Council heads reveal their priorities for Cornwall

Council leader Leigh Frost warned that Cornwall was "beautiful, but vulnerable"

Healthy rivers, reliable transport and affordable homes are some of the new priorities formally endorsed by Cornwall Council's cabinet.

Council leader Leigh Frost said the priorities were about "building a better Cornwall", and not just managing "decline or patching holes".

The council said the six priorities included a resilient economy, a caring place for families where children could thrive, as well as healthy, active people supported to live well at all stages of life.

Frost said also urged residents and visitors to respect the county's fragile landscape, adding: "Cornwall is beautiful, but vulnerable".

'Tackle challenges'

The council said the priorities, shaped by residents, were designed to "tackle the Duchy's biggest challenges".

Frost said: "These priorities reflect our belief in Cornwall's potential, and our determination to realise it.

"They are rooted in the values that guide us - fairness, ambition, inclusion and respect - and in a deep sense of place and purpose."

The priorities also included a strong environmental message, the council said.

"Please take your litter home, leave no trace, and follow safety advice - especially on our beaches. Let's all do our bit to protect the place we love," Frost added.

The cabinet's endorsement comes a week after Cornwall Council announced its intention to push for formal recognition as the UK's fifth nation.

Frost has written to the prime minister and deputy prime minister outlining the case for greater funding, representation, and decision-making powers for Cornwall.

He said: "This isn't about independence.

"It's about taking control of our own destiny and ensuring decisions about Cornwall are made here in Cornwall - not hundreds of miles away in Westminster."

The priorities

• Strong, safe, vibrant communities, with more decent and affordable homes

• A clean, green Cornwall, with healthy rivers and seas

• A resilient economy creating good jobs and fair opportunities

• A caring place for families, where every child can thrive

• Healthy and active people supported to live well at every stage of life

• Connected, reliable, safe transport that works for the people of Cornwall