Inside St Austell and Newquay constituency, home of Cornwall's biggest Brexit vote
They are also the areas where homelessness and crime are major concerns
Charlotte Becquart
The Newquay and St Austell constituency is very diverse (Image: Pixabay)
The St Austell and Newquay constituency is one of the most diverse in Cornwall.
The whole area includes a major tourism destination, several harbours, a quieter countryside with many farms, the Clay Country and one of the widest urban areas in the county.
Both main towns, St Austell and Newquay, are also massively growing, with many housing developments planned for them and their surroundings.
Steve Double, Conservative, has been the MP for the constituency since 2015.
In 2017, he was re-elected with a majority of 11,142 votes. Labour came second, and the Lib Dems third.
The other candidates are Tim Styles (Lib Dem), Felicity Owen (Labour), Collin Harker (Green), Dick Cole (Mebyon Kernow) and Richard Byrne (Liberal Party).
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St Austell and Newquay has also been the most Euro-sceptic constituency in Cornwall. In 2016, more than 64% of people in the area voted for Brexit.
Perhaps that's one of the reasons why Mr Double, who is a major champion of Brexit, is predicted to retain his seat on December 12.
Cornwall's constituencies (Image: Andy F / Wikimedia)
Website Electoral Calculus predicted at the time of writing that he would get 51% of votes, with both Labour and the Lib Dems getting around 23%.
The constituency is not an easy one to represent due to its diversity and numerous issues.
Housing, homelessness and antisocial behaviour are however common issues for all parts of the constituency.
It is proven that Cornwall has more rough sleepers than any other county in the UK - with Newquay in particular being considered to have a homelessness problem.
Figures from last month also revealed that Newquay and St Austell have both suffered from more crime than any other town in the county over the past 12 months.
Armed police in Newquay in August
Antisocial behaviour issues have also been reported in quieter villages such as Charlestown, which is becoming drinkers' paradise according to locals.
We have asked residents what they think the key issues are and this is what they think:
The issues voters across the St Austell and Newquay constituency want their future MP to tackle
Residents have said that the number one issue in the constituency is poverty.
A housing officer in St Austell said that there is low income and little help and support with benefits and for people to get into work. Another resident called the Universal Credit a "never ending disaster".
Eleri Evans, from the Newquay area, said the constituency needs affordable housing.
"Rent is so expensive here and buying is almost impossible," she said.
The second most mentioned issue is actually mental health.
Gareth Evans said: "[There is] almost zero mental health provision for people with Borderline Personality Disorder in Cornwall after years of Tories saying mental health is a priority."
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Marie-Louise Rolfe is a psychotherapist in St Austell.
She said: "I have seen a rise in the amount of requests for support and the types of help needed on a mental health basis, especially between the age groups of 18-25 and 60-75 year olds.
"The groups in the middle seem to be giving more than ever and are putting their young first when I can see support is needed for them too. A real trend has developed with perceived stresses in families throughout Cornwall.
St Austell's Great Treverbyn Tip, or Sky Tip as it is more commonly known
"The overriding action for an MP to take would be to help de-stigmatise mental health by raising more awareness in the public eye. Mental health affects people just as equally as physical health but because it is not as easily seen, less attention is paid to it.
"More positive education around 'how' to gain better mental health, which acts as a preventative measure is paramount. This is needed in homes and communities as well as schools and colleges.
"MPs have the power to inspire more people how to do this. It is a massive problem and teaching self-awareness is key."
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The issues of crime, the NHS' lack of funding and climate change also came up.
Daniel Lawson said: "Crime rates in both Newquay and St Austell are regularly reported by Cornwall Live as being the highest in Cornwall, so that has got to be dealt with as has the investment to relieve pressure on the NHS, a secondary hospital in Cornwall would definitely help that.
"I would like to see the so called climate emergency acted upon with trees, rivers, streams and our seas protected. Also the end of building dreary housing developments and instead add water recovery and solar panels to the properties.
"Improved infrastructure for walking and cycling should be invested in to get people out of their homes and in the great outdoors without having to drive to these places first."
Newquay is a very popular destination (Image: Greg Martin)
People in Newquay also said the regeneration of both towns and high streets are an important issue, as well as public transportation in the area.
Virginia Trigueros commented: "Public transport is a real nightmare, we don't have local transport, people who works in Watergate or next to have to pay for taxis."
Angie Rayner added: "Newquay needs another train line and by the looks of it a new train! No one will use trains if they are irregular.
"No one can get out of Newquay to work until 10.13am it's ridiculous and does the economy here no good for jobs in and surrounding area."
Cornwall Live has asked each of the constituency's candidates to outline what they would offer voters in St Austell and Newquay. In the interests of fairness, here are their replies in alphabetical order.
Dick Cole – Mebyon Kernow
Dick Cole has been a councillor for over 20 years, serving his home parish of St Enoder, where he has helped to bring a wide range of projects to fruition.
He is also well known as someone who has championed the best interests off the China Clay Area, which has often been ignored by central government and the political classes.
In addition, the Western Morning News has stated that he has "built a reputation in Cornish politics – even amongst his opponents- for being a tireless campaigner for local issues and the champion of the powerless". And in 2017, Cornwall Live listed Dick at no 3 on their "Cornish List" of people who "lead the way in campaigning on Cornish issues."
In launching his campaign, Dick said: "Cornwall has never been the 'number one' priority for Westminster political parties. We have an economic performance that is only two-thirds of the UK average, and yet the Government prioritises richer areas such as London and the South East for support and investment.
"It is also shameful that our hospitals, schools and vital services receive less funding than other parts of the United Kingdom, which means that our public servants are struggling to provide what our communities need and have a right to expect.
"So often, Cornwall is simply not on the 'radar' of the political classes in London. We have been denied devolution and the Government is content to see us as little more than a small wider part of some wide South West set-up.
"As the leaders of the largest Westminster parties criss-cross the UK in search of votes, please remember that Cornwall will not be to the forefront of their minds. It is my hope that people will look past the theatrics of the Westminster parties and use their vote to demand a better deal for Cornwall by voting for Mebyon Kernow."
Dick Cole's campaign is focused on action on climate change, an end to austerity politics, fair funding for Cornwall, more power for Cornwall and local control over all aspects of housing and planning.
He added: "MK is a political party with a difference. It is based here in Cornwall and has no political masters in London to please. We will always do what we think is best for Cornwall."
Steve Double – The Conservative Party
Steve Double is the Conservative MP for St Austell and Newquay
Mr Double, 52, has been the MP for the constituency since 2015.
"The number one issue on doors by far is Brexit," he said. "St Austell and Newquay is the constituency which has received the biggest vote Brexit in the whole of Cornwall and the majority has not changed.
"I am of all candidates the only one who is going to be committed to deliver Brexit. In the constituency 64% of people, almost two out of three people, voted for Brexit. It is our democratic duty to respect that vote. If you voted Leave or if you voted Remain but believe in democracy I am the only one who will do that for you."
He added: "The NHS also comes up regularly."
Mr Double said that he is proud of what was achieved in the past four and a half years including a new maternity and an £11m investment for adolescent mental health in Bodmin.
"We will continue to deliver more," he added.
Mr Double said another issue is the infrastructure compared to the amount of new housing which is being built.
He said that during his mandates he managed to secure £18m for a new link road for St Austell and three new schools including at Nansledan.
St Austell town centre
"This is my third election," he added. "Ordinarily the next election would have been May 2020.
"This was a fairly disruptive four years due to several elections. But I am proud of the record of what I have achieved.
"If I am fortunate enough to be reelected I want to make sure we see the things we have funding for get delivered."
He listed the St Austell link road, the spaceport and the flood release scheme in St Blazey.
He added: "I will continue to focus on the NHS.
"Another issue is the level of antisocial behaviour in both towns. There are two sides of this: dealing with it (...) and taking a step back and look at the cause of it."
He continued: "I have a very, very strong connection with Newquay. I've always personally been very focused on the whole community. I'm also very, very regularly out in other smaller towns and villages.
"One thing I love about this constituency is its diversity. It's also a challenge, there are so many issues you have to take on board."
Collin Harker – The Green Party
Collin Harker
Mr Harker is 44 and has been living in Tywardreath on and off for 15 years. He was born and grew up in Canada and moved to Cornwall after marrying a Cornish woman.
He said: "The two most consistent issues would be issues of poverty – including the cost of living – and how people are fed up with the political system. You regularly hear about politicians' promises that haven't been kept. The Green Party doesn't have to defend undefensible policies or promises that haven't been kept.
"The Green Party has a clear view on a second referendum so maybe that is why people aren't talking to me about Brexit.
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"I want to make sure that there's a meaningful impact to the climate emergency. It's got local ramificiations such as localising the economy and the decision making.
"We are the ones most determined to really devolve to local authorities, greatly empowering Cornwall Council for example, with better funding.
The Clay Country (Image: Vicki Burton)
"Education has been removed from the council but would be returned with funding, for the newest infrastructure.
"Lots of places in Cornwall are struggling for affordable homes.
"The NHS needs a greater investment and the Green Party wants to create community health centres.
"Poverty is another issue. Cornwall Council's ability to provide services has been restricted due to limited funding. We need to increase the government funding to Corwnall Council and it will impact on people's lives directly that way. We need really affordable homes. Families wouldn't be sacrificing such a large amount of budget one their homes.
Join our Newquay Live Facebook group
We've set up a dedicated Facebook group for Newquay news, run by reporter Mike Smallcombe.
It's the place to find news and content about Newquay, and you, the community, can also use it as a platform to get in touch or to share something that you'd like us to follow up.
"The planet needs Cornwall to have Green MPs. It's a global problem.
"We want to really encourage small local businesses. All local parties try to claim they care about small businesses.
"I want to make sure that local councillors have more powers, are much closer to people.
"We want to make sure that the places which are the most in need of investment are the first ones to get it," he said, mentioning places like Roche or the Clay Country.
Felicity Owen – The Labour Party
Felicity Owen
Ms Owen was trained as a nurse and the director of public health for Cornwall for ten years. She is 63 and lives in Charlestown.
She said: "I joined the Labour Party when I retired. I was worried about the NHS.
"Sometimes people have to wait five days before being called back.
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"An issue that comes up is austerity. I am the trustee of a couple of charities. I am absolutely appalled that the richer got richer and the poorer got poorer. That is not acceptable to me.
"Another is the rise in homelessness, we haven't got any council houses. Rented homes are so expensive.
"I want to crack on with climate change.
Newquay high street
"I really like the Labour manifesto, it's really about positive changes.
"We need to bring rail and mail under national ownership to put back money into services.
"We need to banish Universal Credit which has been absolutely disgusting.
"It's about representing local people, representing everybody. We need to fight for better services in Cornwall. Our NHS and education services are not funded properly.
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"There is a different population in Newquay to St Austell, but both have the same problems: housing, rented accommodation and poverty.
"There is a Labour rise in votes and a Lib Dem drop in votes. We are the tactical vote."
Join our St Austell Live Facebook group
We've set up a dedicated Facebook group for St Austell news, run by reporter Charlotte Becquart.
It's the place to find news and content about St Austell, and you, the community, can also use it as a platform to get in touch or to share something that you'd like us to follow up.
About Brexit, she said: "Johnson's deal is horrible. What Labour is trying to do is trying to bring the country together. Brexit causes more arguments than anything I know.
"Labour, if elected, will get a better deal from the EU.
"I was loving my retirement but sometimes you have to stand up when things are wrong."
Tim Styles – The Liberal Democrats
Tim Styles
Mr Styles is St Austell town councillor for Gover and current Mayor of St Austell.
He said: "The first issue is housing, in particular for people on social security. There is no social housing in St Austell and Newquay.
"I am very keen on the environment. I am a cyclist and I want to promote cycle trails, including one from Eden to Heligan through St Austell town, a bit like the Camel Trail."
Mr Styles said other key issues in the area are health and social prescribing, farming and tourism ahead of Brexit with a decrease in tourists and seasonal workers.
"Antisocial behaviour is a big problem," he added. "In St Austell we work very hard to engage with all parties involved. It has had a positive effect, St Austell is much better now."
He said that, despite being the mayor for St Austell, he is also focused on Newquay.
"I work very closely with the local Cornwall councillors," he said. "I have great concern about the shellfish industry in Newquay because of Brexit.
"I think we also need extra policing. The community grows hugely during the summer."
Newquay Harbour (Image: Paul Best)
He said that, being a trustee of the Cosgarne charity, one of his priorities would be to tackle homelessness.
"Homelessness is getting worse in Cornwall. Despite the figures, there are many people who are sofa surfing.
"Universal Credit has a huge effect. There's not enough housing per se. There are so many people who got in temporary accommodation it's ridiculous.
"We've got to start tackling mental health head on. It's one of the factors of homelessness."
Mr Styles added: "During the last election we lost a lot of support to Labour. There was a Corbyn effect, it was back when he was hugely popular. People are starting to realise that both parties [the Conservatives and Labour] are going to two extremes. I think people are thinking that they're going too far.
"There are far more important things than Brexit, like climate change."
Mr Styles said described Ms Swinson announcing she would cancel Brexit was 'a bold move'.
He said: "We demanded a People's Vote since day 1. We are not undemocratic and we're going to continue to campaign for a People's Vote.
"I'd really like all Remain supporters to vote Lib Dems rather than split the votes, then we'd have more chances to beat Steve Double."
Cornwall Live has contacted Dick Cole, Mebyon Kernow candidate, and Richard Byrne, Liberal Party candidate, and is awaiting for a response.
Steve Double