Cornwall's Regimental Museum is fighting to survive after Bodmin Keep museum was closed due to structural issues THE CHARITY behind one of Bodmin’s best knowns museums has launched an appeal for donations as it battles to survive The regimental museum at the Bodmin Keep has been closed since August 2024 after structural problems in the historic building, once home to the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry It meant that there has been a limited revenue stream for the charity which runs the museum and with repeated delays to repair works required to allow the museum to reopen it has issued a warning that it is running on reserves The charity pointed the finger of blame at the Ministry of Defence, the building’s owners, for ‘delay after delay’ in the progress required to take ownership of the building and acquire the funding required to repair and renovate the historic building which is often at the heart of Bodmin’s remembrance events each year A crowdfunder has been launched to raise money for the charity A spokesperson for Cornwall’s Regimental Museum CIO said: “Bodmin Keep is the historic home of the Army in Cornwall it is the place where the volunteer militia rallied for training under threat of invasion by the French; it was the headquarters of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry; it’s where Cornishmen first enlisted and then were conscripted for the First World War; where British soldiers trained for World War II and where the US 29th Infantry Division (115th) prepared for D-Day and the Normandy landings It’s also home of The Light Infantry Archive and a place of Remembrance “As we reach the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day “In August 2024 structural problems requiring urgent repair were discovered and the building was closed to the public leaving the museum with no visitors and no ticket sales has offered to take ownership of the building and secure funds to restore it: a plan which the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has approved “Now Bodmin Keep is fighting for its survival: repairs promised for completion by Spring 2025 are on hold Cornwall’s Regimental Museum CIO is using the funds it holds in reserve to survive but we urgently need additional funds to keep operational while we achieve it “Many Cornishmen walked through the gates of Bodmin Keep on route to serving their country in times of need Now we need your support to keep the gates open and to preserve this place of commemoration.” Pete Champness added: “We’ve reached a crossroads – our ambition is for the Keep to become a flagship Army Museum for Cornwall a piece of Cornish heritage that connects us with our military past The Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment The crowdfunder can be found at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/fighting-for-our-future. Comments Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 allowing pupils to explore the similarities and differences between past and present forms of travel LOCAL students have been getting hands on with some locomotive history thanks to a special educational trip to Bodmin Railway Year 1 pupils at Launceston Primary School, part of Athena Learning Trust had an unforgettable day out recently as they climbed aboard two types of trains on a special educational trip to Bodmin Railway Students got a close up view of a traditional steam train and a modern locomotive during the visit The excitement was clear as pupils enjoyed the sights and experiences of both modes of transport while deepening their understanding of how travel has evolved over time A spokesperson from Athena Learning Trust said: “The school wants to extend a big thank you to Mrs Shanks, Mrs Branch, Mrs Wakely, and Miss Green for their support in making the day a huge success. The trip perfectly captured the spirit of learning outside the classroom — combining fun, curiosity, and memorable experiences. “Bodmin Railway offers a nostalgic journey through Cornwall’s railway heritage, featuring steam-powered trips along a 13-mile round route through picturesque countryside. Departing from Bodmin General, with links to Bodmin Parkway and Boscarne Junction, the railway recreates the charm of 1950s branch line travel.” Commenting on the occasion, principal at Launceston Primary School, Kate Eyre praised the trip’s ability to grow pupil’s ‘real world understanding’ and make learning ‘meaningful and memorable’. She said: “Trips like this are a wonderful way to bring learning to life. Our pupils had the chance to experience history in a hands-on, exciting way that sparked their curiosity and helped build real-world understanding. It’s these kinds of opportunities that make learning truly memorable and meaningful.” Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us Further Links Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us We use a number of different cookies on the www.cornwall.gov.uk website and the sub domains and third party systems we run. We have published a list of detailed information on the cookies the Cornwall Council websites use. Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites that you visit They are widely used in order to make websites work as well as to provide information to the owners of the site Cookies set by our core www.cornwall.gov.uk website are not used to identify you personally they are cookies that are required to make the website work as needed The Google Analytics cookies which record usage of the website and systems only captures anonymised information and we make no attempt to find out the identities of those visiting any of our websites We embed some content in the website including videos social media feeds and other things that provide useful information These systems often set cookies on your machine In some cases these cookies will be used by the third parties to personalise content for you View the 2025 Cornwall Council election results for the 87 Cornish electoral divisions Bodmin’s popular Family Hub has undergone an expansion and makeover so it can now offer even more support to local parents has been helping families for 16 years as part of Cornwall Council’s Start for Life programme and around 700 people use it every month.  Work has just finished on four new service delivery spaces for both families and professionals including:  The hub also boasts a newly-fitted accessible kitchen space that can be used for sessions alongside the activity spaces.  And for professionals there is a hot-desking space with new computer equipment and a staff collaboration space encouraging multi-agency working and networking ensuring families get the right support at the right time People are invited to have a look around the Family Hub on Saturday cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council “It’s wonderful that families in Bodmin can now make use of this revamped Family Hub “Places like this are really important for parents and carers who might need a helping hand on their parenting journey or just want a safe space to connect with peers and make new friends.  “Family Hubs bring services together helping parents children and young people to access the support they need more easily This can be anything from support with breast feeding and mental health to guidance on how to give children a head start on their learning “I’m extremely proud that Cornwall is leading the way in early years help and continues to be a brilliant place to be a child and grow up.”  Cornwall has 23 Family Hubs delivering child and family services from pre-birth to 19 years or up to 25 years for young adults with additional needs.  They are designed to be a ‘one stop shop’ for families offering everything from general parenting advice and infant feeding support to antenatal and mental health support.  The hubs also bring together wider services such as advice on getting into work relationship building and stop smoking services.  service director for children and family services at Cornwall Council “’Early Help’ is at the heart of our whole approach to helping families in Cornwall - helping more families earlier and more effectively providing families with easy access to a wide range of education health and social care services close to where they live so that they get the right support at the right time as their babies and children grow up “We have some fantastic practitioners who are helping to transform children’s lives and I am extremely proud of the work they are doing.”  For more information on Family Hubs in Cornwall check out the Start for Life web pages on the council's website.  Bodmin is undergoing a significant urban expansion with large-scale housing developments underway adding over 2,000 new homes to the town with nearly 1,000 already built THE North Cornwall town of Bodmin is currently undergoing something of a vast urban expansion – with multiple large house building development plans either being constructed or in the process of going through or preparing planning applications Planning applications submitted to Cornwall Council show that since 2020 large developments have brought 998 homes to the town with an extra 2,074 homes in future proposed large developments currently being the subject of planning applications The majority of the developments so far completed are on the former site of the St Lawrence’s Asylum and adjacent to Priory Road The site allocations for Bodmin in the Cornwall local plan identified a target to build 3,100 dwellings between 2010 and 2030 which the town is likely to exceed if the current allocations are all approved by Cornwall Council It also identified a number of transport measures to complement it including highway improvements comprising of a link and road bridge at Respryn to open up the Halgavor Urban extension a new link road between Boundary Road and Dunmere Road and a number of strategic junction improvements The development for 235 homes on land to the north west of Bodmin Hospital saw a large development of houses and the reconfiguration of Boundary Road so it ran through the site It comprised of a mixed tenure of open market housing, affordable rent and shared ownership properties and was completed in approximately 2021 after comprising of different phases, as is typical for a large construction of this type 280 properties had initially been proposed for the site after an outline planning application in 2012 Status of application: Phase two under construction Phase two of the development of constructing 175 dwellings on land formerly occupied by the St Lawrence’s mental hospital has been underway for a number of years Owned by Cornwall Council’s arms length company Treveth three and four bedroomed houses and one bed apartments The development will comprise of 10 open market dwellings 60 open market rent homes and 20 affordable rent homes Developer: Persimmon Homes 178 homes were built adjacent to an Aldi supermarket and near to Bodmin Police station on land adjoining Priory Road it was part of proposals which included 572 dwellings to the south of Priory Road This land is now the location of a 527 home proposal which is currently being considered by Cornwall Council Status of application: Approved/In progress Planning permission was granted to Pearce Fine Homes to create 80 dwellings on land opposite to the Pilgrim’s Pride food production factory with the planning applications anticipating 56 open market houses and 24 affordable houses to be controlled by a housing association This 71 dwelling development on land to the south of Bodmin Hospital was developed by Coastline and is situated between the proposed site near to Pandarosa Farm which is currently the subject of planning proposals and the development known as Laveddon Way Known as ‘John the Watchmakers country park’, this Georgian inspired development on Castle Street adjacent to the Callywith College site is currently being constructed It will offer up to 170 two-to-four bed dwellings on the site known as ‘Bakery Park’ was built on land which had been occupied by the Focus Do It All chain of DIY stores prior to their move to Launceston Road this primarily social and affordable housing development was developed into 44 dwellings by Gilbert and Goode Up to 45 dwellings have been built on land at Westheath Road – despite the concerns of residents living on the adjacent neighbourhood who then experienced disruption during the construction period. delivered by Vistry Partnership and Livewest also saw the expansion of the ‘town boundary’ with significant road works and a reduction in the speed limit on the approach to Bodmin from Lanivet Status of application: Outline planning application Proposals were submitted in 2020 for the construction of 540 homes on land to the south of the Bodmin Dragon Leisure centre – commonly referred to as Halgavor Moor It has been the subject of vociferous opposition from nearby residents in an informal campaign group known as ‘Save Halgavor Moor’ – who believe that the land should not be built on amid concerns over impact on nature and drainage on what is otherwise mostly boggy land The group’s campaign was backed and supported by previous MP for North Cornwall Concerns have previously been raised by the Environment Agency regarding potential flooding on the development if it was to go ahead Status of application: Reserved matters application Developer: Persimmon Homes/Hawkstone 2002 Ltd The final part of the planning process to get planning permission for 527 properties on land to the south of Priory Road Its location is directly opposite a 178 home development and Aldi supermarket on Priory Road which could see a speed reduction to 30 miles per hour as part of proposals to improve road safety on an increasingly residential area Status of application: Full planning application 58 open market houses are proposed on land to the east of Pandarosa Farm which previously constructed the vast development surrounding Green Valley Road It had previously been proposed to build 90 homes on the site of which some would be affordable but the developer submitted a new application stating that the size of the development meant it was economically unviable to include affordable dwellings as some of the land was earmarked for a future primary school Status of application – Pre application/EIA Scoping request Devonshire Homes have begun the application process for the construction of 678 homes on land adjacent to the A30 on Old Callywith Road It is proposed that it would consist of a mixed tenure site allowing for both residential and commercial uses Pre-application proposals have been submitted to Cornwall Council for the construction of up to 200 homes on land to the south of Respryn Road It would see a development on the opposite side to the Dragon Leisure Centre which is the subject of proposals for 540 homes at Halgavor Moor to its south Cornwall Council has sought outline planning permission for the development of 71 extra care apartments for people over 55 on land surrounding the Bodmin Beacon nature reserve at Whitestone Road It has however been the subject of concerns over its location by Bodmin Town Council and residents nearby Keep up to date with the latest planning applications and other statutory notices (such as alcohol licensing and probates) that affect where you live by visiting our online Public Notice Portal – be the first to know by visiting www.publicnoticeportal.uk/cornish-times-series. Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Bodmin is set to host a day filled with commemorative events including services of remembrance and community festivities BODMIN is gearing up for a number of events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day the day of commemorations will begin with the proclamation by the town crier on Mount folly This will be closely followed at 9.15am by a service of remembrance at the war memorial in Priory Park to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day there will be a service of remembrance at the DCLI Memorial at Bodmin Keep In the evening, there will be a ring out in celebration at St Petroc’s Church Bells before the day of events culminates with a celebration at Bodmin Beacon nature reserve Featuring fish and chips courtesy of Golden Fry and other refreshments available from 8pm there will also be performances from Bodmin Town Band from 9pm prior to a beacon lighting ceremony at 9.30pm A spokesperson for Bodmin Town Council said: “Join us in Bodmin for a full day of remembrance and celebration “Come together to mark 80 years since VE Day – a day of honour, heritage, and community spirit.” Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us A metal box blocked the overtaking lane on the A30 near Cardinham Downs, prompting swift action by National Highways and Devon and Cornwall Police A MEMBER of the public reported that a ‘metal box’ was blocking the overtaking lane on the A30 just before the Cardinham Downs turn off on Wednesday, April 30. National Highways and Devon and Cornwall Police were quick to react and the item was removed to prevent further issues. A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson confirmed: “We were alerted around 10.40am today, April 30, to reports of a metal box on the A30 eastbound at Bodmin. “Officers located the box around 10.55am and it was removed from the carriageway.” National Highways has since offered advice to those wishing to report issues on the A30 or any other major road within their control. A spokesperson said: “Motorists should report an emergency issue requiring immediate attention to our customer contact number - 0300 123 5000 – or Devon and Cornwall Police. “In instances such as this, it is always helpful to give as much detail as possible, whether the issue is in the eastbound or westbound direction, identifying a location by a junction or one of the roadside marker posts, set 100 metres apart, which gives a more exact location. “There are also emergency telephones on the A30, with which to contact us.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Artist behind giant piece of land art made using ancient Cornish hedging technique says work is a message to future generations Thu 20 Mar 2025 12.32 CETLast modified on Thu 20 Mar 2025 15.26 CETShareIt is an intriguing piece of land art a hymn to the almost-lost craft of Cornish hedging and also – perhaps – an optimistic message from the early 21st century to future generations As the sun rose over Bodmin Moor on spring equinox morning, a Cornish bagpipe struck up and Kerdroya five years in the making and built to last four millennia The work, 56 metres in diameter, is a labyrinth made of Cornish hedges (unique structures made of stone and turf) commissioned to mark the 60th anniversary of Cornwall’s landscapes being given official protection was feeling exhilarated as the spring sunshine began to warm Kerdroya – a Cornish word that can be translated as Castle of Turnings – and the first visitors arrived Will Coleman Photograph: Jim Wileman/The Guardian“It’s been hard work but really worth it Coleman led the Guardian around the labyrinth on the banks of Colliford Lake pointing out the different types of stone and techniques used to lay them There is not just one sort of Cornish hedge: different areas have their distinctive styles dictated by the type of stone and local building traditions “The first important thing to say is that in Cornwall a hedge is not a row of fluffy green bushes,” Coleman said A hedge in Cornwall means a stone-built structure You have a rammed earth core and two faces of stone “A really important aspect is the batter [the receding slope of the wall] you’ll actually see it’s got a curve like a lighthouse or oak tree Kerdroya sits on Bodmin Moor Photograph: Jim Wileman/The Guardian“The other thing is the stone to stone contact Every one of these stones is making contact with the ones around it You should not be able to wobble a single stone making them one of the oldest human-made structures still used for their original purpose for Kerdroya were hauled out of the lake during a drought and moved to the labyrinth by horse and sledge hulking granite stones from Bodmin Moor in the structure lighter-coloured ones brought in from other parts of Cornwall such as serpentine from the Lizard Differing stone techniques Photograph: Jim Wileman/The GuardianOne section is made using a technique called “lyverva” (Cornish for a library) with the stones resembling books neatly lined up on shelves featuring long ranks of similar sized stones is the result of a method known as “little soldiers” The hedges are topped with turf – tubbins – which even this early in the season is alive with wild flowers you’ve got every different possibility of shade So every little flower has got something they like,” Coleman said with contributions paying for a yard of wall and commemorated with small plaques a hedge of hope for my Cornish grandchildren,” says one “Life is not just a problem to be solved but a path to be explored,” says another And at the centre is a piece of art by local father and son team Gary and Thomas Thrussell made of copper and marine grade stainless steel Hilary Coleman Photograph: Jim Wileman/The GuardianAsked when it would be completed Coleman replied (only half jokingly): “I think it probably only needs another 100 years to get to a place where I’d feel happy and then after that you need about 4,000 years to mature Coleman said that digital records of what humans are up to may vanish in disasters to come – but the labyrinth would probably last somebody might come visit this site and get the notion that some of us actually cared Bodmin Town Council expresses frustration with Cornwall Council's proposed housing scheme citing concerns over location and suitability MEMBERS of a town council planning committee expressed frustration at being ‘put in a corner’ by Cornwall Council over plans for a 71-bed extra care facility for over 55s on land near to the Bodmin Beacon nature reserve. A resident asked why other fields owned by Cornwall Council were not up for consideration, to which representatives stated that it was due to the planting of trees as part of the ‘Forest for Cornwall’ initiative. It was confirmed that Cornwall Council were acting as a ‘promoter’ for the scheme, developing the proposals to go forward to a planning application on their land which, upon it being granted, would then be offered to a private developer at a discounted rate to develop. The developer would then fund the construction of the building, with the possibility of grant funding from Homes England subsidising the build, which would then be owned by the private company, likely to be a ‘social housing’ type provider, with all the properties for sale or rent being subject to an affordable home tenure by covenant. Cllr Jeremy Cooper asked if Cornwall Council had investigated repurposing vacant buildings in the town centre for the scheme, adding: “It would give better opportunities for community cohesion and provide easier routes in to the town centre.” In response, it was stated that the development needed to be that size to be viable to developers and this would be difficult to achieve in the town centre. Cllr Phil Cooper said: “From my perspective, Cornwall Council missed a big opportunity to put a scheme like this on the old St Lawrence’s site where Treveth have been building all of those houses. That would have been the perfect location for it, with the increase in facilities at the hospital, it would have been so much better with traffic much easier to manage. I guess that’s just the way it is, Cornwall Council have chosen to develop the site using other routes.” Cllr Pete Skea aired concerns that the site, closer to the outskirts of the town than it is the centre may lead to the residents living there being more isolated than they would be in a more central location. Councillors said that the site being proposed was not suitable, with some observing that they were being put into an ‘impossible position’ by Cornwall Council. “As a council, we’re being put into an impossible position because there’s absolutely no doubt that this sort of scheme is needed, and we want it in Bodmin, but we feel this is absolutely not the location it should be built in. It feels like we’ve been presented with an ultimatum that if we don’t like this scheme, there won’t be anything at all here.” In response, the representatives from Cornwall Council stated: “At the moment this is the only option, other sites might come along which might be appropriate but at this moment of time, this is all we’ve got that fits the criteria required to make it viable and the demand for these types of properties is there now. I wouldn’t say we’re giving Bodmin Town Council an ultimatum, further down the line something might become available, who knows what's around the corner?” Councillors went onto discuss the scheme in more detail, with those present trying to weigh up the balance of wanting such a scheme in Bodmin, but not comfortable with the location of the scheme. It was eventually proposed by Cllr Liz Ahearn, the mayor of Bodmin that the council opt to not support the proposals based on the location, while making clear that the committee were supportive of the concept of extra care housing in the town. For the full story, pick up a copy of this week’s Cornish and Devon Post or Cornish Times. Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Further issues with the historic building have arisen during remedial works A ROAD in Bodmin which has been closed since January due to collapsing masonry will be closed for a period longer than anticipated was closed to enable construction workers to repair the building the Cornwall Council member for Bodmin St Petroc said: “Crinnicks Hill was originally scheduled to reopen at the end of March but unfortunately during the course of the repairs further issues have been identified and need repair “This means that Crinnicks Hill will have to remain shut for longer than planned. I have been assured by the building owner that they are working as hard as they can to get the works finished as soon as possible so the road can be reopened. Thank you for your patience.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Cases dealt with my local magistrates and the Crown Court Looe has been sent to Truro Crown Court charged with stealing cash to the value of £111,296 from her employer Liskeard pleaded not guilty at Truro Crown Court to a charge of fraud by false representation when he was alleged to have used someone else’s bank card to make a number of fraudulent cash withdrawals and purchases without his consent intending to gain £25,320 for himself at Saltash between November 2021 and June 2022 at Saltash pleaded guilty to being in charge of a Pit Bull Terrier called Gee Gee who was dangerously out of control in the Castle Grounds A judge at Truro Crown Court ordered that the dog be destroyed and Felton was sent to prison for a month In a separate case he changed a not guilty plea to guilty on a charge of using or threatening unlawful violence towards another at Bude in December 2022 and pleaded guilty to using unlawful violence in Bude last July and possessing cocaine Wadebridge pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman in Bodmin on 18 September and to driving without due care and attention on Longfair Road He was released on conditional bail and the case adjourned until 13 June Looe has been sent to Truro Crown Court charged with assaulting a man in Saltash on 2 November driving dangerously on Salt Mill Road and without a licence or insurance Looe has been sent to Truro Crown Court charged with criminally damaging a police cell at Charles Cross Police Station on 20 April by smearing and throwing faeces assaulting a woman at JJ’s Sports Bar in Fore Street Looe on 19 April as well as threatening unlawful violence towards a man the same day raping a woman in Looe in October 2023 and strangling a different woman from the one who he is alleged to have assaulted between 14 June and 14 July last year He was released on conditional bail and his case listed for 23 May Bude pleaded guilty at Truro Crown Court to inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man in Perranporth in July 2023 She was given a 15-month prison sentence suspended for two years and made subject to a restraining order not to contact her victim until April 2030 He will be sentenced on 7 May and was given conditional bail St Giles on the Heath pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman occasioning her actual bodily harm at High Fernhill Farm on 2 April using threatening behaviour and damaging a table in a caravan between 1 and 4 April He was sent to prison for 52 weeks because it was a violent assault – he beat the woman whist in drink on two occasions and when she ran to a friend he beat him – both victims are in fear of him and he was already serving a community order for assault Liskeard has been sent to Truro Crown Court charged with ten sexual offences against a child as young as six They include indecently assaulting by penetration a 11-year-old girl and gross indecency The case was listed for 23 May and he was released on conditional bail Bodmin was made subject to a 28-day domestic violence protection notice on 20 April not to contact or threaten a woman or go to premises in St Leonards of Hinkley admitted breaching a domestic violence protection order by going to Saltash on 16 April - a place he was prohibited from visiting He was sent to prison for four weeks because it was a deliberate breach and he has a historically poor record of complying with court orders particularly domestic violence protection orders of Henwood pleaded not guilty to using threatening behaviour near to the Cheesewring Methodist Church in Henwood last October The case was adjourned until 29 May and he was released on conditional bail not to contact a man and woman or go to a farm in Henwood Liskeard pleaded guilty to damaging a window at Llawnroc Ventures in Liskeard in August 2023 He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £750 compensation Stratton pleaded guilty to ten offences of theft from shops in Bude He was given a community order to have treatment for his drug use and must pay compensation to the shops Bodmin pleaded guilty to breaching a criminal behaviour order at Gilbert Road Bodmin on 10 February by entering a property he was prohibited from entering He was given a six-month custodial sentence Liskeard had the case proved that he failed to comply with the requirements of a youth rehabilitation order made by magistrates in July 2021 He was remanded on conditional bail until 8 May to tie up with other cases He was put on a curfew to remain at his home between 3pm and 7am daily and is not allowed to contact a man and a woman or enter Coldstyle Road or Everly Court Liskeard was found not guilty at Truro Crown Court of possessing 0.230g of cocaine at Quay Street Lostwithiel last August when the prosecution offered no evidence He was bound over to keep the peace for three months in the sum of £50 failing to tell the Department for Work and Pensions that her three children no longer resided with her which affected her entitlement to Universal Credit fined £120 and ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 costs Saltash pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly at Newquay Police Station on 29 March Bodmin pleaded not guilty to driving on the A30 at Hayle on 28 March with 101 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath exceeding the limit of 35 Tintagel pleaded guilty to attempting to drive a Citroen van on Bossiny Road Tintagel on 15 March with 113 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath exceeding the limit of 35 He will be sentenced on 13 June and was given an interim driving ban Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us The NHS is currently considering the submission A NEW pharmacy could be heading to Bodmin with plans being put in place to make it a reality Months after the controversial closure of Asda Pharmacy, located within the Bodmin store of the supermarket chain in July and the earlier closure of the Boots branch on Bell Lane, Bodmin has been left with two walk-in pharmacies covering its growing population comprising of Boots on Fore Street and Day Lewis on Bell Lane Banns Pharmacy, established in 1933 and operates five pharmacy branches across Cornwall has confirmed it is very keen to open another in Bodmin to cater for that market However, in order to open a new pharmacy, it has to prove to the NHS that it is required in the local area in the form of local submissions detailing the difficulties experienced with existing provision, leading to an appeal from Banns for local residents to get in touch The proposals were discussed at a recent meeting of Bodmin Town Council’s planning committee, with the authority’s councillors requested to also send in a letter of support in order to help make the plans a reality chaired by Cllr Jeremy Cooper in the absence of regular chair councillors present voted to write a letter of support for the proposals It is not presently clear where the new pharmacy would be located, however an indicative map of the area that it could be located in shows it is likely to be located in a part of Bodmin which is primarily residential with little to no provision in the way of this type of accessible pharmacy provision with the map of proposed locations showing a radius between Rock Lane and Queen’s Crescent on the west of the town Directors at the company said that they have chosen this location as their ideal location in order to improve the accessibility of pharmacy services for as many people in the town as possible a director of Banns Pharmacy said: “For some time now it has been clear that the people of Bodmin have been struggling to properly access pharmacy services and the closure of Boots and ASDA has put a lot of additional pressure on remaining pharmacies “Unfortunately, we cannot simply open another pharmacy as we would like to as the NHS has very strict rules when it comes to allowing pharmacies to open and will only permit another pharmacy to open if there is enough evidence of patients have significant difficulty accessing the remaining pharmacies “We are therefore really keen to hear from local people about their experience of accessing pharmacies and we would welcome any comments to be sent to us at [email protected]. “Hopefully we can convince the NHS to allow us to open and provide another pharmacy. We would like to open to the south west of Bodmin, off St Mary’s Road so that we can improve the accessibility of pharmacy services for as many people as possible.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Residents of the two flats will remain housed elsewhere A MAJOR road through Bodmin is set to be re-opened after a thorough structural survey at a building which it had been feared might collapse St Nicholas Street and Crinnicks Hill in Bodmin had both been closed after masonry fell from a historic building in the town Residents in the building were evacuated amid an urgent structural survey to take place to ascertain the extent of the damage caused the survey has revealed that the main building is structurally sound meaning St Nicholas Street can be reopened Due to the failure of lintels above specific windows Crinnicks Hill will remain closed at its lower junction while the building owner arranges for works to take place Cllr Leigh Frost, the Cornwall Council member for Bodmin St Petroc said: “Following an inspection earlier today, a surveyor was able to access all flats in the affected building and conduct a more thorough assessment, aided by daylight conditions. The findings indicate that the issue is localised, caused by the failure of lintels above specific windows, and that the overall stability of the building is not at risk. “As a result, St Nicholas Street will be reopened to traffic. However, a section of pavement and the junction of Crinnick Hill with St Nicholas Street will remain closed until the building owner arranges for a structural engineer to inspect the site and oversee any necessary works or propping. “For safety reasons, the two occupied and impacted flats should not be reoccupied until the structural engineer has completed their inspection and confirmed it is safe to return, following any required remedial works. Cornwall Council’s Private Lettings team is supporting both the building owner and the affected tenants to address their needs during this period. “Cornwall Council will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us There is major disruption to nearby roads and public transport routes A MAJOR road through Bodmin has been closed ‘until further notice’ after parts of a historic building in the town began to collapse. Cornwall Fire and Rescue service, alongside Devon and Cornwall Police, attended reports of building masonry falling into the road at a property on the junction between St Nicholas Street and Crinnicks Hill, known locally as ‘Cornershop’ due to its history as a traditional corner shop prior to closure a number of years ago. The building, which also served as a branch of ‘Royal Liver Assurance’ in the 1960’s above the shop, was later converted into a residential property. Residents of the building have been evacuated from the property after it transpired that the building was showing “cracks” and “bulging walls”, leading to fears over a potential collapse. Those affected were provided with alternative accommodation after the evacuation. Go Cornwall Bus, which operates the majority of ‘Transport for Cornwall’ branded routes in the Duchy, confirmed that none of its bus services would be serving Mount Folly until further notice, with routes diverted either via Dennison Road or Beacon Road. A spokesperson for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: “One crew from Bodmin attended a call to a building where masonry had fallen into the road and the structure seemed unstable. On arrival, crews confirmed the building was showing cracks and bulging walls. “Firefighters closed the passing roads for safety reasons. All residents have been evacuated and alternative accommodation has been arranged for them. Highways have been requested to attend to set up diversions and a building surveyor has been asked to attend to survey the building. This incident has been left in the hands of Cornwall Council staff and Police.” Cllr Leigh Frost, the Cornwall Council member for Bodmin St Petroc said that he would remain in dialogue with necessary parties to ensure a swift resolution. Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us A MAJOR road through Bodmin is experiencing slow traffic while fire crews deal with a vehicle fire. The A389 at Higher Bore Street and adjacent roads are affected as motorists try to divert from the scene. Traffic reporting site Inrix states: “Reports of slow traffic due to car fire on A389 Higher Bore Street both ways between The Masons Arms and Midway Road.” Devon and Cornwall Police have been approached for more information and comment. This is a live blog - scroll down for updates Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Devon and Cornwall Police in Bodmin have issued a warning following suspicious activity and thefts reported in multiple areas urging residents to remain vigilant and report anything unusual POLICE in Bodmin have issued a warning after suspicious activity and thefts were reported at a number of addresses in the town Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police have said there have been a number of reports of suspicious incidents and reports involving attempts made to gain entry to properties particularly in a number of neighbourhoods to the east of the town Residential addresses in the area of Beacon Road Valley View and Kestle Park are among those who have reported suspicious activity to Devon and Cornwall Police with police appealing for further information that may assist them in their enquiries Some of the incidents were believed to have taken place on Sunday They have asked anyone who has any CCTV or doorbell camera footage that might help to identify potential offenders to get in touch with them while quoting reference number 50250072819 In addition, they have asked residents to be vigilant and take ‘sensible precautions’ regarding the security of their property and belongings and to report anything suspicious to Devon and Cornwall Police A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police’s Bodmin neighbourhood policing team said: “In the last week there have been a number of suspicious incidents/reports where properties have had attempts made to gain entry 2025 where properties in the area of Beacon Road Valley View and Kestle Park reported suspicious activity/items stolen “If anyone has any CCTV or doorbell footage identifying any potential offenders, please get in touch quoting 50250072819. Please be vigilant and take sensible precautions regarding the security of your property and belongings and report to us anything you believe to be suspicious.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us There is a specific reason why Beavers break wind that is different to humans Newsletter Sign upGet your latest local news for free in your email inboxSubmit I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Cornish & Devon Post. Read our privacy noticeAMUSING footage captures a beaver in the wild - farting The animal can be seen emerging from a pool of water and climbing onto a bank where it breaks wind - before returning into the water It is believed by wildlife experts the beaver was "marking their territory" The video was taken within Cornwall Wildlife Trust's complex of nature reserves around Helman Tor This particular beaver was part of a pair who were "unexpected arrivals" on the site They were first detected by the Trust back in March 2024 said: "We put some camera traps out to try and track the beaver activity and we got loads of really great stuff "So we got the beavers building their damns swimming - but one that did stand out and made everyone in the office laugh was the beaver breaking wind "There is a really good reason I think that they did this and it's actually because beavers have glands that can secrete this oil called castoreum and that actually helps them to mark their territory "So we think what the beaver was doing in the video is actually marking its territory and communicating to any other beavers out there that actually 'this is my patch' "Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Beaver Officer and team are continuing to monitor beaver activity in the area through the use of trail cameras and systematic field surveys." The charity is asking the public not to go looking for the beavers Lauren added: “Beavers are nocturnal so we are unlikely to see the animals themselves. We recommend staying on the footpaths at Helman Tor, as the ground can be uneven and it is easy to get lost in the big wetland areas.” Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd. | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 It comes after years of calls and lobbying A BODMIN road notorious for being plagued by pavement parkers is set to finally have action taken to curtail the issue has long been the subject of calls led by the Cornwall councillor for the area alongside residents and Bodmin Town Council members for the implementation of restrictions to prevent motorists parking across the pavement and on the road Presently, there is no restrictions in place on the stretch of road, making enforcement difficult despite the pleas for Cornwall Council to take the issue on board. In addition to potentially endangering pedestrians by parking partly over the kerb, the parked cars often lead to traffic issues further down at the junction resembling a roundabout at Church Square. Work to bring the plans to fruition have been ongoing since January, with the consultation of the police, letter drops to residents and the filing of legal documents and paperwork either completed or in progress. A delighted Cllr Leigh Frost, Cornwall Council member for Bodmin St Petroc, said that the delivery of works to include and implement an ETRO (Experimental Traffic Regulation Order) will commence on March 7. The implementation of the ETRO will be in place for 18 months, after which time it becomes significantly easier to implement a permanent traffic regulation order, previously demonstrated with the one-way system introduced at the railway bridge on Beacon Road in the town. Cllr Frost said: “I am thrilled to announce that, after years of dedicated campaigning, parking restrictions will finally be implemented on Turf Street in Bodmin. “This issue has created an unsafe situation, forcing many people to walk into the road, which was unacceptable. I promised to ensure Cornwall Council took action on this matter, and I am proud to have kept that promise.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Plans were unveiled for a new surgery in 2022 - yet THE MP for North Cornwall has intervened to try and get the required investment for a long-awaited new GP surgery in Bodmin Ben Maguire has called for urgent investment to be provided for a new GP building in the town Plans for a new building on the outskirts of the town, opposite Cornwall Council’s Chy Trevail offices were unveiled as part of a merger plan between Stillmoor House Surgery and Carnewater Surgery, now known as Bosvena Health, in 2022. It had been anticipated that it would be constructed by 2024, however, construction has not yet begun. It is understood that this is, at least in part, due to issues with the finalising of an agreement to finance the construction of the building. The MP, whose father was once a lead partner at Stillmoor House medical practice, highlighted that the only GP surgery currently in the town, operated by Bosvena Health, is running at 150 per cent capacity, with staff struggling to meet the growing demand for appointments. In his letter to the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB), he urged them to step in and break the current stalemate over negotiations for a new GP facility, stressing that with over 3,000 new houses set to be built in Bodmin before 2030, pressure on services will only get worse. Mr Maguire said: “This issue has dragged on for far too long, and I am contacted almost daily by residents struggling to access GP services. Both doctors and patients are understandably frustrated with the delays, and investment in a new building must happen now before the situation worsens. “Having spoken to Bosevna Health, I am fully committed to keeping up the pressure on local health authorities to make sure that Bodmin gets the healthcare infrastructure it desperately needs.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us It has been a parking facility since demolition in 2012 A GROWING Bodmin manufacturing business has submitted plans for a new factory which could see the expansion of jobs. Design for Sport Developments Ltd designs equipment for various sports, including a cardiowall and a specifically designed tennis umpire’s chair among their offerings. Directors of the company have submitted an application to Cornwall Council to construct a new manufacturing and warehousing unit on land at 16 Normandy Way, Bodmin. The land is currently undeveloped brownfield land which was most recently used as car parking for the now-defunct Microtest IT services headquarters adjacent, with the land itself previously being a boarded up and derelict factory known as the headquarters of Cirbo Ltd, a precision tool company until that was demolished in 2012. In a design and access statement submitted to Cornwall Council, Situ8, the agents for the applicant, said: “Situ8 Ltd have been instructed to act on behalf of Design for Sport Developments Ltd to write a supporting Planning Design and Access statement for the construction of a new purpose built 21st century manufacturing and warehouse unit with associated areas for staff accommodation and office space. “Off road parking provision is provided for staff and articulated vehicles. The applicant makes the case for the development on the basis of the consolidation of the business growth direction for 2025 and beyond. “The business is currently operative from other premises in the town that are now longer suitable or fit for purpose. To ensure resilience and growth this site provides the right site conditions, location and space necessary to consolidate the enterprise.” The agents added the business need for the development, adding: “Design for Sport Developments Ltd design and assemble (after sub-contract manufacture in the South- West) products to motivate & encourage people to be more active in theme parks, trampoline parks, family entertainment centres, health clubs & gyms. The business is dedicated to creating, making and building interactive cutting-edge products that bring energy to the trampoline, soft play and FEC markets across the globe. “Staff work closely with clients, from concept to delivery whilst providing customised solutions that suit the unique needs of each venue. The company focusses on creating innovative, safe and engaging experiences. The business also advises on the right products and strategies to unlock the full potential of client’s parks, ensuring long-term success and lasting customer satisfaction. “The development proposal will consolidate the business into one site as it currently operates from other local sites elsewhere in the town of Bodmin. The business has flourished over the years, and it is anticipated that once this development has been implemented that there will be further opportunities for growth and provision of additional jobs.” According to the planning documents, it is anticipated that if approved the factory will involve the provision of 30 jobs at the outset. “The access arrangements will remain but there will be improved and widened openings to enable articulated vehicles onto the site. There will be an access and egress point for all traffic. Good visibility onto Normandy Way is provided with all vehicles being able to enter and leave in a forward gear and in a safe manner. “A total of 23 car spaces is proposed (for 30 staff) although it should be noted that local staff are already encouraged to travel by alternate means i.e bus, walking and also carsharing arrangements. It should be noted that there are nearby bus stops within walking distance of the application site. “The applicant confirms that the premises will be operative from Monday-Friday 7am to 5.30pm. There will be three articulated deliveries per day from six to eight wheeled lorries.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Police are seeking witnesses or dashcam footage of the incident A DRIVER in Bodmin was arrested by Devon and Cornwall Police after crashing into a wall near a car park Officers from Bodmin Police station received a report just after 3pm on Tuesday April 22 regarding an incident involving a white vehicle colliding with a wall near to Scarlett’s Well car park he was arrested by police and while in custody was breathalysed It was confirmed that the vehicle’s driver was significantly over the legal limit for alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood His lowest reading provided out of the two specimens was at 123 micrograms Police have launched an appeal for information seeking dash cam footage or witnesses who saw the incident take place, with any one who can assist police with their enquiries to email 101 using the address [email protected] and quoting the crime number 50250098388 They added that if anyone suspects another to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to call 999 immediately with information and direction of travel A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “On Tuesday just after 3pm Bodmin Police received a report of a single vehicle crashing into a wall near the Scarlett’s Well car park While at custody he provided two specimens of breath with the lowest reading being 123ug/100ml This is over three times the legal limit at 3pm “If anyone witnessed this incident or has dashcam footage please email 101 quoting the crime number 50250098388. If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please dial 999 immediately with the vehicle information and direction of travel.” Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us THE A30 is closed in both directions near Bodmin after a lorry caught fire Delays on adjoining roads have also been reported by motorists with traffic being directed through Lanivet and Bodmin to avoid the stretch of the closure Traffic monitoring service Inrix states: “A30 Bypass both ways closed slow traffic due to lorry fire between Wadebridge turn off (Lanivet) and A38 Launceston Road (Callywith For the latest updates - check out our live blog below Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Those with information are asked to contact the police POLICE have launched an appeal in an effort to identify a man in connection with an assault in Bodmin. Police are seeking the public’s help identifying a man in connection with an assault in Bodmin which took place shortly after 9.30am on Sunday, December 29. The incident took place on Royffe Way in Bodmin. It was reported that a verbal argument took place between two men, before one of the men was pulled to the ground and punched and kicked to the head a number of times by the other. It is believed the man pictured may be able to help police with their enquiries. Anybody with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or via their website quoting 50240325464 Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us ONE person has been seriously injured following a collision involving a van and motorcycle in Bodmin Police were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a van on Launceston Road other emergency services attended the scene One person has sustained serious injuries which are not thought to be life threatening Local road closures have been put in place and are expected to remain so for some time Devon and Cornwall Police’s traffic reporting service Inrix has reported that the A389 Launceston Road has been closed in both directions, with traffic moving slowly following the accident from A38 Cooksland Road to Bodmin Retail Park. Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Residents have also objected to the proposals PROPOSALS for a new pharmacy to come to Bodmin have been met with an unusual objection in the form of the local GP surgery The doctors partnership that runs Bosvena Health has told NHS England that it objects to proposals by Banns Pharmacy to open a GP surgery on Queen’s Crescent in Bodmin It claims that if it were given an operating licence to run a pharmacy from that location it would threaten the viability of the as-yet unbuilt plans for a new primary care centre on land near to Chy Trevail in addition to their own dispensary service serving patients in rural areas The GP partners also told NHS England that while there had been the closure of two pharmacies in the town in the form of the Boots branch on Bell Lane and the Asda pharmacy on Launceston Road the remaining two ‘brick and mortar’ pharmacies in the town had increased their workforce to cope with the demand and offer delivery with a third pharmacy also offering a delivery only service To open the proposed pharmacy at Queen’s Crescent, Banns Pharmacy requires both the planning permission to site the ‘temporary’ portacabin type building and a successful ‘pharmacy list’ application where they receive authorisation from NHS England to operate the pharmacy at that location It is understood that while it is possible that permission could still be granted by NHS England despite the objections of Bosvena Health and competitor pharmacy Day Lewis if the objections are not deemed substantial enough to refuse permission the objections of the GP surgery to the plans could make the path to a successful application more difficult In their letter to NHS England stating the reasons they object to the proposal the GP partners behind Bosvena Health said: “We would like to appeal against the Pharmacy list application submitted by Mr Sarbjit Singh on behalf of Bann’s Pharmacy in relation to offering unforeseen benefits We are a local GP Practice with a dispensing site and currently provide pharmacy dispensing services to our registered patients within this catchment area “We understand that this licence is made on the basis of their being no pharmacy near any of the listed estimated sites, but we would like to highlight that our practice has a confirmed planning application for a new Primary Care Centre at Beacon Technology Park “Contained in this approved development is a pharmacy to serve our practice population We have not to date submitted an application with regard to a pharmacy licence for this site as final legal transactions for leases are being completed however any adverse effect on the ability of the practice to secure a pharmacy licence for these premises would ultimately significantly impact the business case for these premises and therefore significantly risk this ‘flagship’ Integrated Care Board supported development for Bodmin The land included in the Best Estimate from Bann’s is within one mile of the new Primary Centre “We note that the application references recent closures of pharmacies at Boots however both the remaining existing pharmacies: Day Lewis and Boots Fore Street have increased their workforce and offer patient delivery as part of their service There is also an established remote pharmacy offer through County Pharmacy in Bodmin “We understand that the application confirms that the new Pharmacy will increase provision of NMS and Flu vaccinations however we would question the volume and capacity for these services without a fuller understanding of the likely premises or availability of pharmacists to carry out these services “From our perspective we currently offer patient choice of GP provider for those patients living in that area through provision of our General Medical Services contract and our dispensary income in relation to our rural patients helps to support primary care provision to those registered patients the addition of another pharmacy within our catchment area to the west of Bodmin town centre would further erode our dispensing patient numbers removing eligibility for patients who fall within that catchment area “The loss of dispensing patients would significantly impact the already impaired financial status of our dispensary and potentially make this service economically unviable This would have repercussions specifically for our patients that live in our most rural and deprived areas across Bodmin Moor and would ultimately then endanger the future of our branch surgery at Polyphant of over 1,100 patients registered to receive medication from this site.” The objection from the GP surgery comes as some of the residents near to the proposed site on Queen’s Crescent continue to write objections to having a pharmacy in their residential area, with the majority of the public comments submitted to the Cornwall Council planning portal comprising of objections with only a few comments in favour Competitor pharmacy Day Lewis has also objected, outlining eight reasons why it believes the application should be refused. It concluded: “ It is well known to the ICB (integrated care board) that the pharmacy closures seen over recent years have resulted from significant shortfalls in pharmacy funding against the backdrop of large increases in costs for operators. “It is important that those contractors who remain are given every opportunity to ensure the financial stability of their businesses so the pharmaceutical services that exist in Cornwall at present can be maintained. Granting applications for new pharmacies in the county will simply result in further instability for the sector.” Banns Pharmacy have been approached for comment. Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us DEVON and Cornwall Police have confirmed that an individual has been detained after an incident in Bodmin Residents had reported a sighting of a police helicopter circling the skies in the west of the town predominantly over the area of Bodmin Hospital A forces incident manager for the police confirmed that a person had been detained and that there wasn’t a wider risk to the public They said: “We can confirm that appropriate resources were put out after a report of an incident in Bodmin with an offender detained The forces incident manager declined to comment further on the nature of the incident when asked about speculation locally other than to reiterate that there was no risk to the wider public For more details, click here. Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us He was also in possession of thousands of indecent images of children A FORMER Bodmin resident has been jailed after pleading guilty to a number of sexual offences involving animals and children. Jack Tyler, 23, formerly of Bodmin, now of Celyn Fedw, Carrog, Corwen has been sentenced to three years in prison by a judge at Truro Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to numerous sex offences which took place in Bodmin in 2020 and 2021. Among his offences was the rape of a spaniel and Jack Russell, which resulted in one of the dogs having to be put down. Tyler was also found to be in possession of over 3,000 indecent images and videos of children being raped and abused, including new born babies, on his phone and computer. Pictures and videos on his devices also featured Tyler sexually abusing the dogs in question. At Truro Crown Court, Tyler was banned from keeping animals for a minimum of ten years, was put on the sex offenders’ register for life and has a ten-year order restricting his use of the internet. Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us "I can only hope that Sigourney, Jean Claude and their kits are happy in their new home,” says Merlin, son of famous explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison The son of a famous explorer has accused his neighbours on Bodmin Moor of ''kidnapping'' his beavers, writes Lauren Beavis. Merlin Hanbury-Tenison runs a wellness and yoga retreat in Cornwall which focuses on conservation and rewilding. He has accused his neighbours on Bodmin Moor of ''kidnapping'' two adult beavers Sigourney and Jean Claude - and their three kits. The son of explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison has a licence to reintroduce the wild animals but says people next door have kept the beavers for themselves after they reportedly escaped. Former Army major Merlin and wife Lizzie run Cabilla Cornwall and says the beavers immediately escaped after being reintroduced back in 2019 and repeatedly after that. In an article for the Spectator, called 'My Neighbour Has Kidnapped My Beavers', he wrote: ''My beavers have been kidnapped. A few months ago there were five of them living on my family’s farm on Bodmin Moor. Now there are none. ''I know where they are and I have received proof of life from their kidnapper, but he will not release them back to me or allow me to collect them and bring them home. ''I miss them and often walk along their stretch of river and past their dams with a tear in my eye.'' He says he has been denied access to his neighbours' property to get them back and on the last occasion he tried he was stopped. He wrote: "I can only hope that Sigourney, Jean Claude and their kits are happy in their new home and that one day the sight of beavers on a stretch of river or a pond will be so commonplace that neighbours won’t feel that beaver kidnapping is worth it." The neighbour accused of the 'kidnapping' said the beavers appeared on his land last summer. He says he was told by the Beaver Trust, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Natural England to leave the beavers where they are. He said: "To make it clear, we didn't kidnap any wild animals on his land. “That would have meant trespassing on his property, stealing the animals and then holding him to ransom. That's the meaning of kidnapping. It's a lot of codswallop." He said he didn't give access to his land because he doesn't agree with trapping animals. He said it is 'ironic'' that as a conservationist he's now ''achieved his goal to help repopulate the river system with beavers'' but that ''he's done it by accident''. The Beaver Trust and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust said they could not comment. A Natural England spokesperson said: "Beavers are considered wild animals and are also protected as European Protected Species. "A beaver enclosure licence permits some activities that would be otherwise unlawful, such as releasing beavers into a secure enclosure, and recapturing and returning escapees. "Eurasian beavers are a European Protected Species under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (amended) and the landowner will have to comply with all relevant aspects of this legislation which protects the beavers from harm." Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Residents were concerned about the visual impact of the plans on Bodmin Moor and property prices OVER 50 residents packed out their village hall in attendance at a public meeting to hear initial plans for the creation of a wind farm near Bodmin Moor They were invited to hear about the initial plans ahead of a submitting initial plans for the opinions of Cornwall Council on what is deemed potentially acceptable for the location ahead of a planning application submission Residents from Helland and neighbouring parishes along with representatives from the Parish Meeting Cllr Andy Coppin of Bodmin Town Council and Cllr Jenny Cruse heard about the initial plans from Mark Quinn a wind power investor and developer of several sites across Cornwall and Walter Wonnacott It was revealed that the wind turbines could be as high as 115 metres from base to tip with the possibility of some being smaller if required by planners in the event of approval Mr Wonnacott explained to the residents the process which will take place prior to any development. He said: “There is no plan submitted as yet with the planning application being prepared but in the coming days, we will begin the process towards getting planning permission by submitting a scoping opinion request. “It is possible to do these reports during a full planning application, but our preferred route is to engage with Cornwall Council early on for all the various surveys and feedback. “Within the land under Mark’s ownership, there will be a lot of locations that wouldn’t be suitable for wind turbines for different reasons, and would be dictated by the planning process.” He added that it isn’t yet possible to say definitively how many wind turbines would be on the site, but that they were looking into screening out eight to ten locations in the application. After the presentation, the duo took questions from attendees. Those in attendance took turns to ask questions mostly related to the visual impact of the wind turbines, particularly on the protected landscape of the wider Bodmin Moor area. Mr Wonnacott reassured them that it would be taken into consideration through the planning process. One resident asked if there would be compensation for the ‘potential loss in their house price’ which was refused. After the meeting, Cllr Cruse said: “Firstly, thanks to Mark Quinn for suggesting the scoping meeting as under current policies it is not a requirement. There is concern amongst the residents, and it is a matter of planning judgement and balance as to if this goes ahead. “There are certainly concerns regarding impact to the Area of Great Landscape Value plus on the nearby National Landscape plus concerns for wildlife and also noise and disturbance to the village and area. “However, the restrictions on onshore wind farms are now removed and there is a clear guideline from the Labour government that we should be utilising wind power. I felt that the evening was in the spirit of democracy and was extremely pleased to see such a large gathering of the local community.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us The three-storey building would have 41 parking spaces PLANS for the construction of 71 ‘extra care’ apartments on land near to the Bodmin Beacon has been submitted to Cornwall Council Arcadis LLP, in partnership with Cornwall Council proposes to construct the three-storey building on land adjacent to Whitestone Road and Foster Drive The proposals for the site seeks to construct 62 one-bedroomed apartments and nine two-bed apartments on the 1.16 hectare square site which would also include 41 parking spaces and a minimum of five bicycle parking spaces Arcadis LLP stated: “This Design and Access Statement is submitted on behalf of Cornwall Council in support of an outline planning application for an Extra Care residential scheme on land off Whitestone Road in Bodmin It is in close proximity to Bodmin Beacon nature reserve and Bodmin Beacon “The applicant seeks permission for 71 Extra Care apartments with associated facilities and amenity spaces Those behind the development also said that they sought to create a sensitive and respectful approach to the integration of new development within the historic landscape They added that the three-storey building will vary in height but be “embedded into the landscape with the stepping of the building designed to provide residents with level access to the adjacent landscaped areas and balance the overall out and fill of ground levelling.” They added: “Extra care homes are essential in Cornwall due to the county’s ageing population and the growing demand for specialised housing and support Cornwall has a higher than-average percentage of elderly residents many of whom require varying levels of care and assistance with daily living activities “This demographic trend places pressure on healthcare and social services underscoring the need for dedicated extra care facilities that can offer tailored support in a safe providing local extra care homes allows older residents to remain in their communities maintaining social connections and easing the transition into supported living “As Cornwall continues to experience an increase in elderly population extra care homes play a crucial role in meeting these needs reducing strain on hospitals and providing quality The plans can be viewed using reference PA25/01930 The response came after a Freedom of Information Act request A PRE-APPLICATION advice enquiry response by Cornwall Council to the developers behind a proposed mixed residential and commercial development of 678 homes on land at Callywith has raised concerns over the proposed road going through it Devonshire Homes submitted a pre-application enquiry to Cornwall Council seeking its views on its proposals for the site covering a vast swathe of land to the east of the town which would form a big part of a long-planned ‘Callywith Urban Extension’ The response to Cornwall Council was revealed after a Freedom of Information request challenge by Tindle Newspapers Cornwall Cornish and Devon Post and Voice Newspaper series The council had initially declined the request citing the grounds of ‘commercial confidentiality’ despite the plans from Devonshire Homes being publicly available on the council’s planning portal however it was later released after the decision was challenged The response from the Cornwall Council planning team revealed concerns over the impact of the development’s proposals in relation to the proposed road going through the development With the application being a pre-application advice request it forms the basis of feedback which can be used by the developer to formulate their final plans for a potential later full planning application The Highways Development Management team at Cornwall Council said they had concerns over the suitably of the proposed road with the road which will go through the development anticipated to contribute a part of a long-anticipated ‘northern relief’ link road which was the subject of scrapped proposals over a decade ago the officer said: “I understand that the junction improvement at Old Callywith Road/Launceston Road has partially taken place therefore the requirement for this to be delivered prior the commencement of development has not necessarily been met in its entirety “A second linked roundabout is set out in strategy documents to serve as the site access Old Callywith Road and the Launceston Road/Old Callywith Road/A30 roundabout This access should of be capable of accommodating the intended development and future growth beyond “The intent behind the second roundabout was to serve as the eastern gateway to the former Northern Distributor Road (NDR) scheme the second roundabout remains within the strategy however the form it takes in any final plan is open for discussion acknowledging that the NDR is not a live scheme but that the wording of Bd-UE4 still requires the site access to accommodate the intended development and future growth beyond.” While the proposal to divert the alignment of Old Callywith Road into the site was considered acceptable in principle it would need to be subject to detailed design and measures to discourage vehicles heading south on the road the planning officer had concerns over the road’s design There is a requirement to provide a main link to future development to the west of the site ideally via a main east-west spine road of at least 6.5m in width depending on whether this includes separate cycle lanes or not it may require increasing to a maximum of 11.5m “It should also be tracked to ensure unimpeded bus access and areas reserved for the implementation of shelters/bus infrastructure where appropriate I do not consider that the proposed layout of the internal carriageway meets the above aims with no clear east-west link that would provide expediency for vehicles accessing future development parcels to the west while suitable for the development in isolation is relatively convoluted in terms of accessing the potential link to the west.” The officer concluded: “Even with the measures outlined above the application is not well catered for in terms of walking and cycling provision on the desire line to the centre of Bodmin “With a steep gradient and lack of continuous not being conducive to non-motorized movements The strength of this application in terms of sustainable transport will be its reliance on bus provision therefore a suitable service and route through the site should be provided to engender sustainable transport trips.” The developer was also advised that on the basis of 30 per cent of the properties being ‘affordable’ in their provision they would be required to contribute approximately £319,200 representing £672 per dwelling towards the provision of primary care NHS services Elsewhere in the response to the developer the council’s planning team advised that they had concerns over whether a ‘hybrid’ application which would see a full application for the residential component of the development and only an outline application for the commercial component The response from the planning department was as thus: “I have significant concerns that the employment / commercial components of this large development may be delayed or not delivered in the manner set out in the Bd-UE4 allocation “Departure from the policy requirements may not be supported by officers or Members as a consequence An evolving detailed application should demonstrate how the employment areas of the development will be delivered as part of the phased residential development to ensure that a mixed used development as envisaged by this policy is brought forward.” The response to the council will now be used by Devonshire Homes to form the basis of a potential planning application in the future [email protected]Further Links Three people were taken to hospital following a reported assault outside Bodmin's Neon nightclub, prompting an investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police. AN investigation has been launched after three people were taken to hospital amid reports of an ‘assault’ outside of a Bodmin nightclub venue. The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday, March 30 outside of Neon nightclub in Bodmin, formerly known as the Eclipse nightclub. It is reported that three people were injured during the incident, which was also attended by paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) in addition to police. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a fight had taken place outside of the nightclub, with the three injured parties taken to hospital for treatment with injuries described as not life threatening or life changing. As part of the investigation into the incident, police are seeking anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, witnessed the incident or has information that may be able to help with their enquiries to come forward. Information can be reported to Devon and Cornwall Police’s Bodmin neighbourhood team who are investigating the incident by contacting police either online, using their website or by phoning them on 101, quoting reference 50250078679. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Officers are appealing for information following a report of assault in Bodmin. “A fight was reported to have taken place outside Neon Nightclub on Castle Canyke Road at 4.30am on Sunday, March 30. “Three people sustained injuries and were checked by the ambulance service and taken to hospital for treatment. The injuries were not life-threatening or changing. “Investigating officers are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the incident or has information which may assist us. “Information can be reported to police on 101 or via our website quoting reference 50250078679.” Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us PLANS for this year’s remembrance services in Bodmin have been announced. The events to remember those who gave their lives in conflict will take place on Sunday, November 10 and Monday, November 11. A short service and wreath laying at the DCLI memorial at Bodmin Keep will kick start proceedings prior to an act of remembrance at Priory Park and a service at St Petroc’s Church. On Monday, November 11, armistice day will be observed at Mount Folly. A spokesperson for Bodmin Town Council, on behalf of the Bodmin branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “This year’s service of remembrance will take place on Sunday, November 10. “There will be a short service and wreath laying at the DCLI Memorial at Bodmin Keep from 9am. “The act of remembrance will then commence from 9.45am at the War Memorial at Priory Park. “Following this, the mayoral party, veterans and invited guests will then lead the procession to St Petroc’s Church for a service of Remembrance. Please note, due to numbers attending there will be limited seating within the church. “Armistice Day will be observed on Monday, November 11, from 10.50am at Shire Hall, Mount Folly. All are welcome to attend.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us AN application by Octopus Energy Generation to replace a wind turbine with one 22 metres higher and with a blade “sweep” two and a half times larger in the Cornish countryside has been approved despite local opposition The application sought to repower an existing wind turbine by replacing the current Turbowind T400 (hub height of 28.4 metres, rotor diameter of 34 metres and blade tip height of 45.4 metres) with a modern and more efficient turbine capable of providing up to 900 kilowatts of generating capacity with a hub height of 40 metres, rotor diameter of 54 metres and blade tip height of 67 metres. However, the planning department noted that noise from the proposed turbine would be quieter than the current model and recommended approval. Dr Nicky Gilmour is one of those against the Woodlands Farm Wind Turbine Repowering Project. She told the meeting: “The increased size inflicts the greatest adverse impacts to nearby homes, while delivering less than half of the energy to justify the imposition of such a large industrial machine.” She highlighted the lack of manmade structures, including no other turbines or pylons, on the landscape in the area and argued, as such, it was a major development. Cllr Richard Whitby, from Michaelstow Parish Council, said the council’s planning report stating that the significantly larger turbine won’t increase its impacts or effects made “no sense”. “There is a clear link between the size of the turbine, how far it it set back from people and place and the magnitude of impact,” he said, adding that in its current location it will “obviously increase its impacts and effect to an unacceptably high and intolerably adverse level”. He said it would be the only “incongruous and unnatural feature in the area of outstanding great landscape value”. Cllr Whitby added that at 67 metres tall there was no landscape or vegetation mitigation possible to screen the turbine. “It cannot be described as anything other than overbearing and overshadowing to those close by,” he concluded. “Despite what is claimed, there is no local support for this in any form.” Simon Johnson, for the applicant, told the meeting that repowering with larger, more efficient machines significantly increases the production of older wind turbine sites on the same grid connection and can produce the maximum amount of renewable energy more regularly, more consistently and with more wind speed. He said the company chose the smallest available turbine when many are now over 100 metres in height. The model would result in double the power output and could double production again if the grid connection is increased in the coming years without the need for any further development. Mr Johnson added there would be a 37 per cent biodiversity net gain, a quieter turbine than the existing one, no shadow flicker to residents (due to an automated system assessing the weather conditions), voluntary community benefits and the potential for cheaper local energy. Local member Cllr Dominic Fairman said that since calling in the application, he and other councillors had visited an almost identical turbine to understand what operational mitigations might be achieved to address noise and flicker concerns, which were made clear. He mentioned that the council said there would be limited harm to nearby heritage assets, which include an Iron Age hill fort and a “very picturesque” Grade I listed parish church. “This is where I believe we need to be true to our declaration of a climate emergency. It surely cannot be that we seek to protect all views from historic structures that are centuries or even millennia old as we ourselves face an existential crisis?” Cllr Fairman added that while there will be a measure of visual impact, appropriate conditions are recommended and the proposal was, on balance, policy compliant. He believed it should be approved. Committee member Cllr John Fitter said: “We’ve got to think of the future, but we’ve got to think of the present as well and the present is where the people in that community are living.” However, Cllr Jim Candy, who proposed approval, said the technology would be able to be managed much more efficiently than previously when it came to shadow flicker on neighbouring properties. A vote to approve was won. Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later bailed Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police were called to reports of an incident on Roseland Road located on the outskirts of the town during the evening of Saturday It was reported that a man had sustained stab wounds as a result of the incident although police have said that his injuries are not considered to be life threatening after the victim was taken to hospital A 31-year-old man from the town was then arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but later released on police bail while officers continue their enquiries which included a scene guard at the site of the incident on Roseland Road still in situ during the following day Police have quickly moved to issue a reassurance to residents in the town that there is no wider threat to the public as a result of the incident It is understood by Devon and Cornwall Police that the victim and the suspect were believed to be known to each other, with police confirming that as a result, there is no wider threat to the public in the town following the incident. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were called at around 5.05pm on Saturday January 18 following reports of a man having sustained stab wounds on Roseland Road in Bodmin. “The victim was taken to hospital. His injuries are not considered to be life-threatening. “A 31-year-old man from Bodmin was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has been released on police bail. “Both the victim and suspect are believed to be known to each other and there is no wider threat to the public following this incident.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us 42 groups in and around the town were presented with cheques [email protected]SPREAD THE NEWS + 3 (View All) Cllr Liz Ahearn, the mayor of Bodmin (left), and Cllr Karen Phillips (right) collecting a cheque on behalf of the Bodmin Carnival. (Picture: Aaron Greenaway) SEVERAL thousand pounds worth of donations have been given to community groups in and around the Bodmin area. The approximate £7,000 worth of profits from the annual fireworks display, held in Priory Park was presented to 42 community groups and organisations in Bodmin and surrounding villages. Peter Ford, the chair of the Joint Fireworks Committee said: “The Joint Committee was formed to provide an affordable, safe place for families to watch and enjoy a spectacular fireworks show to music. The profits from our event are donated to children’s, youth charities and groups in and around the Bodmin area. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of these numerous volunteer run community groups, and were delighted to see so many at our presentation. “ Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us ADDITIONAL restrictions have been put in place after a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed at a location near to Bodmin A three kilometre protection zone around the premises has been put into place meaning there will be additional rules in place along with a ten kilometre surveillance zone It means that all birds within the three kilometre radius are required to be housed with strict rules in place aimed at containing the virus for premises in both the three kilometre protection zone and the wider ten kilometre surveillance zone All birds at the affected premises will be humanely culled as authorities bid to contain the outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza The news of the bird flu case comes as the government implement a ban on certain types of ‘bird gatherings’ of poultry A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “A case of avian influenza has been confirmed near Bodmin All bird keepers in the area must remain vigilant and adhere to housing rules where required to help prevent further outbreaks.” A spokesperson for the UK Government’s Animal and Plant health agency said: “Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in commercial poultry at premises near Bromborough A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been declared around the premises All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.” Full details on the rules implemented in the two zones and what is required of keepers of affected species can be found on the government website at www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england. *Police have now announced that the individual was located in Bodmin* POLICE have launched an appeal in the search for a 19-year-old from Bodmin Devon and Cornwall Police are seeking help from members of the public to trace Shay Iles She is wanted after breaching a court order Enquiries have been made by police to locate her and officers are now appealing to the public for information on her whereabouts She was last seen in the Barn Lane area of Bodmin on Tuesday A spokesperson from the force said: “Anyone who sees Iles is asked not to approach her but to call police on 999 “Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response Bodmin Jail has announced the opening of its 'eerie' Easter attraction and adventure at Bodmin Jail’s Good Egg/Bad Egg Trail family-friendly experience and perfect for all ages The historic and eerie Bodmin Jail is inviting families and curious adventurers to embark on an exciting Easter egg hunt with a twist and uncover hidden eggs throughout the historic site in this thrilling puzzle-filled journey that promises excitement at every turn The Good Egg/Bad Egg Trail will be running throughout the Easter holidays Tickets are available online at Bodmin Jail’s website Discover the best things to do in Plymouth join our WhatsApp Community and never miss out To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community' No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the PlymouthLive team We also treat our community members to special offers If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice: https://bit.ly/41EZjzx Click here to join our Things To Do In Plymouth WhatsApp community Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right seek help and support the work of the mental health charity A MENTAL health hub and book reading centre is set to be opened by a national charity in Bodmin. Cornwall Mind has confirmed it will be opening ‘The Reading Room’ on Dennison Road in Bodmin, which will primarily be a book and coffee shop. It will be formally opened at 10am on Friday, March 28, by Dr Sarah Hughes, the chief executive officer of National Mind. Paul Reeve, CEO of Cornwall Mind, said: “Cornwall Mind are really excited to announce the launch of The Reading Room. A bookshop and coffee shop that will serve top quality local coffee along with cakes and a massive selection of preloved books. “Reading real books is on the rise since the pandemic and as we know, it is so good for our wellbeing and we think this is a great resource to have in the town. There will be discounts for Blue Light Card holders and the books will all be affordable. “More than this though, the reading room is a place to get information, advice and guidance if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health.” A spokesperson added: “At The Reading Room, we believe in the power of community and the joy of sharing a good cup of coffee with friends. Your support will not only help us continue to provide a cosy space for book lovers to gather, but also allows us to give back to our local community. That’s why all profits generated from The Reading Room will directly support Cornwall Mind’s vital work throughout the county. “Join us at the Reading Room – where every cup of coffee and page turn directly contributes to supporting better mental health in Cornwall. “You’ll find our shop just under our office on Hamley Court, Dennison Road, just by the car park.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Nearly a thousand homes have been affected A doctors surgery has issued an update after a power cut affecting parts of Bodmin impacted one of its surgeries which operates the Stillmoor and Carnewater surgeries says its Stillmoor practice has been impacted by the power cut which has seen hundreds of homes without power 974 homes in the Bodmin area were left without power during the incident of which all but 137 have been restored with an estimated end time of 4pm A spokesperson for Bosvena Health said: “You may be aware that part of Bodmin is currently experiencing a power cut This is affecting our Stillmoor House site “Our Carnewater site remains operational for the present. We will be moving what services we can to our Carnewater site and will contact you if you are affected by this change. “Please contact us on the usual number if you have any concerns about your appointment. Apologies for the inconvenience which is beyond our control.” Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us