and residents of the valley to make sure that it benefits all. 

ST MARTINS PARISH

It has been a pleasure working with St Martins Parish Council over the last four years.   Although progress on reducing the local speed limit has been slow, a safer waking route from Holland Road to the shop/post office is moving forward.    A local safety scheme is being proposed which will help make crossing the road safer.  The coastal footpath is also a problem with recent landslips, it needs to be moved further up the cliff to make it safe again.   Council officers are working on the new route and proposals should be coming forward soon.

APPRENTICESHIPS

Last year I organised a day for local business to get advice on taking on apprentices or work experience with the Job Centre Plus and the local Apprenticeship Advice Service.    It was a great day and a number of businesses and organisations turned up to take advantage which made it a great success.  Working with the two agencies proved a great partnership and over 30 youngsters got the chance of work experience and apprenticeships.   I would like to do this again and work with Jane and Cathie to give more of our young people a great start in life.

ROAD CLOSURES AND LANDSLIPS

The tragic events of the last few weeks have been incredibly difficult for the town and especially the family of Susan Norman and our thoughts and prayers are with them.   I have called for a full enquiry into the events leading to this and that the reports be made public.   Whilst St Martins Road remains closed it impacts on the towns residents and businesses.   Any engineering solution must be permanent and involve the local area home owners and businesses.  

BATHING WATER QUALITY

The bathing water quality in Looe is very important to local people, tourists and businesses, with the new bathing water directive from the EU coming into force in 2015 more works needs to be done to meet the new standards.    Currently the EA are spending a large amount of money working with farmers to improve the farm waste run off for the fields in the Looe Valley.   Plus SWW are wanting to do works to the storage capacity in the area of the Health Centre to help to minimise the risks of spillages from the current containment tank.    I have been working with SWW contractors to bring together the organisation (Health Centre, Cornwall Council and Looe Town Council) so that a project to expand the tanks capacity is completed quickly and minimise any potential problems to the Health Centre.

FIREWORKS

Many of you will remember that towards the end of last year no one would take on the New Years Eve Fireworks and with Sue Pengelly and the help of the town council staff not only did we take this on but secured it for at least another year.  Two displays and a childrens fancy dress which which was fun and brought families out into the town.  Can we do better this year, we will try as this is a part of Looe's year and must remain so.

The above is just a small part of what i do and what i have done over the last four year as a councillor.  I may have become a Independent but i am the same person who loves his job and is always prepared to have a go for local people.  Oh yes the Mars Bar please ask all candidates why when the Conservative Police commissioner wanted to put up the Police precept 2% to keep officers on the beat that is ok.  Yet when the council wanted to put the precept up 1.97% that was wrong, the budget that has been set will reduce key services like Childrens and Adults Social Care and with 30% of the popuation in Looe over pensionable age i believe that they should have the respect of being given the right services to meet their needs.  Take time to speak to someone who needs social care, many of you will not know what it is but will be delighted to recieve it when you need it and for what less then a price of a mars bar extra precept each week.  When  the opening hours for libraries and call centres are reduced and you can't report something or get help please remember this.

Thank you for taking time to read my manifesto

Armand Toms

PS Promises are easy to make and hard to keep, so i make only one to work hard if elected for the people of Looe and Cornwall

New planning applications

Two new planning applications this week any comments to me on 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk  Regards Armand

Looe

(Looe East Electoral Division)

9 Trewint Crescent Looe Cornwall PL13 1ET

Construction of garage on north elevation. - Mr And Mrs

Michael Jones -

PA13/02084 (Case Officer - Sarah

Stevens)

Looe

(Looe East Electoral Division)

Fairways Shutta East Looe Looe Cornwall PL13 1LY

Application to remove one fir tree within a Conservation Area -

Mr David Hill

One New Planning Application

Dear All,   Just the one planning application this week, your comments appreciated to 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk  Thank you Armand

Looe

(Looe East Electoral Division)

Oystercatcher, Bay House Higher Market Street Looe

Cornwall PL13 1BS

Change of use from an A1 shop to A1 and A3 use. Selling food

and drink to eat in and take away. - Miss Laura Marshall -

PA13/01296 (Case Officer - Julie Mitchell)

Positive news

I have included my most recent town council report because i would like to share some of the work i have beed doing over some considerable time to regenerate the town.   The first major problem in the town is making the community sustainable with a development that gives something to the town as a economic regeneration and gives jobs for local people.   This will also help the local fishing fleet as that has been in decline over the last ten years as bigger boats have drifted to Plymouth to work because of the tidal nature of the harbour.   These are early stages but the town will need to get behind this and deliver a scheme of the greatest benefit for all.   Secondly the works in the Health Centre Car park will cause some disruption to the working of the centre for a period but this can be managed to a minimum with all the partners working together.    The bonus of this scheme is that the towns bathing water quality will be affected less by spills which is very good news for the town.  Let me know if you have any questions  Regards Armand

LOOE TOWN COUNCIL REPORT

ARMAND TOMS LOOE EAST AND ST MARTINS

1.          FLOODING ISSUES

On the 19^th of February, 2013 members from 3 of the towns organisations met with Nick Ely and Councillor Phil Parsons regarding the problems faced by the town with regard to flooding.    I was disappointed that West Looe Town Trust did not attend but I have since spoken to the Chairman and they have agreed to attend the next meeting.    Over the last 18 month to 2 years I have been working on a solution to the long standing problem in Looe of flooding and this I hope is the first of many meetings.   I called this meeting to bring together the towns organisation so that a bottom up approach can be taken to the problem as the plans in the 90s from the EA were rejected by the town at great cost.   So the need to bring together the town to find a solution in necessary as any scheme needs their full support.  

There were three strands to the discussion, one being flooding by wave and tidal surge, two the protection of properties and thirdly a flood plan for the town.   The first strand was discussed at length and I have suggested that any sea defences should also consider the economic benefits that would also be available.   If a breakwater was built for protection of the harbour then moorings for visiting boats should also be made available with the addition of a all states of the tide mooring to give access to the town.  It was agreed that the delivery of this first project would bring economic benefit and solve the need for protection of property in the long term, but work needs to be done in the short term to help the protection of property. 

Lastly there is a need for a flood plan for the town and during the recent meeting with the EA and others regarding bathing water quality I was able to get a copy of the procedure.   I would ask that the town council leads on this and request that there is an involvement of the community with flood leaders and wardens etc.   Can this be sent to the relevant committee for consideration.

2.          SEWAGE SCHEME AT DOCTORS SURGERY AND PATIENTS CAR PARK

Last Friday the Mayor and myself met with the health surgery manager, doctor and SWW regarding works to alleviate spills from the holding tanks under the doctors car park.    The idea is that SWW increase the size of the holding tank under the doctors car park and expand it into an area under the patients car park.    These works will be carried out as soon as possible to help with the spillages which affect the bathing water quality.  It was agreed that these works are necessary to help the town and it is hoped that plans will be available in the near future and there will be a need to consult with the town.   I was able to get an officer from the council to attend and asked questions regarding the use of the riverside car park.   When I have the full details I will share them.

3.          COUNCIL TAX

The council tax for Cornwall has been set at a zero percent increase which will have a detrimental effect on the services provided and there will be job losses.    I worry about the cuts in money to both childrens and adults social care bank and relief staff will not be available.  This will also cut services such as times for library and one stop shop opening as well as call centre staff.   Having voiced my concerns but they were not heard.  

Planning applications

Dear All,  Just the one application this week, any comments to 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk    Thanks Armand

Looe   (Looe East Electoral Division)

Sissinghurst   Listowel Drive  Looe  Cornwall  PL13 1LB 

Erection of two single storey extensions incorporating two juliet balconies and widening of drive - Mr J Whitling - PA13/01365 (Case Officer - Sarah Stevens)

Planning application

Dear All,  A further planning application for the ward, any comments please to 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk   Thanks Armand

Looe (Looe East Electoral Division)

Sunny Corner Barbican Hill East Looe Looe Cornwall PL13

1DY

Construction of 2 storey extension and new entrance porch

(demolition of existing entrance porch), conversion of 2

existing bay windows into doors, new rear entrance door and

screen, new window to rear elevation, replace existing

asbestos roof for slate roof , re-render existing facade, new

rainwater goods, creation of 2 new off-street parking bays and

re landscaped front and rear gardens. - Mr And Mrs Tim And

Tracey Hannington - PA13/01506 (Case Officer - Sarah

Stevens)

Cornwall Council Higher Education Scheme

Briefing note

Cornwall Higher Education Scheme February 2013 Update

Members Briefing

Last year we announced details of the Cornwall Higher Education (HE) scheme to support more students from Cornwall to progress into higher education and into employment.

The scheme was developed on the principle of funding a minimum of 6 cohorts* of students through the programme in order to achieve the intended outcomes of increasing participation in HE - closing the gap between Cornwall and the national average; in addition to providing the right higher level skills for the growth of our economy in key sectors.

The scheme is founded on levering in approximately £14m ESF investment from the post 2013 programme with a 25% match from the Council. Due to delays in announcements regarding the post 2013 European programme we are proposing a phased approach to the HE scheme. This will include delivery of the Trevithick Scholarships and a programme of undergraduate placements within targeted sectors of the economy from September 2014; with a view to rolling out the full programme from 2015 once European funding has been secured.

An update and more detail on the phased proposal will be provided to the Children Education and Families Scrutiny Committee in March.

We will be briefing our key stakeholders involved in the project including FE Colleges and School Sixth forms that will be providing information and advice to students about higher education and the support available to them.

We remain committed to the HE Scheme as a means of improving outcomes for our young people and the overall prosperity of Cornwall and its communities by achieving economic growth, dependent on higher level skills.

* Each cohort will be funded for a 3 year period, with a new cohort being funded each year from 2014(15) through to 2020.

Neil Burden

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

Cornwall Council

Help for business

Dear All,   I have recieved information about funding for business (see below) which may help you,  with no formal body such as a Chamber of trade in the town it is difficult to get this out to business.   Please share this information

Regards Armand

http://www.cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk/investment-funds/business-boost.html

http://www.cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk/investment-funds/rbis.html

Hello – as a contact with a local Chamber of Commerce, I am sending you some information to make you and your Chamber members aware of the recent launch of a grant for eligible businesses. The grant is called the Rural Business Investment scheme and can apply to a range of businesses in Cornwall such as manufacturing, ICT, tourism as well as the more traditional ‘rural’ businesses involved with processing agricultural, horticultural and forestry products etc. I attach a web link to the relevant website where further details can be found including how to make application for this fund.

This grant is a recent addition to the original four grants contained within the Business Boost* programme that was launched last year by Cornwall Council and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (L.E.P.).  Further details on these funds can be accessed via the link to the Business Boost* programme above.

Note * Business Boost was launched by Cornwall Council and the L.E.P. as it was recognised that national grants such as the Regional Growth Fund are a good support mechanism for established manufacturing companies with project teams. Cornwall Council and the L.E.P. understood that the majority of Cornish businesses are small and would be unlikely to be able to draw up and submit detailed bids for projects under the times scales under which the Regional Growth Fund operates. Consequently, the Council and L.E.P. bid for money from the Regional Growth Fund and combined this with some of its own money to create a £17 million pot. This is called Business Boost. The original four funds that made up Business Boost were launched in May 2012 and one of them will be available until March 2015. This will allow small businesses the time to put a project together and submit bids outside of the time constraints of the Regional Growth Fund. Early contact with the relevant contact point in the guidance link above is strongly advised if you believe your business fits the criteria of one of the funds. The Rural Business Investment scheme has been added in the last few weeks as a fifth fund under the overall Business Boost programme. The programme is administered by the Cornwall Development Company which is an arms length company of Cornwall Council.  

Regards

Stephen

Stephen Vinson

Business Investor Support Advisor

Economic Development

Chief Executive's Department

Cornwall Council

FREE PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP

This is something that may be of use to many of the local residents a free printmaking workshop at the rusty bucket, please see the e mail i have recieved below.    Hope you can attend    Thanks Laura

Hi Armand

Paul P has given me your email address in relation to spreading the word about a printmaking workshop that I am running on Saturday 9th February upstairs at the Rusty Bucket.

I live in Looe and I am the printmaking technician at Plymouth University where I am also studying for a Masters Degree and as part of my work I looking at the notion of skill exchange. On Saturday I will teach people to print in exchange for them letting me use the conversations we have while printing for my own work. 

I will provide all materials, so all people need to do is turn up, learn how to make a relief print while we chat about anything from what we had for dinner last night to what the weather is like, so its all totally informal and fun.  

And I just wondered if there is anyone you could forward this email to that might be interested in attending?

DETAILS

Where: Rusty Bucket, Fore Street, Looe

When: Saturday 9th February. Starts at 10:00 and finishes at 12:00

Who: Open to anyone 16 and over. no previous experience needed.

There are limited spaces so if anyone is interested be great if they could get in touch via email or call me on 07967 372960 

Any help or suggestions much appreciated, Kind regards

Laura 

Just one planning application again this week

Dear All,   Just the one application this week, any comments to 01503 264823 or atoms@cornwall.gov.uk    Thanks Armand

Looe

(Looe East Electoral Division)

Lloyds Bank Plc Fore Street East Looe Looe Cornwall PL13

1DT

Application for Listed Building Consent for display of

advertisements, namely siting of 2 internally illuminated static

fascia signs (illuminated built-up letters); 1 internally

illuminated projecting sign; 2 internally illuminated heritage

light strips; a non illuminated letter box signage, a non

illuminated nameplate and a non illuminated reverse applied

Council Scheme to hep rsidents to insulate park home

Council scheme to help residents insulate park homes Cornwall Council has joined forces with Community Energy Plus (CEP) to help park home owners to save money on their fuel bills and stay warm. As park homes can be inefficient at retaining heat and are usually excluded from government schemes which provide free or discounted insulation, the Council and CEP will help residents fund insulation and energy saving measures. The Council’s Green Cornwall Programme has put £500,000 towards the scheme to part fund external wall, roof and floor insulation. Residents wanting to take advantage of the scheme will be offered a grant to cover up to 50% of the costs, and access to an interest free loan to cover the rest. “Park homes often have the lowest energy efficiency ratings, and insulating them can significantly improve living conditions and increase the lifespan of the home,” Nicola McCheyne, Project Delivery Team Manager for Community Energy Plus. “With the majority of residents being over 65, it is especially important that they are able to have an adequately heated home.” “This is a real step forward which I heartily applaud,” said Councillor Derris Watson, Chair of the Council’s Housing Task Group. “The scheme contributes to the aims of the Council’s Housing Investment Plan by assisting vulnerable groups who are not currently eligible for Government funding in the same way that those living in bricks and mortar homes are.” An initial pilot of the scheme will see external wall insulation and energy saving measures fitted in 10 park homes.  Measures include external cladding, roof and floor insulation and, where required, windows and doors will be upgraded to Upvc units.  Research has shown insulating a park home can cut combined heating and electricity costs by around 30% to 40%. “Excessively cold living conditions are directly linked to respiratory and coronary illnesses, and increased accidents within the home caused by mobility impairment,” said Stuart Kenney, Cornwall Council’s Private Sector Housing Manager. “Providing a warm environment in park homes benefits the wider society by reducing the costs to the NHS by a decline in cold weather related GP appointments and hospital admissions. “Reducing the cost of heating a park home will also help cut the number of households in Cornwall living in fuel poverty.” “I am pleased that the Council, and Community Energy Plus, have been able to step in to offer this support to park home residents,” said Councillor Mark Kaczmarek, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Housing and Planning. “Improving home insulation will make a real difference not only to fuel bills, but also the property’s ability to retain heat.” For more information or to register for the insulation scheme contact Community Energy Plus on 0800 954 1956 or advice@cep.org.uk