Community Networks
Last updated: 06/04/2010
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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 will work with our elected
members, local councils and other key partners to coordinate our
activities.
We will do this through our
Locaslism 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 arranged
into three service delivery areas, West, Mid and East, which are
managed by localism area managers (please click on links to access
their contact details).
You can use the
online mapping system to view a map of the community network
areas.
What are community
networks?
This is a copy of the
draft
Localism Handbook - please email hcouch@cornwall.gov.uk
with any comments you may have.
Community networks will be the focal
point for bringing communities together and driving improvements.
Cornwall Council will establish and support 19 community networks
across Cornwall based on the main towns and the rural areas which
relate to them. They will be 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 will bring together panels led
by unitary council members. The panels will include
representatives from town and parish councils, and will be able to
invite local and voluntary organisations, and other service
providers like the police and health authorities to join them. The
panels will 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.
Cornwall Councillor Community
Grant Scheme :
Cornwall
Councillors each have a small grant allocation to assist
projects in the Cornwall Council area run by voluntary/community
groups. The grants are for a wide range of groups and activities
for example:
- vulnerable children or adults,
- young people,
- facilities for older people,
- community facilities,
- local environment projects,
- community safety.
For details of this scheme
please click on the links below:-
To view details of your community network manager - click on the
attached link. The community network manager will be able to
assist you in your application.
What sort of things will networks be involved
with?
Some of the issues that community
networks could be 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 will also
be 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.
As Community Networks develop, it is envisaged
that U-Choose for Cornwall (which is part
of a new Government scheme called "participatory
budgeting" aiming to bring communities closer to council
decision-making processes) will be used extensively and in
time will focus more upon influencing mainstream service delivery
rather than simply allocating small grants.
If you wish to contact your network manager or
find out more about your network area please click on the
appropriate link:
One Stop Shops
There are 23 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.