Charlotte MacKenzie

Posts Tagged ‘Falmouth’

, , , ,

Welcome to our news website

In news on November 9, 2009 at 8:04 pm

Charlotte_web1

Charlotte MacKenzie says:

“Welcome to Truro and Falmouth Labour Party’s news website. We hope you will like it, and find it easy to find what you are looking for. We will be updating this site regularly with local news.”

We will publish our press releases and other news stories on this website. You can also visit Charlotte MacKenzie’s website to find out more about what we are doing to help people, and to change things for the better in Falmouth and Truro. You can read more of Charlotte’s views and opinions on a wide range of issues here.

For more information contact Charlotte MacKenzie:

T 01872 261675, M 07932 501293.

, , ,

Falmouth docks dredging needs positive backing

In Uncategorized on June 8, 2009 at 11:25 pm

Today’s announcement of the South West RDA budget for 2009-11 does not include funding to progress the planned dredging of Falmouth docks.

Labour’s parliamentary spokesperson for Falmouth Charlotte MacKenzie contacted the RDA to find out more.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:
“I welcome the fact that investment over the next two years has been confirmed for strategic investment frameworks for Falmouth, Penryn, and Truro, including the planned Environment and Sustainability Institute at Tremough. And that there is a commitment to look at economic opportunities for Falmouth in marine renewables linked to the Wave Hub.

“But people in Falmouth need to know whether the proposed docks dredging and cruise terminal development is being put on hold for two years because of the financial pressures facing the RDA, or whether a strategic decision has been taken not to back the project. I asked the RDA for an answer to this question. It is clear that they are now looking more broadly at how to regenerate Falmouth’s economy.

“Most people in Falmouth see the future of this development as critical to the town’s future success. I will be contacting newly elected Cornwall councillors and others to ensure it continues to get the positive backing it deserves.”

, , , , , , ,

Report criticises Liberal Democrat council leadership

In Uncategorized on January 13, 2009 at 1:02 pm

falmouth-firestation5

Charlotte Mackenzie, the Labour candidate for Falmouth and Truro, commented this morning on the published corporate assessment report from the Audit Commission on Cornwall’s fire services. She said:

“Sadly, this report confirms what local people fear. Fire services in Cornwall have deteriorated under Liberal Democrat leadership of council services since 2005. Fire services are now rated as ‘poor’ rather than ‘fair’.

“Among other issues, the report highlights weak political leadership by the County Council and recommends that ‘councillors need to take a stronger role in leading and challenging performance’ of Cornwall’s fire service.

“This is not the only service to receive less good ratings since the Liberal Democrats were elected in 2005 – the same is true of adult social care. At unitary authority elections later this year, people in Cornwall will have an opportunity to tell the Liberal Democrats what the Audit Commission can’t – it is time for you to go, Cornwall deserves better local political leadership.”

, , , ,

Meet the need for local affordable homes

In Uncategorized on January 11, 2009 at 8:00 pm

petition-004

Hundreds of shoppers at a busy Penryn supermarket on Saturday signed Labour’s petition to meet the need for affordable local housing. Those signing ranged from students to pensioners, and included people losing work locally because of the slowdown in the construction industry. 

Charlotte MacKenzie said:
“Many people’s dream of finding a place of their own will be put on hold if developers do not proceed as planned with major developments like that of the former Richard Lander school site in Truro.

“Labour in Government is taking action to help people keep their homes despite the credit crunch. Carrick Housing has funding to build new social housing; and some local housing associations in Cornwall are also purchasing unsold homes, in developments affected by the downturn in the housing market, with the help of Government funds.

“It is really important that local authorities also work with developers in a way that maximises the opportunities that are available. This petition will go to the new Cornwall Council, which will be responsible for housing and homelessness in future, as well as for sustainable economic development.

“We want to move the debate forward. The people supporting our petition are not saying every controversial development proposal in Falmouth and Truro must be allowed to go ahead. But they recognise that if more affordable homes are needed, new housing does need to be built.”

, , , ,

People in Falmouth and Penryn demand full-time firecover continues

In Uncategorized on January 5, 2009 at 2:10 pm

falmouth-firestation2

The Labour parliamentary candidate for Falmouth and Truro, Charlotte MacKenzie, said today that people must be told about future fire-service plans.

Last year, campaigners in Falmouth and Penryn secured a victory when the Council lifted its recruitment freeze on full-time firefighters, clearing the way for vacancies to be filled and for Falmouth fire-station’s full-time cover to continue at night. However, a management report last October included the option of switching some of that full-time cover to other stations in Cornwall.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:
“Thousands of people signed petitions and joined the facebook group to save 24-hour full-time fire cover in Penryn and Falmouth. It is time the Council reassured the community and said what its fire-service plans are. I have written today to the new interim chief fire officer to make him aware of the strength of local feeling on this issue.

“The Council and Implementation Executive are now setting the budget for the new Cornwall Council. This does not include plans to increase the fire-services budget to take account of issues highlighted in the risk management report. If cover needs to be improved, the money should be found to do that. Cornwall is receiving the sixth largest revenue grant increase in the country. The Government is also providing additional funds that must be spent on equipping fire-services.

“It is great to see Commercial Road in Penryn return to business as usual after the furniture shop fire at night and despite the economic recession. Everyone knows that with 24-hour docks, oil storage, busy hotels and guest houses, university campuses and student accommodation, Falmouth and Penryn need full-time fire-cover at night.”

, , , , , ,

Minister visits Malabar Centre

In Uncategorized on August 18, 2008 at 11:03 am

On Thursday 31 July local government Minister John Healey MP visited Malabar Children’s and Community Centre in Truro.

Malabar is one of three new community centres opening in Truro thanks to the hard work of local residents and Labour’s investment in family and children’s services.

The Malabar Community Centre is run by New Beginnings residents’ association.

During the visit John Healey MP was shown round the Children’s Centre by manager Lisa Sherlock, and met children and parents enjoying the centre’s activities.

He met representatives of New Beginnings residents’ association, and Community Development worker Trudy Swann who works with residents’ groups on Trelander, Malpas, and Malabar. Truro City Council employs Trudy Swann and John Healey MP also met Deputy Mayor Ros Cox.

He was accompanied by Charlotte Mackenzie, Labour’s prospective MP for Truro, who is a local councillor for Trehaverne ward which includes Malabar.

Charlotte MacKenzie said: “It is fantastic to have three new community centres in Truro at Malpas Road, Malabar, and Trelander. These Centres show the difference that local residents can make for their communities.

“The Malabar Centre is coming into its own during the school holidays with play and other activities. Refurbishing the old school certainly wasn’t straightforward and this is a great achievement for New Beginnings and all the partner organisations working with them.

“I know that John Healey MP found the visit interesting and enjoyed meeting everybody. These centres would not exist without Labour’s investment – Tory plans show that they would cut spending on much-needed services like this by £200 million.”

There are eleven children’s centres  in the new constituency area of Truro and Falmouth, which includes almost all of Carrick.

, , ,

Sure start for Cornish children

In Uncategorized on March 24, 2008 at 7:38 pm

Charlotte MacKenzie today welcomed an independent evaluation report which shows Sure Start has a positive impact on the lives of children and families, and the announcement of more funding for children’s centres and services.

The report found children behave better and are more independent if they live in areas with Sure Start Children’s Centres. Other findings show that parents have more positive parenting skills and provide a better home learning environment for their children, helping prepare children to do well at school and make the most of their talents. The government is on track to meet its pledge of having 3,500 children’s centres by 2010, one for every community.

Charlotte MacKenzie, who wants to be the first MP for the new constituency of Truro and Falmouth, said: “Many children are already being given a better start because The Lighthouse in Falmouth and Penryn Children’s Centre are supporting local families.”

“The Children’s Centres funding will mean new buildings and additional support for parents and children at many local schools and community centres. In Truro this includes Tregolls, Archbishop Benson, and Bosvigo schools, Truro Nursery School, and the community centres at Malabar, Malpas, and Trelander.”

“The latest funding will also mean more community outreach workers in the most disadvantaged areas. Outreach workers will provide home visiting and other support that will make a real difference to families who find it difficult to access services.”

“Together with the Chancellor’s budget announcement of increases in Child Tax Credit, these developments will make a real difference for local children.”

, ,

University news welcomed

In Uncategorized on March 3, 2008 at 12:51 pm

 penryn1.jpg

The Government today announced more investment in higher education through a new ‘university challenge’.

The news was welcomed by Dr Charlotte MacKenzie, Labour’s candidate for MP in the new constituency of Truro and Falmouth, who said: “Cornwall’s university is tranforming the local economy, and making a real difference for young people. Because of success stories like CUC, the Government announced today that more funding will be invested in new university projects to unlock local talent and drive economic regeneration.”

Secretary of State for Universities John Denham MP said: “I want to build on the successes of the last few years which have seen new centres of higher education transforming local economies and the lives of local people. We must learn from these success stories and act on the growing evidence that locally based projects play a key role in helping local areas and people realise their potential. Communities should have the chance to show they can make the most of the power of higher education, to help unlock the talent of their local people and help make them better off.”

In the last 5 years, the government has committed £100m, and opened or committed to 17 local university campuses or centres including that at Tremough.

Welcoming the decision announced last week that University College Falmouth and Dartington College of Arts will merge in April this year, Dr Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“This is very exciting news for Falmouth and Penryn.

“The fact that these colleges are merging from April this year demonstrates their commitment to complete the new build and admit more students by 2010. The location and creative academic strengths which are being brought together here have the potential to develop a unique provision.

“Cornwall has a vibrant cultural landscape producing success stories like Kneehigh and the Cornwall Film Festival. A University for the Arts in Cornwall will be good news for local cultural industries, as well as the university. It will mean more high skill and better paid jobs.

“The University campus at Tremough has already led to an 80 per cent increase in the number of 18-24 year olds living in Falmouth. This development is expected to lead to a further 25 per cent increase on student numbers at University College Falmouth.

“Together with the docks redevelopment and marina, this will mean a bright future for Falmouth and Penryn. Both developments have my total support.”

The Government announcement can be found here .

, , , , , ,

Victory for fire campaigners

In Uncategorized on February 20, 2008 at 12:00 pm

petition1.jpgpetition1.jpg

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Truro and Falmouth Charlotte MacKenzie today welcomed the news that Cornwall County Council is allocating an additional £1.1 Million to local fireservices, ending the recruitment freeze imposed by the Liberal Democrat led Council in 2005.

She said:
“This is a victory for everyone who has campaigned for the Liberal Democrats to move local fireservices up the list of priorities. It will enable full-time firefighters to be recruited so that engines do not go out from local firestations without a full crew. Labour led the campaign to lift the fireservices recruitment freeze and I’m delighted that this proposal has been agreed by the full Council.”

“No guarantees have been given for Falmouth. Labour’s petition to save Falmouth’s 24-hour cover will remain open until the Council takes a final decision on Falmouth firestation and cuts are ruled out; it can also be signed online at www.charlottemackenzie.com .”

Photo: Labour supporters Charlotte MacKenzie, Lesley Trenchard, Diana Lambert and Gerald Chin-Quee collecting petition signatures at a Penryn supermarket.

, , , ,

FXU welcomes Labour Students

In Uncategorized on February 7, 2008 at 2:24 pm
fxu-political-awareness-day1.jpg

Labour Party representatives thoroughly enjoyed the political awareness day organised by the FXU Students’ Union on the Tremough campus.

Labour Students ran a successful stall with the local Labour Party. They were welcomed with overwhelming support from students for Labour’s petition to save 24-hour firecover at Falmouth firestation.

Truro and Falmouth Labour Party’s youth rep Anna McGlynn said: “It was great to talk to students at the event, and hear from them what their concerns were. There’s clearly a lot of strong feelings about local issues like housing in the area, and public protection. Their enthusiasm for signing the petition against ending twenty-four hour fire cover in the area was an indication that this issue is one that impacts on everyone in the area.”

Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Truro and Falmouth, Charlotte MacKenzie, who started the firestations petition, said: “The students we spoke to at Tremough have a clear message for the Liberal Democrats at County Hall: don’t cut Falmouth and Penryn’s 24-hour firecover.”

The quality of student accommodation off campus was one of the issues raised during wide-ranging debate at the student question time. Charlotte MacKenzie said “Students raised a good range of questions on local and national issues.”

Photo: Anna McGlynn with Labour Students George Middleton-Baker and Bethan Taylor.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.