THE creation of a new civil parish for Delabole took a step closer last week at a public consultation evening organised by Cornwall Council in Wadebridge Town Hall.

The proposal to split the current parish of St Teath into two parishes was discussed, along with other boundary issues around Wadebridge town and St Minver.

It was well attended by St Teath Parish Council members and residents from the villages, all of whom voiced support for the proposal, along with the local Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for the area, Dominic Fairman.

Following evidence presented at New County Hall by Cllr Fairman, Cornwall Council had already agreed the split in principle and had voted for more consultation over a well-defined boundary for the new parish and suggested numbers of councillors for each new council.

Cllr Fairman said: “Having already canvassed and garnered opinions from over 100 residents from both villages through events and the village newsletters last year, with over 90% of residents in favour, I was very pleased to get the unanimous backing of the full council at New County Hall in December.

“I have since been back to the parish council with a proposal for a robust boundary between the villages having consulted further with residents and landowners.”

From the existing boundary with Camelford in Newhall Green the proposed boundary will follow the unclassified road to the B3267. It will then follow the B3267 north until the unclassified spur past the Laurels.

At the B3314, the boundary will continue over the road heading north west on the unclassified road. At the sharp bend known locally as Parade Corner, the boundary will follow the stream east to the coast at Jackets Point.

This was adopted by the parish council at its February meeting and in addition a proposal was put forward by chairman Roger Lyle for a new Delabole council to have nine members and the reduced St Teath council to retain seven, which was accepted by councillors.

Cllr Fairman added: “I have long held the view that this will be a very positive move for both villages, and I look forward to the process reaching its conclusion at full council in July.

“The needs of each of the villages are very different and I hope that by bringing this tier of local government even closer to the residents, we will be able to meet the aspirations of each village better in the future.”

If the process is successful then a new parish for Delabole will be created in time for the local government elections in May 2021.

There is still time for people to register their views on the Cornwall Council website which has a section dedicated to this Community Governance Review.