A NEW group forming with the aim of bringing life back to Helston has been given the full backing of the town council.

Councillors agreed unanimously to support the setting up of a community interest company, where any profits go back in to town projects. Examples of existing such groups in the area include the South Kerrier Alliance at the Old Cattle Market and Porthleven CIC.

They were urged to give their backing by councillor David Potter, who said: “In supporting this proposal Helston Town Council will show itself to be forward thinking, confident and comfortable.

“Forward thinking such that we are discussing this issue this evening; confident that, whilst Helston Town Council does not control everything in the town, it can and should as the tier of government closest to the people, have an arms-length influence over many issues affecting Helston; comfortable that it is accepting of initiatives coming from the community that are for the community.”

It is just one of the suggestions in a document put together by Mike Hales and Malcolm Oliver, following months of research.

A community group of nine members already exists in Helston and will now formally become a CIC. Once set up, they plan to hold a public meeting to add to their numbers and gather ideas for future projects.

Mr Potter, who is a member of this group, said he quickly realised, after joining the council two and a half years ago, that it did “not have all the tools required to address many of the issues affecting Helston.”

As a result he, along with the small group of other residents and business owners, had been meeting to talk over problems. Their aim will now be to find some solutions to some of these problems.

Earlier in last Thursday's council meeting a number of members of the public spoke of their interest in such a group being formed.

Resident Jude Caroll said: "I'm interested in any initiative that would bring life back to the town centre. I've been impressed by Porthleven's proactive community and would like to see more Helston residents engaging with the town.

"I think we have to get used to the idea that the town is no longer a place for shopping, it's a place for meeting and doing. If the formation of a community interest group has the ability to halt the deterioration and apathy, and increase the support of rejuvenation, I'm all for it."

Dominic Bailey, who lives in Church Street and is about to open the new CAST Cafe in Penrose Road, agreed: "Anything where residents and businesses can work together to build the town should be recommended."