Thats what life seems like sometimes especially the way meetings come round each month and there is little opportunity to step off. I enjoy going to the villages and hamlets and talking to the people there. The social events are invariably great entertainment and if we meet at one please come and tell me about things I ought to know or to discuss some problem. Thats why I am there – to be available.

Life in Truro is still as frustrating in the new session as it was previously; except that now there seems to be less interaction and networking opportunities amongst the back bench councillors and there is still no real democracy in Cornwall Council. After 5 years of trying to do something about that I am beginning to feel a little disheartened but I will keep trying.

St Cleer Neighbourhood Development Plan continues at a good pace, thanks to some really hardworking and dedicated members of the Steering Group and St Neot Group are still moving forward at their own pace. Cornwall Council has drafted its Local Plan as an overarching document, intentionally leaving the parishes to write their own policies for their areas in their Neighbourhood Development Plans. This is a true chance for local people to have their voices heard as the policies will have to be adhered to by planning officers when considering applications. The plans have to pass a few tests including an examination by a planning inspector and a referendum, but once that final hurdle is cleared the plan is the policy to be followed. It will be a wonderful achievement when we reach that goal.