29.11.04
Mullion gets talking

What would you name an organisation that seeks to draw together a wide representation of villagers and village organisations or businesses? That is the question being thrown to the floor at an upcoming event in Mullion. This results from progress made recently by keen regenerators in the village.

It all began in March 2004 when a happy coincidence occurred as Hazel Stuteley, Community Health Regenerator from the Peninsula Medical School, approached Mullion Parish Council. Hazel was seeking their views on the possibility of Mullion, the largest village on the Lizard, taking part in a Department of Health led Pilot Health Improvement scheme called 'Connecting Communities'. The Parish Council were already on the verge of conducting a village consultation, prompted by some high profile local concerns and so were happy to support and work in partnership with Hazel to host two consultation events.

'Listening to Mullion' took place first on 5th April, which was well so attended that a second meeting was arranged on 26th April for those who were unable to gain entrance on the 5th. The combined attendance at the initial sessions was around 200 people of all ages. A subsequent meeting was held in July which was also well attended.

Among the issues raised during the April meetings were affordable housing, provision for youth activities and street cleanliness, some of which were already being addressed by the parish council, most notably the attempt to provide affordable homes. Additionally, the revitalisation of the Mullion Youth and Community Centre with the help of Objective One investment was nearing completion, thanks to the efforts of its committee.

However, from the July meeting came the idea that various groups within the village could form an alliance and be represented on a constitutionally formed committee. The purpose would be to address other priority issues, which may not fall directly within the remit of the Parish Council, and also have the ability to access funding for village projects.

About the events the Chairman of Mullion Parish Council, John Lang, said "It is encouraging that people of Mullion care about their village and wish to become involved. Between the proposed alliance and the Parish Council no one in the village should ever feel that they do not have a voice."

In addition to Hazel Stuteley OBE, a former local community nurse, the events were facilitated by a team of front line agencies that work and deliver services in Mullion, including Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change with investment from Jobcentre Plus and Objective One, Mullion Youth and Community Centre and South Kerrier Interlink.

Ron Curnow, Chairman of the recently formed Redannack Residents Association, was at both 'Listening to Mullion' events and has caught the vision for this type of village alliance: "We need an organisation to generate an interest of activity within the village which will need cooperation and representatives from all areas to create a community working together alongside the parish council."

In a bid to progress the idea, the residents of Mullion are being invited to meet again over mince pies and mulled wine, on Tuesday 7th December in the new Youth and Community Centre at 7.30pm. Here a progress update will be given, the vision established and residents groups and organisations in Mullion will be invited to become involved.

About the event Hazel said "This evening is about updating all those residents who showed such huge commitment to their village back in May and about celebrating the future of Mullion together."

For more information please contact:

Bryony Veale
Community Regeneration Officer (South Kerrier)
Telephone: 01209 614061

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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