Over the summer I held Tea with Your MP events across the constituency. The sessions let me hear directly from residents about issues affecting them, especially people who might not otherwise contact me online or by email. After each event there is often a lot of follow-up work, such as chasing answers or explaining how government policies and upcoming changes may affect people's lives.
In Budock Water, residents raised concerns about knowing their Community Police Officers. After I made enquiries to Devon and Cornwall Police, I confirmed who the local PCSOs are. People can find details of their neighbourhood policing team online at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/area/your-area/.
A question also came up about the future of the mobile library service in Budock. Cornwall Council has since told me it plans to review the current service and consult residents and service users in the coming months. Please look out for this consultation and take part so the council can understand local need.
Many people at the Mylor Tea with MP event focused on water quality in Mylor Creek and the surrounding area. They were concerned about the number of sewage spills from South West Water (SWW), and many felt fed up and let down. After the meeting I contacted SWW directly. They reported that a faulty monitor had falsely recorded spills. I have arranged a meeting with the new CEO, and I have a growing list of issues people have reported to me to go through. I have worked on water issues for years, and now in my role on DEFRA I am in a position to push for real accountability and change.
In Gerrans and Portscatho, discussions covered coastguard volunteers, SEND provision and other issues affecting coastal communities, including recent octopus blooms. People welcomed confirmation that coastguard volunteers will continue to be paid. Coastal MPs and ministers worked hard to secure this outcome. We also helped resolve an EHCP issue raised at the event.
Carnon Downs was the biggest event yet, with more than 60 people attending. Residents raised many issues, including farming and the loss of EU funding, and the ongoing shortage of NHS dentistry. Cornwall is a dental desert and has seen some of the biggest reductions in the number of practices offering NHS care. I have pressed our case to the dentistry minister, and urgent and follow-up care should now be available if people phone Cornwall's dental helpline on 0333 4050290.
We also discussed the Langarth housing development near Treliske, including the need to prioritise homes for key workers and ensure the right infrastructure is delivered alongside new homes.
These were only a handful of the issues raised at this summer's events. If you have not been to one of these events and would like to join, make sure you do not miss me when I am next in your area.
Jayne Kirkham Hails Successful Summer Tea with Your MP Events