Answers to Questions From “Cuppa with your Councillor”
Following our recent councillor event, Newquay Town Council was pleased to speak with and support many members of the community.
We have listened to the questions raised and have now published answers to some of the most common topics on our website.
We hope this helps provide useful information and reassurance.
Date :
13th May
Categories :
DBWP Statement
Newquay Town Council is aware of ongoing concerns raised by residents regarding a number of prominent dilapidated and derelict buildings in the town, including the Hotel Bristol, Sutherland Hotel, and Skerryvore House. A multi-agency working group, coordinated by the Town Council, was established late last year (2025) and has worked with partner agencies, including Cornwall Council, Newquay BID, Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, amongst others, to identify these and other properties, along with others, as priority areas for action. Together, the group is working collectively and in partnership to address sites that are unsightly, unsafe, or causing wider community concern.
All of the sites highlighted are privately owned and managed. As such, the enforcement powers available to public bodies are extremely limited and can be complex to apply. While the Town Council does not hold direct enforcement powers, it remains committed to working in partnership to share information, explore all available options, and support coordinated efforts to address the impact of these buildings on the community.
Newquay Town Council will continue to represent the concerns of residents’ concerns and work collaboratively with partners to support improvements to these derelict sites and enhance the overall amenity and appearance of the town.
Dog Fouling
The issues for enforcement officers are the ability to ‘catch dog owners in the act of not picking-up’ which comes down to being in the right place at the right time. Our Enforcement team does not publish their schedules in terms of specific days and hours for obvious reasons. The evidential test is however quite high, and any members of the public reporting dog fouling issues need to witness the act and then be able to provide supporting evidence to track/trace individuals (address, car registration plate, together with time/date of incident and description of the individual).
Street Cleanliness
Footpath/Street Cleaning is dealt with via the Unitary Authority Cornwall Council. As a member of the public you can report a street that requires cleaning via – Report a street that needs cleaning – Cornwall Council. You could also ask your local Cornwall Councillors to raise this in regard to more frequent cleaning.
Town Centre Offer
It is difficult for local authorities given the landlord/tenant relationships that exist with the private sector and across the town centre property portfolio. There is the additional issue being the backdrop of business rates being set centrally by government and which are not reflective of local conditions.
Occupancy rates in Newquay look to be much better when compared with some other large towns, so while the mix might not be to some people’s liking, it is good to see fewer vacant properties as that can lead to other issues.
Potholes
Potholes are managed by Cornwall Council, and they can be reported directly via their website here: Report a pothole – Cornwall Council
Submitting individual reports is really helpful, as it allows Cornwall Council to identify problem areas and prioritise repairs more effectively.
We understand how frustrating potholes can be for residents and road users. Cornwall Council are working to address the issue, particularly following the unprecedented levels of rainfall and storms this year, which have had a significant impact on road conditions
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