Improvement to 'take years'
News Archive > General > Improvement to 'take years'
CORNWALL COUNCIL’S Chief Executive has admitted that it will “take years” to improve front line services such as rubbish collection, street cleaning and weeding in the resort.Talking exclusively during a visit to the NewquayVoice offices, Kevin Lavery admitted that the council couldn’t, “just flick a switch” to solve many of the day-to-day issues affecting residents but stressed that with the continued evolution of the new council the time is ripe for improvements to be made.
During his visit, Mr Lavery was also quizzed on the future of Newquay airport, the impact of Newquay’s tourism industry and the vision for town and parish councils.
With resident complaints about council services in the town increasing, particularly regarding the neglected town centre, the lack of weeding and rubbish left strewn across pavements Mr Lavery admitted there are faults in the delivery of such ‘front line services’ in Newquay and surrounds.
“It is looking like it will take two to three years to have the new system firmly in place,” he said. “There are going to be some major changes, but we have a great opportunity here to protect and improve the front line.”
Private firms providing local services such as business service company Serco will be reviewed as a result of the shake-up.
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Serco currently has the Cornwall contract for providing refuse collection, green space maintenance and town cleaning among others.
Mr Lavery, previously a chief executive officer for Serco Solutions, said: “My past links with Serco will not prevent me from looking into their performance levels. There may be a necessity to change certain blue collar companies, as some have contracts that are scheduled for renewal anyway.”
“As a unitary council we are now more accountable for public services, because we can’t hide behind another council any more.”
He continued: “What we have got to be honest about is that there is a lot of room for improvement in Cornwall’s council system. Hopefully we will be able to both refine the services we provide and maintain a low council tax, but we will have to see how severe budget cuts are.”
In the light of last week’s exclusive NewquayVoice story regarding the balance between residents needs and the night-time economy Mr Lavery revealed that Newquay’s tourist trade will be reviewed after this Summer season.
He said: “There is an important, careful job that needs to be done. When you have a resort that appeals to stag and hen parties, of course residents need the trade, but there is a balance that must be struck.”
Mr Lavery also revealed that the council remains fully committed to the future of Newquay airport, despite the business currently operating at a loss.
He said that the creation of an airport group could hold the key to its survival, merging with other transport hubs to create such groups.
Mr Lavery commented: “The airport is very important for both Newquay and the county’s future. We are absolutely committed to having an airport, but we must make sure that its finances are in shape first, which may eventually involve merging St Mawgan with another airport group. It’s the fastest growing airport in the UK, so it’s not a failure, and we want it to grow as a business.”
A report into the delay in opening the airport during the transition from military to full civilian use was expected, “soon” said Mr Lavery.
The new unitary council looks set to alter the roles of larger parish and town councils, who will have the opportunity to gain further responsibilities if they are able to “demonstrate their competence”.
“We have only just gone live, so we are not clear about exactly what is going to happen to local council’s roles but we will be looking into this of course.
“There is a set process to go through and it’s really about earning the right to do more.”
