Wednesday 20 April 2016

Newspaper Column - St Austell edition 20 April 2016 - SABEF event

Areas of Cornwall such as Falmouth, Camborne, Pool and Redruth, and Truro have received significant investment in recent years and many people feel that St Austell has been left behind.

So I was happy to learn last year that there are over 70 projects in the pipeline in the St Austell area that could help grow our local economy.  The St Austell Bay Economic Forum (SABEF) commissioned an investment report that summarized these projects and was delivered late last year.

In order to spread the word wider, SABEF is leading an exhibit at the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce Business Fair at the Eden Project on 11th May 2016.  There are then plans to move the exhibit to other locations including St Austell town centre to ensure that as many people as possible can see these exciting projects.

SABEF was established to support economic growth and brings together local businesses, community groups and councilors. So, the message for the Business Fair is that St Austell is talking with one voice and is open for business.  This is a far cry from two years ago and I am delighted that we can give this message.

St Blaise Town Council, Par Bay Big Local, Big Lottery Fund, St Austell Town Council, Cornwall Council, The Environment Agency, St Austell Bay Chamber of Commerce, St Austell BID, St Austell Brewery and my team are supporting the SABEF exhibit in the run up to the Fair and representatives from these bodies and the major projects will be in attendance on the day.

Obviously each individual project has its supporters and opponents, and needs to stand on its own merits. Many of these projects are well known; the Carlyon Bay development and the West Carclaze Eco-community are two projects that have received a lot of publicity.  Less well known are the heritage projects such as the plans for Luxulyan Valley and the St Austell Market House.  

New to many people will be The St Austell Bay Resilient Regeneration project (STARR), which aims to address the flooding issues in Par and St Blazey in unique and innovative ways.  The geothermal project planned for Eden may also be new to many people.

Many of the projects are in the process of applying for funding from a variety of sources such as the LEP and the Heritage Lottery Fund.  The exhibit will demonstrate to these funding bodies that St Austell is serious about its future.

Both at the exhibit and after, you will have a chance to have your say about "Brand St Austell".  We do not yet give a consistent message to the outside world and some work on the brand could help.

The Business Fair is free to attend, there is free parking and entry to the biomes is also free that day.  Pre-registration is available at Eventbrite and tickets are also available on the day.
My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and seek to make a real difference to the lives of everyone who needs help and support in any way.  If there is any issue that we can help you with then please contact us on either 01726 829379 or on office@stevedouble.org.uk