Month of A30 roadworks

National Highways will be closing parts of the A30 overnight during June on various stretches of the A30 between Scorrier and Carland Cross.

The main closures will be around Carland cross to complete the north and south roundabouts, but including finishing works along all of the new stretch of road.

The overnight works will start on Monday 9 June and will last for four weeks. They’ll be working weeknights only (Monday – Friday from 8pm – 6am)

The works will be phased to minimise disruption and well signed diversions will be in place. Please plan your journey ahead and leave extra time.

The full list of closures and diversions can be found on the National Highways website.

See the full list of closures

 

Landmark decision allows control of skills budget

We're welcoming a landmark Government decision to devolve control of adult skills funding, giving us new powers to shape training and education around the needs of our residents and businesses.

This major milestone - signed into effect by Minister for Skills, the Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith - makes Cornwall the first local authority in the country outside a mayoral region to receive these powers.

From August 2025, the Department of Education will devolve to Cornwall Council strategic responsibility for the Adult Skills Fund, a £9.6 million annual budget (formerly the Adult Education Budget), with an additional £600,000 to support the Free Courses for Jobs programme.

The fund supports vital education and training for adults aged 19+, including:

  • Free courses in English, maths, and digital skills.

  • First full Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications.

  • Sector-specific training aligned with local economic needs.

  • Fully funded Level 3 qualifications for adults without one.

Read the full story

 

It's never too late to quit!

Tomorrow is World No Tobacco Day, so if you’re a smoker now is the perfect time to commit to quit.

Contact the team at Healthy Cornwall to get free 1-2-1 support and help to access things like patches and vapes, because with the right help, you’re up to three times more likely to quit than with willpower alone.

Start your smokefree journey today by calling Healthy Cornwall on 01872 324 200 or email healthy.cornwall@cornwall.gov.uk

It’s never too late to stop and with the right support you can do it.

Find out more

 

Restrictions for dogs on beaches

We're reminding dog owners to check the rules before taking your pooches for a stroll on the sand as restrictions come into force at some of Cornwall’s beaches.

From now until September 30, dogs are not allowed on the following beaches between 10am and 6pm:

•    Carbis Bay
•    Crackington Haven
•    Crooklets              
•    Polzeath          
•    Porthmeor 
•    Porthminster
•    Porthmissen/Trevone 
•    Porthtowan
•    Sennen
•    Widemouth
•    Gyllyngvase Beach

At Summerleaze, Bude, dogs are permitted on the beach but must be kept on a lead between 10am and 6pm from May 21 until September 30.

In addition, there are three protected wildlife areas where dogs are banned all year round (24 hours a day). These are:

•    Carnsew Pool 
•    Copperhouse Pool
•    Hayle Estuary

It is an offence to take your dog on a beach during restricted times or to allow your dog to foul and not clear up after it. Either could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100.

Read the full rules

 

Join our mission to help people stay independent at home.


Are you a skilled technician with a passion for helping others?

We're seeking stairlift installers to join us via the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) and bring mobility solutions into homes across Cornwall.

Click here for more information or call 0300 365 4050.

 

Long awaited A30 to St Austell link road opens

A new road linking St Austell to the A30, taking heavy traffic away from clay country communities and supporting employment, housing and regeneration in the area, is now open.

The 3.9 mile single carriageway road, connects the A391 at Singlerose Roundabout in Stenalees with the A30 at Victoria.

A green corridor of wildflowers, heathland, trees and shrubs to support wildlife habitats has been planted along the route and will begin to bloom next spring.

The project will also bring five and a half miles of new off-road paths and routes for walking, cycling and horse riding. 

Work will continue over the next few months to complete the project, including the off-road paths and landscaping. A temporary speed limit of 30mph will be in place in sections along the route while this work is done.

Find out more

 

Could your organisation help more people in Cornwall get online?

We're looking to work with more organisations across Cornwall to train Community Digital Champions who can work with people in our communities – helping them access the digital world.
 

Digital access empowers residents with better education, economic opportunities, and social connections.
 
There’s free training from Digital Unite and, once they are trained, Champions can also access the Community Tech Loan Scheme which offers free loans of laptops, tablets, and mobile Wi-Fi.
 
All this helps people across Cornwall to get online and access services, improve health, combat loneliness, find work, build skills and stay independent.
 
If you work for a charity, community organisation or business that is interested, click below to find out more.

Find out more

 

New leader of Cornwall Council elected

Cllr Leigh Frost has been elected as the new leader of Cornwall Council.

The Liberal Democrat group leader, who has represented Bodmin St Petrocs since 2017, was elected at the first full meeting of the council since local elections on 1 May.

In his first major decision, Cllr Frost has nominated Cllr Adam Paynter as his deputy leader, alongside his other eight supporting Cabinet members, with their portfolios yet to be confirmed.

Find out more

 

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

www.cornwall.gov.uk/saferroad

 

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

www.cornwall.gov.uk/saferroads

 

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.

 

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!

Find out more

 

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.

Find out more

 
 
 

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

Find out more

 

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!

Download the app

 
 

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!

Watch the video

 

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.

Find out more

 

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

Find out more

 

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! 

Find out more

 

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.

 
 

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.

Find out more

 

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.

Carry out an assessment

 

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.

Find out how to reduce your risk

 

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.  

Find out more

 

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

Find out more

 

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.

Find out more

 

£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

Check if you're eligible for pension credit

 

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.

Find out more

 

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'.

Report a pothole and more

 

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.

Find out more

 

West Cornwall Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre is there for you!

There are a range of locally provided places you can access health and care from every day of the week all without an appointment - from your local pharmacy, minor injury units and West Cornwall Hospital’s urgent treatment centre. 

Some places are open late including the urgent treatment centre, which is open every day from 8am until midnight and there is no need for an appointment!

The urgent treatment centre and 10 minor injury units can help you with ailments or injuries that need attention urgently but are not critical or life-threatening. From sprains and strains, minor fractures to cuts that need stitches, insect and animal bites to suspected infections these locally provided health units are there to help you.

Remember - the Pharmacy First service can also provide you with advice and treatments for minor ailments.

Find out more

 

New scheme to help residents fund green home improvements

Homeowners in Cornwall can now apply for lower-cost loans to fund energy saving home improvements through a new Council-backed scheme.

The Green Home Improvement Scheme aims to fill the gaps for those who are ineligible for grants. Homeowners and private landlords can apply, however the scheme is not open to properties used as holiday lets or second homes.

Cornwall Council has appointed Lendology CIC to run the pilot scheme, which has been funded by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Fund. The Green Home improvement Loans Scheme has received £518,254 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

To find about more about the loan scheme visit the Lendology website or call Lendology on 01823 461099.

Find out more