Safe Access in Helston
Published: 04 June 2020
Helston Town Council are working with Cornwall Council and community partners to find ways of making Helston safe and enable everyone to comply with the social distancing rules as businesses open. We want everyone to be confident that Helston Town centre is a safe place and that business can recover quickly.
The details of plans and options are being worked up now and will be issued for public consultation next week. It is recognised that we must act quickly whilst involving the community in this process. https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/18502680.helston-town-centre-pedestrianisation-post-lockdown-suggestion/
* A message from The Mayor * ~ Monday 15th June 2020
Reopening Helston
Firstly I want to thank everyone in and around Helston for the efforts you have made during these unprecedented times. The public spirit shown by our community has ensured that those most in need have been able to receive help. As we look to Helston reopening for business, safety of pedestrians and shoppers is of paramount concern. As such, a temporary Cornwall Council Emergency Traffic Order will be in force in Meneage Street and it will be initially closed for periods between Monday 22 June and Sunday 12 July. This is to address a Public Health Emergency and its aim is to enable people to socially distance whilst remaining safe from traffic. The Order will be reviewed on a regular basis as guidelines change and feedback is digested.
Whilst safety is my prime concern, I am also aware that businesses have taken a huge hit over that past few months. To give this statement some flesh, in April the British economy shrank by over 20%. Compare this to a drop of 1% in September 2008 at the peak of the financial crisis and we can all appreciate the economic emergency facing the country. It is therefore vital that as much assistance as possible is given to businesses in the town. Closure of Meneage Street is a start and to give people the confidence to support businesses, we are looking at measures across the rest of the town centre, with advice and guidance from Cornwall Council. To play your part, I ask that when considering where and how you shop, “Think Local, Shop Local”. With our support, local businesses will be better placed to recover.
I recognise that these changes will mean disruption for some and ask that you work with me to adapt and overcome any issues. For example, to compensate for the loss of on-street parking we are working with Cornwall Council to provide the first two hours of parking free in Trengrouse Way car park. We are also considering the issues around resident and disabled access. There will, no doubt, be many others to address which, through co-operation and consideration, we will overcome. Now is not the time for individuals to think of themselves but to consider the safety of the wider community. So, if you have something to contribute, please get in touch.
It is really important to get feedback from residents and businesses on these changes and I am grateful to the many who have already been in touch. As bad news normally travels faster than good, I am encouraged that so many responses have been positive. Please send your emails to enquiries@helston-tc.gov.uk, starting your email title with Covid19.
There will be an opportunity to meet some of our team for a briefing, for a period between 12noon and 2pm each day from Monday 15th until Friday 19th at the Corn Exchange within the Guildhall, and Tuesday 16th evening between 6pm and 8pm for those who work in the daytime. Social distancing will be required.
Town Council staff and volunteers will be in attendance when the road closure is in place, working to make these changes as smooth as possible. For their part, all businesses are also required to carry out a Coronavirus risk assessment before reopening, ensuring the safety of customers and staff.
My strategic vision is to make the town centre safe for all, an attractive place to spend time, to enjoy our historic streets, buildings and to meet our wonderful towns folk. It will be hard work, but my fellow Councillors and I are determined to make this work.
The Mayor of Helston