A few opportunities for you to take part in ‘chewing the cud’ on some key issues facing us here in West Cornwall and on Scilly. Low wages and curtailed opportunity is a reality for many living this far West. Later this month I’m hosting a virtual discussion on ‘Remote Working by Design’. Many of us find ourselves working in rooms that are either not suitable or connected enough to adequately facilitate remote working.
Many are discovering that, with good connectivity and purpose-built workspace, remote working is perfectly possible and opens up a world of work that was not previously available to us. If we get this right we can design remote working for people already living here who could find their employer based halfway around the world. This could drive up wages and increase opportunity and you are welcome to join the conversation by contacting me.
Another opportunity to engage is in the developing vision of a low carbon transport plan bringing together A30 improvements from Camborne to Penzance, delivering the long sought after multi-purpose (cycle/horse/pedestrian) Bay-to-Bay path connecting Penzance, St Ives and Hayle, opening up the opportunity for light rail transit from Penzance to St Ives and envelope all of this in an exciting ‘green corridor’ connecting the south coast to the north coast across Penwith.
Furthermore, there is an opportunity to take part in monthly virtual briefings and presentations looking at how we get to Net Zero carbon emissions in West Cornwall. This is a piece of collaborative work I’m supporting with seasoned climate change ambassadors in West Cornwall; our first event this year takes place on February 24th at 4pm.
And finally, I’m determined that the G7 Summit is not a ‘flying visit’ and I’m keen to hear what you believe should be the positive legacy of such a significant event taking place in West Cornwall. I’m also feeding in to Government any good ideas of how we could showcase Cornwall and Scilly and how to ensure local businesses and our communities can be part of the action. Have your say!
On the vaccine front, at the start of the month 8.3m people had received the first dose of the vaccine, which is a most remarkable feat. Everyone over 70, in a care home or working in one, every healthcare worker and anyone who is officially shielding should be invited to receive the first dose by mid-February. We are on track to achieve this so please look out for your invitation if you fall into this category.
Every week more surgeries and pharmacies are providing the vaccine and everyone should be within 10 miles of a vaccine centre to receive the first dose. There is very little chance of you being overlooked. The spread of Covid-19 itself seems to be in decline across Cornwall, figures fell by well over 10% and are about 2/3rds of the English average. Altogether 12,562 people have tested positive across Cornwall and Scilly since the outbreak began (as of February 1st). Keep up the good work!
