Future of parks and tennis courts secured in south east Cornwall
It means they can be enjoyed for generations to come
The future of four parks and a set of tennis courts is secured in Cornwall.
It comes after the sites were devolved to the local town council.
Cornwall Council has transferred ownership of Cambridge Field, Chestnut Close play area, Borough Farm play area, Thanckes Park play area and the tennis courts in Thanckes Park to Torpoint Town Council.
Bosses say the move ensures that decisions regarding the future of these assets are led by the local community.
The town council will invest in upgrading these facilities as a local priority and is well placed to undertake the custodianship of the sites for residents.
“For several years it has been an aspiration of the town council, on behalf of the community, to devolve the maintenance and upkeep of the four play parks and tennis courts from Cornwall Council, enabling the council to make improvements at all the locations.
“It is expected that the aspirations for the parks and tennis courts will suit the residents’ needs for future generations. The town council is looking forward to working with established groups and other community members who may wish to be involved in developing the parks and tennis courts.”
Councillor Mrs Chris Goodman, Mayor of Torpoint
“I am absolutely delighted that the transition has taken place. It has taken a lot of planning and it is good that both councils continue to work closely together to improve the outlook of the town.
“We have ambitious plans to manage and maintain the parks to a high standard as expected by our community, making them more appealing to a wider age range for them to be great spaces where our families can meet and play. Securing a Cornwall Council devolution capital grant as part of the transfer will allow improvements to commence immediately as we look forward to using them through the coming season.”
Councillor Gary Davis, Cornwall Councillor for Torpoint East who also sits on the town council
Like all local authorities throughout the UK, Cornwall Council has had some tough decisions to make when faced with cuts in funding from central Government.
Rather than close parks and public spaces, the Council has worked with town and parish councils and community groups throughout Cornwall to transfer ownership of much-loved facilities to local communities.
“We are delighted that Torpoint Town Council has agreed to take over these popular parks and sports facilities.
“Cornwall Council is committed to giving local communities more say over their local services. In other towns where facilities have already been transferred the local services are not only protected but have also been updated and improved.
“The transition of the parks and tennis courts to Torpoint Town Council will enable local residents to have more say over how these parks and tennis courts are managed and will help protect these much-loved community assets for generations to come.”
Councillor Adam Paynter, deputy leader at Cornwall Council