Newquay Porth & Tretherras

The candidates who are standing for election to Cornwall Council in the Newquay Porth & Tretherras  division on Thursday 1st May 2025 are:

Sandy Carter - Liberal Democrat

Valerie Martin - Labour

Olly Monk - Conservative

Kevin Towill - Reform UK

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• Sandy Carter - Liberal Democrat

  

  
  Born in Brixton, I lived in Crystal Palace and am still a committed supporter of the
  Eagles.

  Having passed my 13-plus examination, I attended at a technical school. Though I
  think my football and cricket abilities were more valued by the interviewers than my
  academic achievements. Lifelong passions, in football I started as a striker but
  matured into a sweeper. Likewise, in cricket, I went from a fast bowler to a medium-
  paced middle-order batsman.

  My father strongly emphasised the importance of securing employment over
  pursuing university education. Consequently, I commenced my career as a carpet
  and furniture salesman, which proved to be a fulfilling and long-term endeavour.
  And at the same time I took an Open University Degree in Sociology. I progressed
  through the management ranks and eventually held the position of regional manager
  at a superstore in Wembley. Then I transitioned into staff training and culminated
  my career as the head of the Human Resources Department.

  In 1994, I relocated to Porth to provide care for my dear late mother. One of her
  proudest moments was to see me serve as Mayor of Newquay. I served on the
  Town Council for many years, and I know how things work. My proudest
  achievements was the new playpark in Mayfield and to be involved in setting up the
  Tretherras allotments.

  My first involvement in local politics was the 2005 petition against the loss of the
  local bus service in Porth. Working with Dan Rogerson MP, we manage to restore
  the service – his example inspired me to join the Lib Dems. Sadly the service was
  cancelled again, but I have not given up and a top target is to restore the local bus
  service. If there can be two bus routes stopping in St Columb Minor, why not a
  better service for Porth and Tretherras.

  Another huge issue is the Newquay Strategic Route, finally due this summer. The
  proposed closure of the Trencreek vehicle crossing needs careful management to
  prevent rat runs in Tretherras. A real concern is the traffic along the roads near the
  Nansledan school where safety for families is my top priority.

  **

• Valerie Martin - Labour

  

  Valerie Martin - Labour Candidate for Cornwall Council for Newquay Porth and Tretherras with Nansledan
   

  What sort of society do we want to live in?

  I am standing as a Labour Candidate for Newquay Porth and Tretherras with Nansledan
  because I want to work with you on the issues, concerns and interests you have individually and
  within our community. I’m a qualified Community and Youth Worker and have spent my life
  empowering people to create a better life for themselves, their families and neighbours.

  I’m originally from Wales and Newquay has been my home for nearly 17 years and it is a great
  place to live. But some people struggle more than others to live well. If I’m elected as a Cornwall
  Councillor I will be able to continue to use the skills, knowledge, experience and expertise I have
  developed over the years to make Newquay a fairer, healthier and more prosperous place for
  every one who lives and works here.

  Cornwall Council has been dominated by Conservative and Independent councillors and for too
  long has been distant from our communities. I plan to provide a tangible, working link between
  what happens in our community and the decisions made in County Hall.

  When I first came to live in Cornwall I worked for a charity throughout the county. This means
  that while I will focus on the needs and requirements of people in Newquay I have an overall
  view of the county as a whole.

  I volunteered in the reception class of a local school for six years. I listened to children in their
  early stages of learning to read. It was a great joy, but also emphasised that even by the age of
  4 or 5 some children were already struggling to make the best of their schooling.

  I chaired the campaign to stop Tretherras Academy from selling primary playing fields to
  TESCO. The land was designated for educational purposes and a large community group was
  activated to challenge the sell off to the retailer. We were convinced it would have probably
  destroyed the Chester Road shopping area, caused enormous traffic, light and noise pollution
  and obviously reduced access to green playing fields, the playing fields which incidentally
  played host to the Olympic torch in 2012. I am delighted to say that some of the land is now
  used for a new primary school and the playing fields are still used every day.

   I am currently working with people on Nansledan to reduce the 30mph speed limit on Stret Uther
  Pendragon to 20mph like the rest of the estate.

  If you elect me, I will:
  ✔ Hold developers to account, particularly on providing housing for low income families
  ✔ Listen to what is needed for all our children and young people to thrive and flourish and
  influence Cornwall Council policy accordingly
  ✔ Support environmental groups campaigning for clean and safe river and coastal waters
  and those who monitor and preserve our green spaces.

  **

• Olly Monk - Conservative

  

  This local election is about who you want to represent your issues in your community. It's about choosing someone who can represent you in the most effective, vocal way and can deliver on their promises and your priorities. In short, it's about getting things done.

  I have lived in Newquay for 16 years with my wife and 3 children. All my children have attended Tretherras School. I have been the Chairman of Lusty Surf Lifesaving Club since 2010. I have served Porth and Tretherras at Town Council level since 2013. I have also been a prominent Cornwall Councillor for Newquay Trenance for 8 years. All my children attended Bishops School where I was a governor for many years. I care passionately about our environment and ensuring our seas are clean and pollution-free. Newquay is a fantastic town that I believe is one of the best towns in the UK. Newquay is growing, and we need to ensure that we provide the best possible outcomes for all our residents, both young and old.

  During my time as a Cllr, I spearheaded the delivery of Newquay’s Concrete Waves Skate Park, arranged funding for the new Barrowfields Cycle/Footpath and the new Playpark under construction in the Trenance Valley. I have also been instrumental in the rollout of the waste collection service which has increased recycling rates across Newquay and introduced the booking system at the tip which has improved the traffic flow and tip waiting times. Porth and Tretherras needs an experienced, vocal, and energetic Cllr to represent the needs of Porth and Tretherras’ residents. I believe I am that person.

  My top priorities are:

  1. Delivering a new doctors' surgery.

  Newquay’s doctors are full, and we desperately need a new surgery.

  2. Ensuring South West Water clean up their act and update Newquay’s sewage system to stop the discharge onto our beaches.

  3. Stopping rat runs through our communities.

  4. Create more traffic-free paths and trails and making sure they are maintained.

  5. Work with our businesses to help them grow and thrive.

  **

• Kevin Towill - Reform UK

  

  I was born and raised in Newquay, I attended Tretherras School and proudly served as the Cornwall Councillor for Newquay Porth and Tretherras since 2017.

  I also had the honour of serving as the town’s Mayor and more recently as the deputy Mayor.

  In the past, I have raised money for the Cornwall Air Ambulance and presently I am a proud member of Newquay Towan Blystra Lions. This club fundraises for all sorts of good local charities and causes.

  I feel that the old parties in Cornwall are propping each other up in hatred of each other and forgotten about the people that they are meant to be serving.

  If you are somebody who has done the right thing, bought a home, got a pension, looked after yourself and worked hard, who is there fighting your corner?

  Despite this, the Council is still in massive debt and still cannot deliver efficient front line public services which is a disgrace.

  All the main parties see these people as a cash cow to feed their vanity projects and do gooders.

  “I’m tired of the political division between the main parties in Cornwall and I want to represent a party that stands for community and for the people.

  “Reform is now attracting people across the political spectrum. I see it as a grassroots organisation built by members of the public who are trying to take back control of our system of government from the political establishment.

  We the local people at Reform UK are committed to restoring trust in Cornwall Council as it challenges and prioritises essential services for our families, seniors and children.