On Thursday 29th May, the 44th Annual Town Meeting of Penzance Council took place in the Main Hall of St John’s Hall in Penzance.
The Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds, Town Clerk James Hardy, Penzance BID manager Sarah Shaw and Susan Stuart from the Penzance Regeneration Company were joined by town councillors and around 80 members of the public for the meeting.
Presentations were made by James Hardy, Sarah Shaw and Susan Stuart, giving updates on a wide range of topics concerning the parish of Penzance. More details from those presentations can be found in the Penzance Council Annual Report 2024/25, and on the Penzance Town Fund, Love Penzance and Penzance Regeneration Company websites.
Slides from those presentations can be viewed here:
Following the three presentations, there was an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions in a Q&A Session. As these questions covered some similar topics and lasted for over an hour, here is a summary of the key topics raised by local residents and the honest, realistic responses offered by council representatives.
Our aim is to give you clarity on the work happening, the challenges ahead, and the collaborative spirit needed to shape our town’s future.
ROADWORKS, TRAFFIC, & INFRASTRUCTURE
Q: Why are there so many roadworks, and why can’t they be better coordinated?
A: Emergency works (e.g., gas mains, stabilization, bridge strengthening) are unavoidable and often arise without advance notice.
The council is working closely with utility providers to coordinate projects, aiming to minimise repeated disruptions.
A dedicated webpage and weekly newsletters will provide up-to-date, factual information on roadworks, reducing confusion from social media rumours.
Q: Can the town ensure weekend and evening access despite roadworks?
A: This is often beyond our control but we aim to act as a conduit; please keep telling us what the issues are and we will keep advocating for the community.
PARKING, ACCESSIBILITY, & DISABLED SUPPORT
Q: Why is parking so expensive, and what about access for disabled and elderly residents?
A: Parking is set by Cornwall Council, but the Penzance Council and Penzance BID continue to actively push for consideration for affordable parking for local residents.
Penzance Council owns just one car park in the town and charges affordable rates, offering free parking between 4pm and 9am. We acknowledge this makes it very popular and spaces are in high demand.
A new map of disabled parking spaces is being developed, and the council is working to improve communication about Shopmobility and mobility vehicle hire schemes. Shopmobility will deliver a mobility vehicle to your car in any of the town car parks.
Residents are encouraged to balance car use: those who can walk or cycle are urged to do so, freeing up spaces for those who genuinely need to drive.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL & TRANSPORT
Q: What’s being done to improve walking and cycling routes?
A: The council has developed a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), identifying priority routes, especially those connecting schools, neighbourhoods, and town.
Feedback from residents and young people is critical; it informs council bids for funding and helps prioritize projects.
Q: Why not develop a park-and-ride system to reduce congestion?
A: A Sainsbury’s-adjacent site was originally intended for this but lacks supporting infrastructure like bus links.
A project near Long Rock is under discussion, potentially adding parking and bike routes into town.
Expanding park-and-ride schemes and improving public transport remain long-term goals, with the council pressing higher authorities for action.
TOWN CENTRE VIBRANCY & HIGH STREET HEALTH
Q: Is the high street in decline?
A: Quite the opposite. Despite some big-name closures, independent businesses are thriving, bringing innovation and vitality.
New ventures are opening, supported by the council’s enterprise grants, revitalization of old buildings, and initiatives like the Market House and Wharfside regeneration.
Q: What’s being done about empty and neglected buildings?
A: Some progress has been made, especially where absentee landlords have been engaged. But challenges remain, especially when owners are overseas or disconnected.
The council’s actions to regenerate key sites, as outlined in the presentations given here tonight and available on Penzance Council’s website, are helping attract further investment.
COMMUNITY ARTS, EVENTS & GRANTS
Q: How does council grant funding work, and who benefits?
A: This year’s grant budget is £135,000, carefully allocated to stretch across as many worthy projects as possible.
Community groups like Penzance Studio Artists, Montol, and Street Food Project have benefitted, delivering inclusive arts, cultural events, and vital social services.
Changes to the grant process now allow some funding to be reserved for time-sensitive needs throughout the year.
Q: How are community events like Christmas lights and festivals supported?
A: The council continues to fund and support town events that draw both locals and visitors, recognizing their value in community pride and economic uplift.
INCLUSION, DEMOGRAPHICS & COMMUNITY WELLBEING
Q: Are the needs of older people and those with disabilities considered?
A: Yes. Councillors and officers explicitly recognize the town’s older demographic and are committed to ensuring developments support independence, accessibility, and inclusion.
Residents’ feedback is vital to highlight gaps and propose solutions, especially in balancing active travel goals with access needs.
Q: How can individuals help make a difference?
A: By making small, conscious choices — like leaving the car at home when possible — residents help free up space and reduce congestion for those who truly need vehicle access.
Participating in consultations and giving feedback ensures that diverse voices shape the town’s future.
Communicate with Penzance Council at events, at our offices (currently in Penlee Park), through our social media and website, by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01736 363405.
FINAL MESSAGE
Penzance Council leaders emphasised their deep appreciation for residents’ efforts, investments, and community spirit.
They promised to continue:
- Sharing clear, honest, up-to-date information.
- Advocating for local needs at higher decision-making levels.
- Working alongside residents to build a thriving, inclusive, and vibrant town.
