PEOPLE in and around Launceston are being invited to find out more about local policing matters and a social enterprise programme at the Launceston Community Network Panel meeting tonight (Thursday) in Launceston Town Hall.

Lisa Vango from the office of the police and crime commissioner will brief the panel on the police and crime plan. Police community management officer, Vashti Pearce, will be on hand to tell the panel about her role and responsibilities and to answer questions about neighbourhood policing in the Launceston community network area.

There will also be an update on health matters, including the latest position with the medical centre and the sustainability and transformation plan (STP).

Tamzyn Smith from the Real Ideas Organisation (RIO) will give a presentation on the Engine Room, a social enterprise programme that supports communities that want to have a positive impact by taking on community assets or running local services.

RIO are working with a wide range of socially enterprising people, including a partnership tackling food waste by using it to cater for functions and festivals, a couple providing activities and a social club for adults with learning difficulties, and a community group taking over the running of local sports facilities.

Cornwall councillor, Neil Burden, chair of Launceston Community Network Panel, said: “Policing continued to be an important issue for local people, so I would encourage everyone to attend the meeting to learn more about what’s happening in our area. With Launceston and many other communities now taking on the running of local assets and services, the presentation by RIO is sure to be of interest too.

“There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and meet your local Cornwall, town and parish councillors, and everyone is welcome to come along.

“The community network is just that, a place to network with each other and share our concerns for the wellbeing of our wider community. It’s a chance not to be talked at, but talked with.”

Launceston Community Network Panel meets quarterly to discuss matters that affect the local area and to agree priorities that can be delivered by Cornwall Council and partners, such as the police and health services.

The panel’s current priorities include local health provision, road and broadband infrastructure, and neighbourhood planning.

Launceston Community Network Panel includes all five Cornwall Councillors for the area and representatives of the 16 parishes in the community network.

The meeting takes place tonight (Thursday) from 7pm to 9pm in the Guildhall in Launceston Town Hall. The agenda and more information about the panel are available at www.cornwall.gov.uk/launcestoncna