RESIDENTS and businesses in and around Camelford are being invited to have their say on the future of their town as part of a wide ranging consultation. 

Billed as ‘Camelford’s Big Conversation’, the consultation has been launched to build on the vision produced by local placemaking group Agan Reskammel (Our Camelford) earlier this year. It seeks views on a range of proposed interventions and asks locals to actively shape plans for future development by stating what’s most important to them. 

Running from November 25 until the New Year, locals will be able to participate by completing an online survey. There are also plans for public meetings and street stalls at Camelford events, which will be announced on their website soon.

The consultation was welcomed by Camelford Mayor Cllr Rob Rotchell, who said he wanted the Government to match Camelford’s ambition with support through ‘levelling up’ or similar future funding.

“Camelford is a great place to live with a proud identity but no place can stand still and we have to move with the times and recognise that change is sweeping through towns everywhere,” he said. “We want Camelford to be best placed to thrive in the years ahead and that’s why we want to develop a ‘people’s plan’ that we can get behind and start preparing for the future now.” 

The chair of the local placemaking group, Paul Thomas, has also given his support to the consultation.

“I’d urge everyone to visit the website, share their views and attend a meeting,” he said. “I’m a big believer in grassroots, bottom up regeneration and I believe the people who live in Camelford are best placed to shape their future.” 

Among some of the focus areas that have been suggested in the vision document are strengthening community infrastructure, prioritising more events, giving young people a bigger stake in Camelford and embracing a greener, people friendly environment that promotes cycling and walking.

The consultation will end on January 25 with local feedback being used to refine and update a local plan.

It has been made possible by securing Town Vitality Funding from the Town Centre Revitalisation Fund, managed by Cornwall Council’s Economy, Skills and Culture Department.

To complete the online survey visit www.bigconversation.co.uk