A GROUP of local people has come together to establish a new community venture tasked with creating an exciting vision for Camelford.

Responding to massive changes that have been brought about by the pandemic, the ‘Our Camelford’ group of residents, councillors and local business figures have been working with a placemaking consultant to deliver a plan to help the town recover from Covid-19.

It aims to capitalise on plans to re-route the A39 Atlantic Highway to tackle congestion in the town by creating a cleaner, greener and more people-friendly environment. Focusing on key themes such as food and drink, tourism and heritage, experiences and workspace among others, it seeks to create a blueprint to transform the town’s fortunes in the coming years.

The group are now planning to consult with the public on how the plan can be further improved, and the ‘Our Camelford’ chair is urging local people to get behind efforts to improve the town.

“This is a grassroots initiative to get local businesses and residents to work in partnership with the Council to identify opportunities and drive change in Camelford,” explained Paul Thomas. “We know that Covid-19 has hit our businesses hard and we’re facing a challenging recovery, but we need to make our own future. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves.”

The group have already spoken to local MP Scott Mann about their work and have received his support for plans to link Camelford to the Camel Trail.

“Our aim is to breathe confidence back into Camelford and seize opportunities,” added Thomas. “We know there is likely to be an increased demand for co-working space as a result of the pandemic because people are commuting less. So this is just one area where we can prioritise as a means of bringing people into our town.”

Since the group began developing a plan, one of their members has already opened two new shops on Fore Street and Thomas said there was plenty to be optimistic about, despite current challenges

“Our aim is to emerge from lockdown stronger and give people a different reason to visit Camelford. It will be a long-term plan but we’re confident we can build momentum quickly.”

Members of the public or local business owners who are interested in getting involved and joining the group should contact Paul Thomas at [email protected].