The parish council’s structure includes elected councillors, led by a Chair. For Gwinear-Gwithian Parish Council that is 12 councillors over two wards. 6 councillors for the Gwinear Ward and 6 for the Gwithian Ward (although they all sit as one on the council representing all parishioners regardless of which ward they reside in). This forms a corporate body, meeting regularly to make local decisions, represent residents, and provide services. Supported by a Clerk and other appointed officers, all operating under legal frameworks like standing orders and financial regulations. Committees with delegated powers can be formed, and their work, alongside the main council’s, can involve managing local assets (parks, halls) and influencing planning. This, all being funded by a precept raised from council tax.
Gwinear-Gwithian Parish Council currently has two members of part-time staff. The Clerk, Mrs Vida Perrin, who is also the Parish Council’s Responsible Financial Officer and K Wells who is the Administrative and Finance Assistant.
The Parish Council also holds a contract with a Community Pride Operative/Team (CPO/CPT) which plays an integral role in the upkeep of our Parish, maintaining and managing the Parish assets.
To include frequently inspecting our playing fields in Reawla and Connor Downs, removing litter from bins and reporting damage to the Parish Council.
Being responsible for reporting potholes to Cornwall Council Highways, and overgrown verges and carrying out minor trimming where appropriate. Reporting roadside litter and fly tipping to Cornwall Council as well as street lights and missing or damaged street name signs to CC.
The CPO/CPT empty the cemetery litter bins and keeps the Parish Council’s five bus shelters clean. Regularly checking the Parish Council’s buildings, defibrillators, cemetery, allotments and the Gwithian Green nature reserve.
The Council also holds a contract with a Playground Management Team who ensure the parks at Reawla and Connor Downs are safe to use as well as maintaining the grass, flower borders and equipment on our behalf.
Contractors are used to fulfill duties with other organisations such as under the Local Maintenance Partnership (LMP) which ensures certain Public Rights of Way (PROW) are usable, these are generally gold paths as set out by Cornwall Council (CC). This Partnership is held with CC and they are legally responsible for the PROW.
The Council also manages Gwithian Green Local Nature Reserve/Common with Natural England through a contractor and a team of volunteers with expert local knowledge and a keen interest in conservation.