Proud Cornishman Jon James will take on a new role as clerk to Camborne Town Council.

Jon has over 25 years’ experience working in local government, having begun his career as Parks Officer at Carrick District Council, before joining Cornwall Council as Head of the Natural Environment Service in 2009.

In 2019 he joined Bristol City Council as Head of Service for Parks and Gardens before being appointed as Head of Service for Natural and Marine Environment a year later, a post he held until he made the decision to return to Cornwall at the end of last year.

“While I enjoyed working for the city of Bristol, I wanted to come back home,” he said. “My family come from this part of Cornwall, and the opportunity to apply for the role of Camborne’s town clerk came at the perfect time for me. I was delighted to be offered the job.”

The council covers an area of approximately 2,800 hectares, which includes the villages of Barripper, Beacon, Brea, Kehelland, Penponds and Troon. It is responsible for the town’s community library, public toilets, play areas, benches, parks and open spaces, flower beds and hanging baskets, CCTV provision and community development initiatives.

A passionate believer in the importance of giving back to your local community, Jon is very proud to lead Camborne Town Council at the start of an exciting journey.

“We’re seeing a lot of positive things being developed at the moment which are going to help transform the town,” he said. “More than £23 million of Town Deal funding is being invested in schemes to regenerate the town, with new work, entertainment and community spaces, new sport and leisure facilities, a network of new pedestrian and cycleways and significant improvements to the appearance of the town centre.”

The Town Council is currently leading on the development and delivery of three of the Town Deal projects. Awenva will see the former council offices in the Basset Centre and White House transformed into a thriving business, arts, education and cultural hub, providing space for the relocated library and local community events and activities.

Park Gerry Sport and Amenity Hub will include a new skatepark, pavilion building, football pitch and improved landscaping and pathways; while Holman Gardens will see the creation of a brand-new green space to improve the entrance to the town.

The council also supports local events such as Trevithick Day, the Christmas lantern parade, St Piran’s Day and Green Fest, and runs the annual civic awards to recognise businesses and individuals who make the community a better place to live.

Improvements are also taking place to existing council services including measures to tackle anti-social behaviour with additional CCTV provision. “This is a key moment for Camborne, and I would like to thank councillors for giving me this opportunity to help deliver high quality services for all our residents and businesses at the same time as providing great value for money,” said Jon.