Seat belts are one of the most effective safety features, and wearing one can reduce the risk of death by up to 50%. So, please make sure you and all other vehicle occupants are wearing one on every journey.
For more hints and tips on driving safely visit
It’s been a long week and you’re tired, but you think to yourself “I’m not far from home so I’ll keep going”.
Take a break - better to get home safe and a little late, than risk not getting home at all.
For more hints and tips on driving safely visit
We're seeking talented architects and designers to support us in delivering a range of aids and adaptations projects for our elderly and disabled clients.
We're also on the look out for multiskilled stairlift installers, kitchen adaptation specialists, contractors for major extensions and conversions, door openers and entry system experts, as well as those skilled in associated building works.
If you’re interested but want to know more before you apply, please call us on 0300 365 4050 or 07824 707 371.
You can also email us at support@incic.org.uk using the Subject: Cornwall Architect/ Major works.
Find out more.
Safer sleep week - free training available
Free training is now available to anyone in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who works with families with babies to help reduce the number of babies dying from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
The online ‘Safer Sleep’ training packages are provided by the Lullaby Trust charity and funded by our Public Health team and the Our Safeguarding Children Partnership (OSCP).
More than 600 people have already taken up the offer, including midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, GPs, housing officers, social care professionals, and voluntary sector practitioners.
As part of the Lullaby Trust’s Safer Sleep Week (10-16 March), we are encouraging more people to sign up for the training.
Temporary change to the opening hours of Launceston Minor Injury Unit
Due to staffing levels, the Trust has made the decision to temporarily close the minor injury unit at Launceston Community Hospital on Saturdays.
With immediate effect the minor injury unit will open 8am to 8pm Sunday to Friday. X-ray services will be available from Sunday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm.
This approach allows us to offer a consistent service which has access to x-ray services. On Saturdays, a minor injury unit and x-ray facilities are available from Liskeard and Bodmin community hospitals. A minor injury unit is also available from Stratton Community Hospital. Check the current opening and waiting times on our website.
The team in Launceston currently have a colleague on maternity leave and a recently recruited team member is undergoing the necessary clinical training (this takes around a year to complete).
We will review the opening hours on 12 April 2025.
Upcoming works on the A30 at Plusha
We will shortly be replacing the temporary barriers on the A30 at Plusha and installing a new, stronger barrier system. We will also be carrying out kerbing, improving road signs and painting new road markings. This is not the final, permanent solution for this stretch of road, but it will help improve safety for road users.
To carry out this work safely we will need the following traffic management in place:
From 8pm on Sunday 16 March until 6am on Monday 17 March. The A30 westbound will be closed for one night between Kennards House and Five Lanes. Westbound through traffic will be diverted via the A395 on to the A39. Then join the A389 towards Bodmin before rejoining the A30.
From 8pm on Sunday 16 March for five days. Eastbound traffic will not be able to turn right at Plusha towards Callington via the B3257. The central reservation crossover will be closed 24/7 for those five days. Well signed diversions will be in place, via Kennards House junction
From Monday 17 until Friday 28 March, inclusive. Lane restrictions will be in place 24/7 along the A30 between Two Bridges and Five Lanes. One lane will remain open in each direction for the duration of the works.
Slip roads will remain open.
The current 50mph speed restriction will remain in place for the duration of these works. It will return to 70mph once works are complete.
As with any project, dates are subject to change. This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress. If we’re unable to complete our work as planned, we may need to continue beyond the dates stated above.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys.
We'll do all that we can to keep disruption to a minimum. However, we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website.
In September 2024, we unveiled plans to implement a suite of safety measures along the A30 between Kennards House and Five Lanes and we’re currently reviewing all feedback received.
More information on our road safety improvements can be found on our website: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/a30-kennards-house-to-five-lanes-road-safety-improvements/
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 S.14: Temporary Prohibition of Traffic
Location: The Straight, Church Hill and Road From Hellescott Road To Church Hill, North Petherwin
Timing: 17th March 2025 to 21st March 2025 (24 hours)
Contact: Kier on behalf of South West Water - Tel: 0344 346 2020, email: Streetworks.mail@kier.co.uk
The above closure has been approved. Please click the following link to view a map and associated documents:
Register to vote by 11 April
With just five weeks to go until the voter registration deadline for the local elections on 1 May, make sure you're registered to have your say.
If you've recently moved house, you'll need to reregister.
Once registered, you have a range of options – you can vote in person, by post or by appointing someone you trust to vote in your place, known as a proxy vote.
If you're going to a polling station you'll will need to show photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. To find out which ID you can use in the polling station, visit the Electoral Commission website.
If you do not have one of the accepted types of ID, you can apply for free ID at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing and submitting a paper form to Cornwall Council.
Transport for Cornwall App offers Young Person's Discount on bus travel
Did you know people aged 19-25 can get unlimited one day travel on Cornwall’s bus network for just £5? Or unlimited travel for a whole week for just £20?
Young Person’s tickets are available exclusively through the Transport for Cornwall App, where bus users can buy their ticket and verify their age all in one place.
People aged 19-25 can verify their age through the app by going onto the buy bus tickets section, where they will be asked to provide ID to confirm they’re eligible. Access to these types of tickets will be automatically removed the day of their 26th birthday.
As well as access to the Young Person’s Discount, the Transport for Cornwall App also makes it easier than ever to plan journeys, buy tickets and track the bus services - across different routes, across different operators, across Cornwall.
So whether you're getting the bus to work, popping to the shops, or meeting up with friends, our app has got you covered – whatever your age!
Return your unused meds to your local pharmacy
Do you have old, unused, unwanted or expired medicines at home?
Help keep your home safe and dispose of them properly by returning them to your local pharmacy - no questions asked!
Keep Everyone Safe
Unused medicines at home can be dangerous, especially if accidentally taken by children, pets, or vulnerable famity members.
Keeping old prescriptions just in case increases the risk of taking the wrong medication.
For safety, medicines are prescribed for you-never share them with anyone else.
Protect The Environment
Throwing medicines in the bin or flushing them can pollute water systems, harming wildlife and ecosystems.
Returning them to your local pharmacy ensures they are disposed of safely, reducing environmental impact.
Support Antimicrobial Stewardship
Returning unused antibiotics helps combat antimicrobial resistance, preserving their effectiveness so they work when you really need them. Improper use or disposal can make bacteria resistant, making infections harder to treat.
Reduce Medicine Waste
Unused medications contribute to significant waste and financial costs within the healthcare system.
Only order what you need, once medicines have left the pharmacy, they can't be reused or recycled.
Cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) are increasing in both kept poultry and wild birds across multiple areas of Great Britain. If a flock of poultry is infected, DEFRA imposes a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone. These zones protect other birds in the local area and prevent the disease spreading.
For these zones to be effective, DEFRA needs to know who is keeping poultry. For this reason, since 1 October 2024 everyone who keeps poultry must by law register their birds with DEFRA.
Thefts from allotment sites
Local councils are advised to be alert to possible thefts from allotment sites and to position any CCTV cameras at a height where they cannot be disabled easily.
At Cubert Allotments, sheds were broken into and power tools stolen. A similar incident has been reported at an allotment site in Wadebridge. At Cubert the culprits sprayed black paint on the CCTV cameras to disable them.
Join Cornwall Scrapstore and Make a Positive Impact!
Cornwall Scrapstore is inviting you to be part of something special! Whether you’re a school, community group, artist, or maker, we offer affordable, eco-friendly materials that can bring your creative projects to life while supporting sustainability.
What We Do: At Cornwall Scrapstore, we promote creative reuse by offering a wide range of materials such as fabric, paper, plastics, and more—all saved from landfill. Our goal is to support creativity and reduce waste in our community.
How to Get Involved:
Become a Member: Access a treasure trove of creative materials for your projects.
Visit Us: We’re open every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am to 5pm, plus the last Saturday of each month.
Get Creative: Use recycled materials for your artistic, educational, and community projects, helping us promote a greener, more sustainable future.
Why Join Us?
By becoming a member of Cornwall Scrapstore, you’ll not only gain access to unique and affordable supplies but also support a thriving community focused on sustainability and creativity.
For more information about membership, fees, and what we offer, please visit our website:
www.cornwallscrapstore.co.uk.
Let’s create, recycle, and make a difference together!
Are you letting your property or considering letting it?
If you’re currently letting your property or considering letting it in the future, why not work with our Private Letting Service? We're helping local workers and families to find long-term homes.
Our service already manages 100+ properties and makes the letting experience as seamless as possible.
We're competitively priced
We carry out background checks and referencing
We offer dedicated tenancy sustainment if needed.
Call 0300 1234 161 to find out how we can help: www.cornwall.gov.uk/privatelettings
Discover the new Transport for Cornwall App
To get the most of Cornwall’s bus network, there is just one app you need on your phone - the all-new Transport for Cornwall App.
It has never been easier to plan your journeys, buy your tickets and track the services you need - across different routes, across different operators, across Cornwall. Whether you're commuting, exploring, or running errands, our app has got you covered.
Key Features:
Mobile tickets
Buy your ticket securely with a debit/credit card and use your mobile ticket when boarding - no more searching for cash!Bus service updates
No one likes disruptions to their journey, but now you’ll be able to keep up to date with service changes directly inside the app. Track your bus in real-time and stay informed.Plan your journey
Work out your daily commute or tomorrow’s trip to the shops. With over 11,000 locations to search for, there’s plenty to keep you busy.Timetables
It took some doing, but we’ve squeezed all of the routes and times into the palm of your hand! Find your times quickly and easily.Live departures
Browse and view bus stops on the map, explore upcoming departures, or check out the Destinations screen and see where you could travel next.Favourites
Save your regular Departure Boards and Journeys and access them from one convenient menu.
The Transport for Cornwall App - with you every stop of the way!
Looking to grow your business?
Businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – applications are now open for Good Growth funding!
Apply for grants of £20,000 to £200,000 to help drive growth, boost productivity, and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.
Eat well, spend less - one pot chicken stew
Welcome to episode 16 of our Eat Well, Spend Less cookery video series from our Healthy Cornwall team! These videos give you tips on how to eat healthily on a budget with everyday ingredients from your local shop.
In this episode we're making a budget-friendly one pot chicken stew. Perfect comfort food for these cold winter days, as well as being easy on the wallet.
We hope you enjoy eating this delicious meal!
Feel good food for February
Looking for February feel-good food? Then try this winter-warming leek and lentil soup from our Healthy Cornwall team's Eat Well, Spend Less video recipe series.
These videos give you tips on how to eat healthily on a budget with everyday ingredients from your local shop.
Full of fibre and protein this recipe keeps you feeling full and satisfied. We hope you enjoy eating this delicious meal!
Time to check for gaps in your pension
There are just 2 months left to check for any gaps in your National Insurance contributions since 6 April 2006 and fill them with National Insurance credits.
From the 6 April 2025, people will only be able to make voluntary National Insurance contributions for the previous six tax years, in line with normal time limits.
The Check your State Pension forecast service on GOV.UK is the quickest and easiest way to check what your pension will be in retirement and take action if needed. You can also use the HMRC app.
Act early if you, or someone you know, is at risk of homelessness
If you, or someone you know, may be of risk of homelessness, don’t wait until it’s too late, please urge them to get in touch with us now.
Our Housing Options team can
Help you stay where you are
Negotiate with your landlord
Support you in finding alternative housing
Call us today on 0300 1234 161 or visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/housing
New regulations on separating workplace waste for recycling
From 31 March 2025 it will be compulsory for businesses and certain other non-domestic premises to separate their workplace waste and arrange a recycling collection for glass, metal, plastics, cardboard, paper and food waste.
The new guidelines apply to all businesses and organisations, healthcare establishments and academic institutions. Small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees (excluding volunteers) are temporarily exempt until 31 March 2027. The Government’s aim is to improve recycling rates across England, which will help reduce business waste costs, energy usage and protect the environment.
You need to check the legislation to understand when your local council needs to comply (2025 or 2027). If you haven’t already, you also need to contract a waste collector to provide this full range of services. This can be a private waste collector or your local authority. Cornwall Council can offer a compliant service for businesses.
You must also ensure that the waste company you use is registered on the Public Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers.
For more information, visit:
A warm welcome awaits
If you fancy getting out after the Christmas break, meeting other parents and finding friendly support on all aspects of parenting, why not visit one of our Family Hubs?
Family hubs are warm, inviting spaces where parents and caregivers can share stories, get advice and meet other families - supporting each other on the journey of parenthood.
From expecting a newborn, to nurturing toddlers, to helping teens through adolescence, you’ll find the services and the support you need to give your child the best start to life.
We can't wait to meet you!
Changes to sofas and armchairs being accepted at HWRCs
Some of Cornwall’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) can no longer accept sofas, armchairs and other upholstered furniture, due to new regulations imposed by the Environment Agency.
From 1 December, all upholstered furniture must be stored and transported separately from other non-recyclable waste. This applies to all seating that contains leather, synthetic leather, other fabric, or foam. Examples include sofas, sofa beds, armchairs, recliner chairs (electrical or mechanical), dining chairs, padded stools and foot stools, office chairs, futons, bean bags, floor and sofa cushions.
Due to a lack of space at some of Cornwall’s HWRCs, the following sites will not be able to accept these items;
Bude
Newquay
Truro
Helston
Dudnance Lane, Pool
If you'd like to book a bulky waste collection instead, please book a slot via our webpages.
The first sign of a stroke might not seem like much. Like not being able to raise your arm, or struggling to smile, or slurring when you speak.
Even if it doesn’t seem like it, any sign of a stroke is always an emergency. Call 999 immediately when you notice any sign of a stroke
Act FAST. Face or Arm or Speech, at the first sign, it's Time to call 999
Visit www.nhs.uk/ActFAST for more information.
People with loan shark debts can now get free, confidential support.
A specialist advisor is visiting libraries to help those affected by illegal money lending.
Cornwall Council’s Library Service has teamed up with the England Illegal Money Lending Team to offer a series of talks and events raising awareness about the dangers of loan sharks and the help available to people who have borrowed from them.
The libraries tour runs across Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly - click here for dates and location and more information.
Explore Tamar Valley with Free Guided Walks
This autumn, Tamar Valley National Landscape invites you to join their free, weekly guided walks. These walks offer a fantastic opportunity to explore scenic routes while enjoying the health and social benefits of walking in nature.
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning, groups meet at various locations to discover beautiful trails like Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve, South West Coast Path, and Meavy Circular. Most walks include a coffee stop part way round or at the end, and many walkers agree that the social aspect of their walk gives them a real lift, in addition to the physical benefits.
No booking is required, so just turn up with appropriate footwear, a drink, and a snack. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, and all walkers participate at their own risk.
Don't miss out on this chance to connect with nature and your community.
Volunteers sought for Norovirus vaccine trial
Help to see if we can protect people against symptoms caused by the norovirus stomach bug with an investigational mRNA vaccine.
Norovirus is one of the most common causes of stomach bugs in the UK. There is currently no vaccine to protect against norovirus infection.
Researchers at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) are recruiting people to take part in a clinical trial to see if an investigational vaccine (a vaccine that is being studied) may be able to protect adults against the symptoms caused by the norovirus stomach bug.
To take part in the Nova 301 Trial, you must be 18 years of age or over, be in good health and should not currently have a chronic gastrointestinal disease. Participants will be reimbursed for their trial-related time and expenses, for example, travel.
Low-income households to benefit from £4.5m Household Support Fund
Low-income households in Cornwall will once again receive payments to help with the ongoing cost of living crisis after we secured £4.5m from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
Payments of £80 per person will be made automatically to those eligible, including pensioners receiving council tax support and vulnerable adults on a low income.
In a change to the way HSF funds are allocated, this latest round will see an £80 payment made to an additional 3,000 pensioners in receipt of council tax support – previously only those in receipt of pension credit received payments.
A payment of £80 per child will also be made to low-income households who claim council tax support.
The latest round of funding will run to 31 March 2025, and will provide urgent support for those most in need as living costs continue to rise.
Do a home fire safety check - it could save your life
Did you know there are around 35,000 house fires and over 300 fire related deaths in Great Britain each year?
You can now carry out a free online home fire safety check using your phone or tablet. It only takes 15 minutes and could save a life.
If you have vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours you can do the survey for them.
Developed by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Fire Kills and Safelincs, the survey takes you through the home one room at a time. The simple questions will help you spot fire risks as you go.
If the property is identified as high risk, you will be offered a free home fire safety check by a member of staff from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.
Reduce your risk of developing dementia
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, so throughout the month we’re sharing some top tips for reducing your risk.
There are a whole range of things you can do to lower your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia in later life.
In this video Dr Vicky Brown, shares her top tip to avoid loneliness and isolation.
New chatbot to help you get information fast
Residents in Cornwall will get help from a new and improved chatbot which has just launched on the Cornwall Council website.
The chatbot nick named ‘Ker-Know' can answer questions on all the services offered by the council, from waste to education, and do tasks by responding to messages in real time.
It does this by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to search the website on behalf of residents, intelligently responding to their inquiries.
Ker-Know can now resolve almost three quarters of enquiries received by the council daily.
Protect your baby from RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period, typically October to February. While the symptoms are mild for many, for some it can have much more serious consequences. The new RSV vaccination programme launching this September will help to prevent thousands of cases of RSV, GP visits and hospital admissions.
Around 20,000 babies under 1 are hospitalised with RSV in the UK each year. Sadly we see 20 to 30 infant deaths as well. You can have the RSV vaccine from week 28 of your pregnancy. Having the RSV vaccination in pregnancy reduces your baby’s risk of severe RSV lung infection by around 70% in the first 6 months of life. Speak to your maternity service or GP practice to arrange an appointment
New online tool for finding out care costs
Unlike health care, adult social care services are not free. We can work out a personal budget for the support you need.
If you have less than £23,250 in capital, you may be eligible for some help with the cost of your care. The amount you pay will depend on your:
capital
assets
income
savings
benefits
You may have to pay for all of the costs, or you may be able to apply for financial help.
There's a new online eligibility checker to find out if you may be able to receive financial help.
£3,900 for five minutes of your time?
Could you, or someone you know, be entitled to Pension Credit and be missing out on an average £3,900 extra a year?
Before bills go up this winter, spend 5 minutes using the government's online 'can I claim Pension Credit?' checker tool and find out.
You might be allowed to claim even if you:
have savings
own your own home
are working
are getting a small occupational pension
have been turned down in the past
Remember, you can report lots of things to us online like:
missed waste collections
fly tipping
full litter bins
graffiti
broken street lights
potholes
abandoned vehicles
Borrow a blood pressure monitor with your next library book
You can now borrow a blood pressure monitor free of charge from your local library, just like you borrow a book - all you need is a library card.
Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many don't realise it.
Known as the silent killer, high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms but, if left untreated, increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The borrow a blood pressure monitor scheme launched as part of this week's Know your Numbers Week - the national campaign encouraging people to check their blood pressure at home.
The 2050 Cornwall Plan
Uniting our efforts as Team Cornwall, we are collectively driven by the guiding light of the 2050 Cornwall Plan.
Launched in 2020, this visionary plan was shaped by input from approximately 4,000 residents, who voiced their desires for a fairer, more inclusive, and cleaner, greener Cornwall. The plan's resounding call to action is for Cornwall to lead the way in sustainable living, safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
With boundless opportunities on the horizon, from renewable energy to critical minerals and space exploration, we are unwavering in our determination to seize these prospects and realise our ambitious 2050 Vision.
The 2050 Cornwall Plan can be found here, it outlines our ambitious goals and roadmap for sustainable growth, innovation, and positive impact over the next three decades.
The annual residents’ survey captures valuable feedback directly from our community members, allowing us to better understand and address their needs and concerns.
What happens when you report a pothole?
Our highways inspectors regularly check our roads for potholes and other defects, but did you know you can report pot holes and other road issues to us too through our website?
Find out more about what happens once you report a pothole by watching this short film. You can report potholes and a range of other issues on the 'Report it' page of our website, just hit the link below and scroll down to 'Roads and parking'.
Free Move More classes for over 65s
People in Cornwall aged 65 and over now have access to free classes aimed at helping them to build strength and balance and reduce the risk of falling.
Called Move More, the programme is provided by Falmouth-based company iCareiMove and funded by Cornwall Council's Public Health team.
