Community Networks
Last updated: 16/05/2013
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An introduction to community networks
Cornwall Council recognises that we can’t solve all the issues
that communities face on our own and we work with our elected
members, local councils and other key partners to coordinate our
activities.
We do this through our Localism Service (see Introduction to localism) and our
19 community
networks, which are based around groupings of parishes and
electoral divisions. The 19 community network areas are: Bodmin;
Bude; Caradon; Camborne, Pool and Redruth; Camelford; China
Clay area; Cornwall Gateway; Falmouth and Penryn; Hayle and St
Ives; Helston and the Lizard; Launceston; Liskeard and Looe;
Newquay and St Columb; West Penwith, St Agnes and
Perranporth; St Austell; St Blazey, Fowey and Lostwithiel; Truro
and Roseland; Wadebridge and Padstow (please see list of area
network links at the bottom of this page).
The community networks are managed by the Localism Managers.
You can use the
online mapping system to view a map of the community network
areas.
What are community networks?
Community networks are the focal point
for bringing communities together and driving improvements.
Cornwall Council established and supports 19 community
networks across Cornwall based on the main towns and the rural
areas which relate to them. These are the main way the
council connects with local communities.
The purpose of the community network is to:
- involve local communities in improving
local services;
- identify, agree and then deliver local
priorities;
- enable local councillors to have more
influence over the delivery of services to the communities they
represent; and
- enable communities to make choices about
the way in which services are delivered in their areas.
The community network managers bring together panels led
by unitary council members. The panels include
representatives from town and parish councils, and are able to
invite local and voluntary organisations, and other service
providers like the police and health authorities to join them. The
panels identify and agree common, realistic aims and targets
that will meet combined strategic and local aspirations.
Community networks are fundamental in our aim to give
communities a stronger voice and in helping them to deal with
complex issues. Cornwall Council recognises that because every area
is different we need support from local communities to deliver
services effectively.
What sort of things are
networks involved with?
Some of the issues that community networks are dealing with
include anti-social behaviour, economic development, the
environment, community planning, regeneration, conservation,
community safety and transport and highway issues. Alongside this
town and parish councils are also able to take on a variety of
levels of responsibility for some local services, such as street
cleaning, grass cutting, weed control or the maintenance of public
conveniences.
If you wish to contact your network manager or
find out more about your network area please follow the appropriate
link from the left hand menu.
There are 22 one stop shops across Cornwall where you
can get information, advice and guidance from specially
trained staff on Council services.
In addition to this our out
and about service will give advice and information on all
Council services at venues across Cornwall.