MEMBERS of the Bude Community Network Panel were given the opportunity to comment upon the circulated priorities document at their most recent meeting last month.

The panel was asked to comment upon topics within the document relating to Bude GP provision, improved communication and local engagement, community safety and resilience, and transport. During this discussion, it was noted that health, and the NHS Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) in particular, should be of key importance for the next 12 months.

The panel agreed that Bude GP provision is still of great importance, as well as the need to include health representatives from Devon. It is hoped an update on the NHS STP will be provided.

The panel decided that ways of providing safer walking to school and cycling initiatives should be explored, as well as better transport provision for the area. One suggestion included possibly inviting portfolio holder for transport at Cornwall Council, Geoff Brown, to a future meeting.

The panel also commented on the devolution programme and local decision making to be developed, and the panel hope to engage with Cornwall Council and partners over economic development in Bude and the wider network area, with jobs and health interacting with this. It was suggested having a workshop at a future community network panel meeting.

Although discussed in detail, it was decided that neighbourhood planning was not a reoccurring agenda item, as it did not involve all parishes, although updates could still be given.

The meeting also heard that a member of the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) will be assigned to every network, ensuring that Cornwall Council and its partners are aware if key issues arising from the network. It is hoped that the Bude network’s representative will attend the next panel meeting and discuss the role further.