Altarnun Parish Council January 2025 Meeting Report

The January council meeting took place one week later than scheduled due to the snowy weather conditions that prevailed on the evening of 8th January and led to the closure of the A30 at Bolventor and the disruption of many peoples plans and likewise our meeting! Therefore, well over a month since the last meeting and still the main topic of discussions related to the progress being made to lobby for a proper solution to the Plusha junction safety issues. The efforts of the Safer Plusha Action Group in conjunction with our tireless Cornwall Councillor Adrian Parsons and MP Ben Maguire have certainly made an impact in aligning a campaign aimed at taking out the half-baked proposals that are currently on the National Highways table. It was reported that every possible opportunity is being taken to get in front of those who can influence National Highways to build a substantive graded junction at Plusha and not make permanent the temporary solution that continues to cause havoc. Unfortunately, the issues of time and money are getting in the way of a clear hope of success, a hurdle Adrian is looking to navigate, by gaining Cornwall Council’s formal support and financial commitment to kick start the momentum towards gaining favour with the Department for Transport.

Altarnun councillors were pleased to fund the last tranche of money needed to complete the Pipers Pool and Trewint superfast fibre Broadband scheme. Initially the parish was asked to underwrite a grant backed figure in excess of £92,000, being subject to the consumers subscriptions. It was particularly pleasing that after a successful take up of services, the final figure was only just short of £9000. It was reported to the meeting that consumers are now seeing the real benefits of superfast Broadband which is making a real difference to their businesses and overall connectivity.

In planning matters this month councillors supported the application for the reduction of three trees at The Vicarage, Altarnun for safety reasons, after a recent event caused damage to an adjoining property when a tree limb fell. Also calling for Altarnun Parish Councils’ consultee involvement was an application for an extension to Jollsground Barn at Trewint. This was also supported after discussion and was seen to be a sympathetic development to enhance the existing property. Although it was noted the applicants may have to pay close attention to the presence of bats.

The meeting heard that whilst the Altarnun Christmas lights were enjoyed by residents and visitors alike the weather this year was not a friend to say the least. Adverse conditions forced the cancellation of a big event scheduled for the grand ‘switch on’ and also caused the river to rise to levels not seen since 2009, thus washing away lights and equipment that were painstakingly installed as part of the spectacle. However, we are pleased to say that this has no way deterred our stalwart volunteers from doing it all again next year albeit with some amended plans!

All other goings on, which in the main were ‘housekeeping matters’ concerned with the control of costs, all of which will be published in the full minutes as usual.

The February parish council meeting is to be held on Wednesday 5th February 2025 at 7.30pm in Altarnun Village Hall. All are very welcome.