Over the past few weeks, you’ve probably seen lots of election promises about what candidates want to do if elected, safer roads, protecting green spaces, supporting local communities.
And it’s good that people are talking about these important issues. They matter to all of us.
But as someone who already lives here, works here, and serves here, I know that progress doesn’t come from promises alone. A promise is just the start. It needs to be followed up with hard work, collaboration, and listening carefully to the community every day, not just at election time.
What I Am Already Working On
I’m proud to say that many of the things you are being promised are already underway, thanks to the dedicated work of our council team and ongoing projects across the parish:
- As Chair of the St Ives Transport Sub-Group, we have been working to improve road safety across the parish, including working on the new 20mph zones and traffic calming measures.
- As Penwith CAP Area Transport Chair, I have been lobbying the bus service provider over poor and unreliable services. As a Cornwall Councillor, I will be able to push even harder.
- I have been lobbying the Police and Crime Commissioner over the lack of full-time police cover in St Ives. Thanks to this work, we now have a full-time officer stationed in town and I will continue lobbying for more.
- Starting improvements to the Malakoff, creating safer spaces for buses to wait off the road.
- Speeding concerns around key areas like the Badger Inn and Carbis Bay have been flagged, with discussions underway on new pedestrian safety measures, including plans for radar speed signs.
- We have been working with Network Rail to increase capacity on our branch line. Platforms have already been extended for five-carriage trains, and advanced plans are being developed for a passing loop. Further increasing capacity and allowing up to four trains an hour, with a direct route to Penzance under active discussion.
- As a Board Member of the Town Deal, I have helped secure major funding to support community spaces, grants for over 70 local businesses, and investment into vital public services.
- Through the Devolution Deal, we are bringing 48 local assets, parks, green spaces, and public buildings back under direct community control and, giving us the control in caring for them and protecting them.
- Secured a new home for the St Ives Surf Lifesaving Club, housing them in one of our devolved assets and safeguarding their future in the town.
Every decision we push for is shaped by a simple question: what is best for our community?
Promises Are Important – But So Is Action
It’s easy to promise change. It’s much harder to do the day-to-day work, and maintain the constant presence needed to turn promises into real results.
I have been working on these issues constantly since joining the Town Council five years ago not just for an election campaign, but as part of my ongoing commitment to the place I call home.
If I am elected to Cornwall Council, I’ll be able to take that work even further:
- More support for community-led planning
- More pressure to deliver safer roads
- More protection for our green spaces
- More action that directly benefits local people
My election promise to you is simple.
I will keep doing the work, keep pushing for what matters to our community, and keep making a difference.
I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far. But there is so much more we can do if we have the right voice representing us at Cornwall Council.
If you want someone who’s already working hard for our community, and will keep working just as hard with a bigger voice and more influence, then I would be honoured to have your support on May 1st.
Johnnie Wells
Independent Candidate – Carbis Bay, Lelant & St Ives East