I HOPE Voice readers are all well as we head towards the summer months.

As we go towards the busy season, it has been great to see so many new businesses opening or getting a fresh coat of paint around Mevagissey – it goes to show that we have a resilient community despite the particularly challenging times for so many businesses.

During my time as councillor for Mevagissey, I have always worked hard to promote the work being done in our community to anyone who will listen. Recently, I was pleased to welcome the leader of Cornwall Council, Cllr Leigh Frost, to Mevagissey, to look at some of the exceptional projects that have been delivered by community groups with the assistance of Cornwall Council.

Firstly, we visited Mevagissey and District Museum, which has been revitalised with funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Cllr Frost took a tour and spoke with volunteers and trustees about the tremendously positive impact.

Then we went on to the Mevagissey Activity Centre which has absolutely turned itself around with funding from Cornwall Council, the parish council and its own community fundraising efforts. SPF helped deliver much-needed additional facilities.

Unfortunately, there is currently no replacement or equivalent SPF local growth funding for Cornwall after the Government declined to provide any in its most recent Budget. SPF was transformative for many communities. For the Government not to provide funding for Cornwall, while continuing to give it elsewhere, via schemes such as the Pride in Place Fund, is unacceptable.

I am pleased that Cllr Frost is continuing to make the case as to why funding like this is important for our Cornish communities. I will also continue to do my bit to make the positive case for fair funding.

I can be contacted via 07885 277670 or [email protected]