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Construction work for a new café in St Austell's Poltair Park is nearing completion.

Cormac Solutions Limited is providing services to the new building when it is installed.

Current installation work is for a new water supply pipe, electrical supply cables, telephone cables, foul sewerage, drainage for rainwater and foundations for the building itself.

Work will be completed by the start of summer and is funded by the developer of a housing development in Trevarthian Road under a Section 106 agreement. In the meantime the park's play areas and skate park remain open.

Poltair Park was transferred to St Austell Town Council in 2017 as part of Cornwall Council’s ongoing devolution programme.

The Town Council maintains and manages the park but Cornwall Council has been supporting a park improvement project.

The community was consulted about what they would like to see and a decision was taken to provide public toilets in the park.

As a result Cornwall Council drafted a feasibility study, supported by the Town Council, which includes plans to provide a kiosk style café that would have toilet facilities and would be leased out to an independent catering contractor to run.

Jackie Bull, Cornwall councillor for St Austell Poltair, said: “This café will make a real difference to the park and will address the concerns of the local community through the provision of toilets. It has been a complicated project and I’m delighted it is finally being done.”

Cormac project manager, Richard Keast, said: “We’re now reinstating the sections of footpath that have been dug up as part of this work, and will be opening sections of the park up again when it’s safe to do so. The next stage will be creating foundations so we can install the café itself, an innovative modular building that we’re manufacturing off-site. As works are completed we’ll refurbish and replant to make sure the park can continue to be enjoyed as soon as possible.”

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, said: “I’m delighted that residents of St Austell will be benefitting from this new café at Poltair Park which comes as a result of communities being able to make decisions about how and who delivers their services.

“This is a great example of how localism is at the heart of our ambitious drive to ensure that services are delivered in the most effective way to the communities of Cornwall.”

Sue James, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for the environment and public protection, said: "It is great that a partnership between Cornwall Council and the local St Austell Council is enhancing this space for local residents. I hope as people enjoy their improved space they will think creatively about making an enhanced space for nature too."

Hull Kingston Rovers player Joe Wardill is forced to retire from rugby league aged 21 due to persistent hip problems.

Committee publishes correspondence with the Minister for Pensions on pension credit changes

Dorset goes to the polls on Thursday 2 May 2019 to choose the first representatives of the brand new Dorset Council. Elections to the town and parish councils in the Dorset area are also taking place on the same day.

As preparations mount, we want to make sure you have all the information and support you need to cast your vote. Local elections are taking place soon – get the support you need to cast your vote Who can I vote for in the Dorset Council elections? Not sure who’s standing in your area? Information about Dorset Council candidates is live on whocanivotefor.co.uk   Type in your postcode to find out who your Dorset Council candidates are. Details of candidates standing in the town and parish elections are also available online. What ward am I in? Dorset Council is a brand new council with brand new ward boundaries. Your ward details are on your poll card but you can find them online too. Enter your postcode to check your ward details. Where’s my polling station? The locations of polling stations have also changed in some areas. Dorset’s polling station locations are now live on wheredoivote.co.uk Anyone can search for their polling station by typing in their postcode. How do I vote? The Electoral Commission have produced a video to show people how to vote in the 2019 local elections in England. If you need any assistance when trying to cast your vote, just speak to the polling station staff who will be happy to help you. To be able to vote in any election you must be on the electoral register. It’s easy to register to vote online. All you need is 5 minutes and your National Insurance number. Please note, if you haven’t registered by now you won’t be able to vote in the elections on 2 May.  But if you register to vote by Tuesday 7 May you will be able to take part in the European parliamentary elections. How can I find out the local election results? The election count for Dorset Council will take place on Friday 3 May 2019. The count for the town and parish councils will take place on Saturday 4 May. Results will be published on our Twitter feed and on www.DorsetCouncil.gov.uk in real time as they are announced. We will also send a results summary to subscribers of our e-newsletter. European Parliamentary Elections – Thursday 23 May Further elections are planned to take place in Dorset on 23 May 2019.  These elections are for the European Parliament and for 14 parish areas in Dorset. Brexit is causing some uncertainty about whether the European Parliament elections will in fact be held, but we have to work on the premise that they are going ahead. We received instruction from the Regional Returning Officer to publish the Notice of Election on Friday 12 April and are making preparations to ensure Dorset residents can cast their vote on 23 May, should the UK not have an agreement to leave the European Union by then. You have until midnight on Tuesday 7 May to register to vote in the elections on 23 May. To stay up to date with Dorset Council news please subscribe to our e-newsletter and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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English rugby needs investment to make the concept of promotion and relegation work, says London Irish great Topsy Ojo.

The injuries to the two 18-year-olds are not thought to be life threatening.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is charged with misconduct by the FA after he was sent to the stands in Monday's 2-2 draw with Burnley.

The ATP Finals will move from London to Turin as the Italian city is named as host of the season-ending event from 2021 to 2025.

The designs include a 30-metre wide high street, green spaces and 1,000 apartments.

Manchester United will be dangerous against Manchester City as they must respond their ‘pathetic’ display at the weekend, says MOTD pundit Alan Shearer.

Due to the ongoing protests in London today there may be delays accessing UK Parliament

Up to 50 firefighters were called to the scene above Oldham at Knott Hill, Delph.

League Two high-fliers Lincoln City and Bury dominate the Professional Footballers' Association's team of 2018-19.

League Two high-fliers Lincoln City and Bury dominate the Professional Footballers' Association's team of 2018-19.

League Two high-fliers Lincoln City and Bury dominate the Professional Footballers' Association's team of 2018-19.

League Two high-fliers Lincoln City and Bury dominate the Professional Footballers' Association's team of 2018-19.

The victim is thought to have been attacked by a group of men in Harlesden, police said.

Dorset Council has approved a request from Sturminster Marshall Parish Council for the designation of a Neighbourhood Area, which is the first formal stage of preparing a plan.

White Mill Bridge in Sturminster Marshall

Residents of Sturminster Marshall now have the opportunity to shape their community through the development of a Neighbourhood Plan for the area.

Call for volunteers

Sturminster Marshall Parish Council and Dorset Council are calling for volunteers to help with the formation of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Those interested in helping with the preparation of the plan can contact Mrs Alison Clothier, Parish Clerk, by email at sturminstermarshall@dorset-aptc.gov.uk

Trevor Warrick, Dorset Council Spatial Policy and Implementation Manager , said: “This is a great chance for people who have an interest in Sturminster Marshall to set out future development in the area. I encourage anyone interested in this opportunity to contact the parish council to find out more.”

What is a neighbourhood plan?

Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act which passed through Government in 2011.

A neighbourhood plan aims to give residents more control over their local area, when plans for new homes, shops and offices in their town or village are considered.

Once the plan is written, it will be consulted on locally and submitted to the council for independent examination. It will also be subject to a local referendum to make sure it has the support of local people.

More information on Neighbourhood Plans can be found at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Any parish council or parish meeting that might be interested in forming a neighbourhood plan should contact planningpolicyteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for more information.

The post Sturminster Marshall have opportunity to shape future development appeared first on Dorset Council news.

Doctors say his work on a woman now "virtually unable to walk" is deeply flawed.

The victim is being treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.