BACK to basics. That phrase keeps coming up for me when we talk about what councils do well and where we fall short.

The services people rely on every day - police, fire brigade, social services, housing, highways – are the foundations of community life. By now, you would hope we had them running smoothly.

Sometimes we do. I report an issue and it is sorted within hours or days. When it works, we rarely even notice. But when it doesn’t, it becomes painfully obvious.

Take the fly tipping at Chainwalk Drive. The land ownership fell through the gaps between the old Carrick Council and the unitary system. Add Covid and later changes, and little pockets of responsibility get forgotten. Officers have been helpful, but the process is not always clear. It can feel like a marathon just getting the basics done.

In my view, the focus for the next four years has to be on getting these basics right. If we cannot do that, then there is no point trying to take on everything else.

There are positive steps. The remaining Pydar buildings come down this September, finally clearing the way for progress; and there are exciting improvements planned for the sports centre and surrounding facilities at Boscawen Park.

As I promised in my campaign, I’m meeting the portfolio holder for transport to restore free parking after 4pm in Truro. Time and again, businesses tell me parking is one of the biggest barriers for customers. (Tip: High Cross car park is not on the boards, yet it is often where you will find a space).

Finally, please take part in a survey about the future direction of Truro. Your voice matters, and this is the chance to shape our city. Find it at www.truro.gov.uk.

Thank you for your support.

Cllr Steven Webb, Lib Dem, Moresk & Trehaverne,

Truro City Council and Cornwall Council