It remains an honour and privilege to represent those living in the Moresk and Trehaverne division on both Truro City and Cornwall Councils.

In my first article for Truro Voice, some time ago, I wrote that the area faces a number of challenges similar to many other parts of Cornwall: in particular, a lack of affordable housing as well as problems associated with anti-social behaviour. Sadly, many of these problems remain, but progress is being made to address the concerns.

In relation to the provision of affordable housing, there is a good proportion of residential accommodation proposed for the Pydar site that is to be affordable, according to the generally accepted definition of this. Of course, whether it is affordable for someone in Cornwall on the average wage is always a matter of concern.

Anyway, more housing of mixed tenure must be the way to ensure that average house prices remain more affordable, particularly when they are built on brown-field or reclaimed land.

I am encouraging the demolition of the remaining buildings at Pydar as a matter of priority. Not only will this reduce the risk of trespassers being injured or worse, but the business rates bill will also be minimised and options for temporary use can be explored until building commences.

I am looking forward to the consultation starting on the new plans for the site, and I hope we have similar positive local community engagement to that we had on the original plans.

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) including theft from shops is a continuing issue that partners involved in Truro Safe are working together to tackle.

The recent introduction of Truro BID’s rangers working alongside our excellent ASB officer and the ‘hot spot’ initiative by the local police are having an impact, but I cannot emphasise enough the importance of reporting incidents as they occur.

We keep hearing anecdotes of shop theft (note I am not using the term ‘shoplifting’ which downplays the seriousness of this crime) or anti-social behaviour, but when we ask the police what the outcome has been, we are told the incidents were never reported.

I realise there is scepticism that no action will be taken by the police, but I am assured that this is far from the case. Every incident reported helps to build up a true picture of the crime levels and ensures adequate resources are deployed to both deter and detect.

Cllr Chris Wells, Conservative, Moresk and Trehaverne, Truro City Council