Safety is the number one priority for Cornwall’s high street businesses as many of them prepare to open their doors tomorrow for the first time since lockdown.

Following weeks of preparation, local towns will look and feel quite different to the way they were three months ago when the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to close down.

High street safety measures include new one-way systems for vehicles and pedestrians; pedestrian-only areas and special car parking arrangements, while street marshals and volunteer guides will be out and around in many places to encourage visitors to ‘go with the flow’, respect directional signage and remember to follow social distancing guidelines.

The work has been done according to the needs of every local area and has been supported by funding from a grant of £152,000 awarded to the Council from the Government’s emergency active travel fund and £509,000 of support to towns for temporary public realm measures from the European Regional Development Fund’s Reopening High Street Safely Fund.

In addition, businesses have been encouraged to take the necessary steps to help protect the health of staff and customers such as carrying out a Covid-19 risk assessment.

Tim Dwelly, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for culture, economy and planning, said: “This is a critical time for our town centres in Cornwall. They are dependent for their survival on everyone’s support.

“Each and every one of us has a responsibility to do our part in helping prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“If you are planning a high street visit, the advice is to plan ahead. I also urge everyone to follow the safety measures that Cornwall’s high streets have worked hard to put in place, so we can stay safe together and enjoy all the wonderful things that our Cornish high streets have to offer.” 

Richard Wilcox, Falmouth Business Improvement District (BID) Manager and Chair of South West BIDs, commented: “Our Cornish towns have led the way nationally in respect of safety and recovery planning. As we work through the Government’s phased reopening programme, we look forward to seeing respectful and considerate visitors, in a safe and welcoming Cornwall.”

The following five safety tips will help you enjoy and make the most of your visit when you arrive:

1. Go with the flow – keep your distance and follow all local signage.
2. Be safe – plan ahead, be considerate, responsible and patient.
3. Say ‘hi’ (Dydh da) to any local high street marshals and volunteers you come across. They’re there to help and guide you.
4. Help us help you stay safe - remember to wash your hands often, use free sanitiser stations, use contactless payment and follow other hygiene advice when needed. 
5.   Visit with confidence. Cornwall’s high street businesses are working hard to help protect the safety of customers and staff. Look out for their Covid-19 risk assessment certificate.

As guidance and support for shielded residents change from next week, Cornwall Council, Volunteer Cornwall and NHS Kernow are reminding anyone needing assistance with food shopping, medical prescriptions and social support, that help is on hand.

Letters explaining the new advice are being sent out to everyone who has been asked to self-isolate for the last 12 weeks due to having a health condition which makes them clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

The Government is relaxing its shielding guidance in stages as it points to latest scientific evidence showing the declining infection rate of the virus.

Subject to ongoing clinical evidence, the changes will be:

From Monday 6 July:

• Anyone shielding can meet up to five people from other households outdoors while social distancing.
• Those shielding who live alone or are a single parent or carer with a child under 18 can start to form a support bubble with one other household including visiting their home and staying overnight.  

From Saturday 1 August: 

• Shielded individuals can stop self-isolating as guidance will be updated to allow them to go to shops and places of worship while following social distancing rules.  
• Food parcels sent by Government to those shielding will stop on 1 August as individuals are advised they can visit shops and pharmacies.  
• However, other forms of support – such as priority supermarket delivery slots, help from Cornwall Council, Volunteer Cornwall and the NHS Volunteers Scheme – will continue.  
• Those who need to work and cannot do so from home will be able to return to work as long as their workplace is COVID secure, adhering to the guidance available.

Cornwall Council, Volunteer Cornwall and NHS Kernow will continue to support shielded and other vulnerable residents if they need help with food shopping or collections, getting priority supermarket delivery slots, prescriptions, befriending and getting online for assistance.  

Anyone who is shielding and needs to set up priority supermarket deliveries for when the Government’s food parcel programme ends on August 1 should go to www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable or call 0800 0288327, the Government’s dedicated helpline, by July 17.

Cornwall Council is offering help to anyone who needs assistance with registering for priority supermarket deliveries. Contact the Council’s shielding line on 0300 1233334 for support.

Volunteer Cornwall is continuing to help with collecting and delivering shopping and prescriptions, providing befriending support as well as volunteers helping with other low level needs.  

It is running a ‘Walking Buddies’ programme to support vulnerable residents by providing socially distanced company to help build confidence and allow for social interaction.

If you would like a walking buddy or are interested in volunteering to become one, please call Volunteer Cornwall on 01872 266988 or email mid@volunteercornwall.org.uk

Dr Iain Chorlton, GP and NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group chairman, said: “As the social distancing rules for shielded patients change, from 1 August you can now collect their prescriptions from your GP practice or local pharmacy as you would have done before COVID-19. If you need to continue to have them delivered can you please talk to your usual pharmacy or dispensary.”

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall’s cabinet member for climate change and neighbourhoods, said: "After three months of staying at home, those who have been shielding will soon be able to go out more and see their friends and family while social distancing. While this may be a happy time for many, for others it will lead to feelings of extreme anxiety.

“Together with NHS Kernow and Volunteer Cornwall we are continuing our support for anyone who is stopping shielding in the coming weeks. Do get in touch with us if you need help with food shopping, prescriptions or if you are feeling anxious, and we will endeavour to help.”

Ian Jones, Chief Executive of Volunteer Cornwall, said: “Volunteer Cornwall’s team of volunteers are seeing considerable concern about the easing of the lockdown. We will be helping people get back out in their community but we still have thousands of Cornwall’s wonderful volunteers who are willing to help where there is a need. Together the institutions and communities of Cornwall can ensure those most in need continue to get the support they require.’

If anyone needs extra support contact Cornwall Council on 0300 1233334 or email covid19@cornwall.gov.uk or contact Volunteer Cornwall on 01872 266988 or email requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk.

More information on the planned changes are here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/plans-to-ease-guidance-for-over-2-million-shielding

Story posted July 3, 2020

As Cornwall prepares to welcome back visitors, campers are being asked to plan their visits and book ahead rather than leave it to chance where they stay overnight.  

So-called ‘wild camping’, where campers pitch out in the open away from official campsites, is increasingly popular - but can be problematic, and in some cases dangerous.

Rob Nolan, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, said: “Our strong advice is for all visitors to book ahead with proper accommodation providers and camp sites, not to arrive in Cornwall with no plan about where to stay. Wild camping can cause problems with litter, sanitation, trespass and may create conflict with landowners and residents.

“We are absolutely welcoming visitors back to Cornwall and want them all to have enjoyable stays. But we ask that they respect our residents and communities and follow all the health guidance rules and social distancing requirements.

“Please don’t be tempted to pitch a tent or stay overnight in your campervan anywhere you like the look of.” 

There are serious safety issues with wild camping on or near the highway, on agricultural land (particularly ahead of harvest) or near livestock.

Always follow the Countryside Code, and be aware that while camping on cliffs, moorland, or near fast flowing watercourses may seem idyllic, sudden changes in the weather can create unforeseen hazards.

Camping overnight in tents or vehicles in most car parks or on beaches is not permitted. We also don’t accept camping in public parks, or in controlled countryside such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), or by Historic Monuments or Heritage Sites.

You must not camp on private land without the owners’ permission.

Rob added: “Cornwall values its tourist economy, and welcomes visitors who have booked and planned ahead, and who follow the Coronavirus health guidelines.

“Please observe signs posted on beaches, in parks, showing diversions from public footpaths, and in other outdoor public areas. If you have dogs with you, please keep them under control at all times and on a lead in busy areas, and observe the restrictions in place on many beaches in these summer months.”

“Welcome back to Cornwall. Stay safe. And stay safely.”

George Eustice has today welcomed the news that the Prime Minister has announced additional funding to level up Camborne. The announcement is part of a wider economic package to accelerate infrastructure projects, fuelling jobs and the country’s economic recovery following coronavirus. 

George Eustice, Member of Parliament for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle has welcomed the news that Hayle will benefit from the Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme to help fund projects that will increase the sale and consumption of locally caught seafood. 

It was a competitive scheme, judged by an independent panel of fishing industry, government and Marine Management Organisation representatives.

George Eustice, Member of Parliament for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle has today welcomed the news that schools across the constituency will benefit from upgraded facilities to improve the education of children.

Camborne, Redruth and Hayle has been allocated its share of the £434 million investment to expand classrooms, upgrade facilities and improve the education of children across the whole country.

Public protection officers will patrol town centres throughout Cornwall from this weekend to help support hospitality businesses in reopening safely after the lockdown. 

Cornwall Council staff will be on hand to offer advice to pubs, restaurants, bars, and takeaways as they welcome customers for the first time from this Saturday, July 4. 

Hospitality businesses including pubs, restaurants, bars, takeaways, hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering accommodation and visitor attractions can reopen from this weekend provided they can comply with the Government’s Covid secure guidelines. 

The Council is reminding businesses of the key reopening requirements which include:

• A COVID-19 risk assessment for the business before reopening 
• A one metre-plus social distancing rule with mitigations
• A limit to the number of staff and customers on site to ensure social distancing
• A requirement to collect contact details for all customers to assist with the Government’s Test, Track and Trace system 
• No live performances, including drama, comedy and music, to take place in front of a live audience 
• Taking steps to prevent people from raising their voices, for example refraining from playing music or broadcasts at a volume that make normal conversation difficult and could encourage shouting
• Premises where close contact is highly likely such as nightclubs must stay shut for now

Businesses which have completed the necessary safety steps can display a Government poster showing they have complied.

For restaurants, cafes and pubs planning to place chairs and tables outside their premises from Saturday, Cornwall Council supports the use of outside areas, subject to risk assessments and it being safe to do so, in order to support social distancing.

Businesses must ensure that any use of an outside area does not block or impact on normal pedestrian traffic and should be respectful of neighbours. The Council will work with businesses to educate, inform and enforce where this is not done, under the existing licensing system.

Further licensing is required for the sale of alcohol (for consumption on or off the premises) and for supplying late night refreshment (hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am the next day).

If you already have a licence, please ensure it covers use of outside areas. If not, you may need to apply to vary the licence. The Council’s Licensing Team can help you with the application or authorisation process including providing other regulatory support needed. Please contact licensing@cornwall.gov.uk for more information or see here. 

New COVID-19 legislation is expected later this month which will require businesses to apply for a new permission known as a pavement licence. This is likely to have a consultation requirement. As soon as this regulation is approved by Parliament Cornwall Council will write to businesses and town and parish councils to explain how the rules apply to them.

Rob Nolan, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “As our vital hospitality sector in Cornwall reopens for trade on Saturday our public protection teams will be out on the streets doing town centre walkthroughs giving safety advice, support and reassurance to businesses and the public during this momentous time.

“We are explaining, encouraging and supporting businesses to understand what they are required to do in order to reopen in a safe way that protects everyone from Coronavirus infection and which prevents or reduces the likelihood of any other untoward issues such as noise nuisance, littering and anti-social behaviour. 

“Enforcement actions will only be called upon where businesses are clearly creating COVID-19 infection risks such as failing to manage social distancing and necessary hygiene controls or failing to monitor the business and customers that could create noise nuisance, littering and anti-social behaviour. 

“Our primary aim is to help with business support and compliance with COVID 19 rules, so talk to our officers in the town centres when they are out and about, or get in touch with our business regulatory support team by phone or email.”

The Government has published guidance on working safely during Coronavirus. There is specific guidance for people who work in or run restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes or takeaways. 

If businesses have any queries relating to licensing matters for alcohol, email licensing@cornwall.gov.uk. Please be aware that we are expecting a high demand in calls for support at this time and we will get back to you as quickly as we can. 

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of anti-social behaviour and disorder. Additional resources will be available to support local businesses to resolve issues quickly and to provide help to people who are vulnerable.

If you need any further help contact businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk

You can also join free Back in Business webinars hosted by the Council for specific sectors. Around 1,500 businesspeople have already taken part over the past month.

More advice is available at https://www.businessregulatorysupport.co.uk/ 

Anyone wishing to report issues where businesses may be failing to manage social distancing and take necessary hygiene controls can contact Cornwall Council on 0300 1231118 or email covid19@cornwall.gov.uk.

To report illegal social gatherings, anti-social behaviour or crime contact the police by calling 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk and call 999 in an emergency.

Devon & Cornwall Police has been anticipating the demand during this weekend and planning extensively with partners throughout the lockdown period for the re-opening of the region.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has provided a £500,000 investment to give support to 20 locations across the Force aimed at reducing drink related antisocial behaviour – providing elements such as extra street warden security, public toilets and CCTV monitoring.

People have a duty to drink responsibly, adhere to social distancing and not fight or commit criminal damage simply because we are coming out of lockdown. Police will take proactive action against any drink-related disorder and would ask people to think seriously about their actions.

Story posted on July 2, 2020

Set up through joint investment from Cornwall Council and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership in July 2019 to drive economic growth in the film, TV, games & animation sectors, Screen Cornwall has spent its first year focusing on the foundations – harnessing great talent and establishing a clear brand positioning within the industry.

The core offer to external production companies is a location & crew-finding service which launched at FOCUS production show and, along with a partnership agreement with Creative England, generated over 50 enquiries before lockdown hit.

We have also been working with a wide range of local landowners, including the Cornwall Council, to promote their natural and building assets.

Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Culture, Economy and Planning, Tim Dwelly commented: “Connecting the unique offer in Cornwall with national and international production is vital to attracting spend into the region. Having a single point of information through Screen Cornwall has really built our connections and laid the groundwork for future impact.”

Secondly, the Screen Cornwall team has focused on talent and accessibility through a wide range of interventions, most notably BBC New Creatives which has resulted in 10 young people between 16-30 receiving commissions to make work for BBC platforms (7 audio pieces, 2 films and 1 interactive), including two projects which are supported with additional access funding.

So far, two completed pieces are available to the public: Miles Sloman’s comedy short ANORAKS on BBC iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p084qj0y and Florence Browne’s AGAN GERYOW YW KANA HWATH (Our Words Sing Still) on BBC Sounds https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08dwg1z

There has also been significant engagement with the British Film Institute through activity with BFI NETWORK in the South West and the national Young Audiences Content Fund, which supports the development of factual and scripted programmes aimed at young people up to 18.

As well as supporting Hypatia Trust to commission 8 short documentaries on local women in music stories, Screen Cornwall has also partnered with the School of Film & Television at Falmouth University to commission a number of graduate short films in animation, documentary and drama.

Managing Director Laura Giles said: “Following Mark Jenkin’s BAFTA win earlier this year, the spotlight is increasingly on distinctive regional voices and authentic storytelling.

“Working with regional stakeholders and our connections right across the creative & cultural industries has unearthed a diverse range of talent in Cornwall that is really exciting, so we relish the opportunity to connect individuals with national funding and opportunities to drive their careers.”

Finally, Screen Cornwall has worked with the Cornish Language Office in the Culture and Creative Economy Team to take forward the recommendations of the MEDIA GONIS POBLEK KERNEWEK (CORNISH PUBLIC SERVICE MEDIA) report with key stakeholders at the BBC and DCMS, as well as commissioning the first screen and app content specifically for early years learners through Goldentree Productions and Bosena. And, following the success of Zoe Alker’s YN MOR in the Single Drama category at the Celtic Media Festival Awards recently, Screen Cornwall are this year commissioning two contemporary short dramas in the Cornish Language through the Fylm K scheme:

• MOS (Lass) is the coming of age story of sixteen year old Truro girl, Jenna, who discovers there’s more to where she grew up than she thought, written & directed by Bryher Flanders

• KESTAV (Contact) is an ambitious sci-fi film about language and communication, written & directed by Chris Morris.

Chair Phillippa Giles said: “I am immensely proud of what Screen Cornwall has achieved and would like to thank the team, the Board and our fantastic industry Steering Board for helping work towards our vision. Despite the challenges of coronavirus, we are focused on our core goal of a Screen Growth Fund to attract high quality production to the region and support local companies to develop market-focused projects.”

Emmie Kell, board member of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and chair of the LEP’s Creative Industries Task Force, said: “Our investment in Screen Cornwall has already produced some great results in its first year and we’re excited to see the momentum build in the sector, which we hope will bounce back strongly in 2021 from coronavirus disruption.

“The combination of grassroots outreach to ensure talent development is accessible for all, with the high service levels that national and international production expects, proves that a screen agency is a vital part of the creative & digital eco-system for the region.”