St Ives Town Emergency Safety Plan 2020: Coronavirus Recovery
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St Ives Town Emergency Safety Plan 2020: Coronavirus Recovery Background In common with other Cornish communities, St Ives is paying close attention to government rules regarding social distancing and the re-opening of towns. Currently the rules are that non-essential retail businesses can look to re- open from the 15th of June 2020 and guidance has been produced. This plan has been introduced in anticipation of the large increase in people and vehicles during the Summer. Its central aim is to keep everyone living in and visiting in the town safe. Public safety is at its heart. St Ives attracts high numbers of visitors between February and October half term holidays, with the busiest months being July and August. The expectation is that, when rules are relaxed for travel within the UK and holiday accommodation providers are allowed to re-open offering overnight stays, the Town will be busy. Many people who might usually travel abroad for holidays will head to the UK coast and St Ives is a favourite destination. There are already indications that bookings for accommodation in the town are gathering pace and providers are working to current Government proposals that self-catering accommodation will be able to re-open from the 4th of July. The central area in St Ives is built with narrow roads and lanes and many roads have no pavements. The town centre with retail, restaurants, cafes and galleries is mainly located down Tregenna Place, High Street, Fore Street and the Wharf around the harbour. This is the busiest area in the town and where people tend to spend a lot of time when not on the beaches. In any busy Summer period, there are already a number of issues created by a conflict between pedestrians, traders, buskers, ticket sellers, dogs, outdoor seating and vehicles (large domestic cars, buses and delivery vehicles) trying the navigate the limited available space. But this year, it will be very challenging to socially distance in this environment, especially given that local businesses will be seeking to maximise every opportunity to increase trade with advertising boards and staff, tables and chairs outdoors.
A partnership approach to emergency safety measures
Representatives from key partner organisations Cornwall Council, the Town Council and the St Ives Business
Improvement District have worked together to develop a plan to keep the town safe and introduce emergency
measures to anticipate the increasing number of people in the town.
This partnership has agreed that emergency safety measures are needed to enable businesses to re-open and for
residents and visitors to be able to move around the town with any degree of social distancing. They have considered
the key principles set out in Government guidance Safer Public Spaces: Urban Centres and Green Spaces. Businesses
are keen to re-open when they can and are looking for advice and support to do this.
The population of the town rises so dramatically in the Summer months (and is constrained in such a dense street
pattern) that it is proposed that significant traffic measures are required to enable those travelling on foot to socially
distance. The measures proposed centre upon:
1. a vehicle free zone in the centre of town and
2. a one-way pedestrian route around the centre.
3. other initiatives to keep the streets as clear as possible from obstacles (advertising, outdoor seating, managed
queueing)
1. Vehicle Free Zone
Aim: to remove vehicles from the busiest area of town to enable a safer environment for social
distancing
1.1 The roads are too narrow to accommodate people and vehicles in a time when social distancing is needed.
Even if the 2 metre rule is reduced to 1.5m or 1m, the narrowness of the streets is likely to mean vehicle
controls will be needed.1.2 It is proposed that the vehicle free zone will run through the summer months until the end of the season
in September. Early intervention will ensure that teething problems and any necessary modifications are
resolved prior to the main Summer season and the school holidays. It will be introduced when all details
are in place but the proposed start date is Monday 29th June to allow a week’s introduction prior to the
Government’s proposed date for self catering accommodation to open.
1.3 The proposed road closure will start from the Tregenna Place and Gabriel Street junction (or library corner
as it is known locally). Any vehicles entering the zone from Windsor Terrace, Bedford Road & Back Street
would go around Market Square and leave the town via St Andrew Street. Chapel Street would also be
closed to traffic, to avoid rat-running, Drillfield Lane would be made one-way in a southward direction, and
there would be no right turn into Tregenna Place from Bedford Road.
1.4 Further measures at Tregenna Hill may need to be considered, as pavements and the carriageway are
narrow. The proposed restrictions will reduce traffic levels on the hill and make traffic flow more smoothly.
There may also be fewer pedestrians, due to restricted capacity on trains and buses/fewer departures and
arrivals from the bus and train stations.
1.5 No vehicles should have access pass that point for a set time period. It is proposed that the hours of
restriction are 10am until 4pm, 7 days a week. However, there is scope to revise the daily start and end
times each day in the light of further community comments. For example, an 11am start on Sundays which
would address later starts for church and community activities.
1.6
Barriers and professional staff would be needed to direct traffic away from the vehicle free zone. It would
need 2 members of staff who are both qualified to direct traffic. It is proposed that security personnel with
the appropriate training are commissioned, as there is no time for town council staff to obtain the necessary
accreditation.
1.7
Road signage would be needed throughout. Given the geography of the town and the location so far from
the main road network, it is critical that signage is located as far out of the town centre as possible, forexample at the A30 turn off or Tempest Roundabout (and also at the Zennor junction on the back road),
reinforced with ‘St Ives Full Today’ messages on media and social media. The Town has previously
benefitted from electronic signage and DfT signage is considered to be essential.
Wider Implications
1.8 Car Parks
There are a number of car parks that fall within the proposed zone.
The Sloop car park is a short stay car park. The last vehicles who enter the town before 10am would be
able to stay for the maximum of 3 hours or until 1pm. Vehicles would be able to exit the car park after that
time as Fish Street would not be affected. There would be a resultant loss of income to Cornwall Council
from the loss of parking and the town would lose those parking spaces for the unused times. The car park
is used by the local chapel congregation on Sundays with services from 10.45. This would need to be
covered by an exemption or a later start on Sundays.
Smeatons Car Park is an all-day car park owned by the Harbour Authority. The harbour master would
prefer this car park to remain open as normal but only to be accessed before 10am. Cars can exit the car
park as they do not need to enter the vehicle free zone. Another option is to close the carpark, except for
fisherman to minimise vehicle movements. This might also accommodate additional boatmen cars should
West Pier be converted to a concession zone in anticipation of any changes to the operation of pleasure
boats.
Porthgwidden and Wheal Dream car parks are permit only. It will be necessary to contact residents
who have a permit to inform them of the vehicle free zone rules. Vehicles could exit this car park as normal.
The Island long stay car park. We would urge Cornwall Council to explore how quickly operational
systems could be changed to convert this to a pre-booking / pre-payment carpark. This would addressother concerns of residents about queuing along Island Road on changeover day waiting to get a parking
space. If this cannot be achieved immediately, communications will need to inform people that the carpark
will only be accessible before 10am.
Trewith Long Stay
We understand that it is not possible to purchase weekly tickets for Trenwith. The Town Council and BID
request that this policy is changed to allow people to park their car all week and travel on foot.
Exceptions and Concessions
Fishermen
1.9 Need access to carry out their work based on tide times and, therefore, need to be an exception. There
are currently 16 boats and fishermen who have permits for Smeaton’s Pier. These would need to be shown
at the road closure or named fishermen could be given a pass. It is proposed that the Harbourmaster
communicates with the fishermen to agree a detailed operational plan.
Cornwall Council parking enforcement officers need access to empty cash machines of cash or for
maintenance and would need occasional access as an exception. There may be scope for officers to park
at the town council offices and make their rounds on foot.
Residents
Residents should be advised that deliveries to their properties would need to be outside these times. The
use of the Guildhall as a possible central drop off zone is offered. Access will be granted for deliveries for
any residents on the vulnerable residents list. Communications need to address any vulnerable residents
in restricted streets who are wholly dependent upon taxi transport. It is proposed that individuals would
have dispensation not the taxis.
Residents who have parking and within the restricted zone can apply for a permit to gain access and entry
within the restricted times. Passes can be obtained from the Town Council upon receipt of a copy of a V5Ccar registration document and will be issued with a car registration number. Emergency Services All emergency vehicles will be exempt. This will include RNLI vehicles and coast watch volunteers. Any tradespeople needing access for emergency repairs etc they will be able to contact the town council for an access pass. Holiday Accommodation The road closures will affect holiday makers arriving at their properties, in particular they would only be able to unload luggage outside of the restricted period. They will need to be advised clearly in advance what the arrangements are. BID and the Town Council will liaise with SITA and accommodation agencies to explore solutions, such as drop off points for luggage at the Guildhall or minibus shuttles. Cleaners and housekeeping. Accommodation agencies are agreed that housekeepers and cleaners will move between properties on foot in the restricted zone. However, there may need to be a dispensation – possibly a golden hour?- for liveried vehicles to collect laundry and deliver supplies. Access should be limited to specific vehicles or times. Agencies will need to provide information to guests about ordering supermarket deliveries for their arrival – either ensuring early and late slots or working with the agencies for a click and collect service. Buses Engagement is needed with local bus companies (St Ives bus Company & Royal Buses) to ensure they are supportive and work with the officers at the library corner pinch point. Apart from as above, it is proposed that there are no concessions for taxis operating within the zone. Commercial deliveries Businesses would have to arrange their deliveries and waste collections outside of restricted times. This needs support from businesses with the BID Manager being the main route for communication.
Refuse collection and other services: This vehicle free zone has been discussed with the CC contract
manager who is planning for vehicles to only have access occasionally. Most operations will be done before
10am. During the day public waste bins to be emptied and stored at the sloop. It is proposed that bin
lorries will need to be given permits to enter the restricted zone for occasional use only. CORMAC operates
under a contract with the Town Council who may be able to make their carpark available.
Essential Home Care Services
Work is being carried out with care providers to explore any difficulties that a vehicle free zone this might
cause and have permits where needed.
Town Council offices
As restrictions are lifted, the Guildhall becomes a focus for summer markets, weddings and may become
a drop off point. Clarity is needed on the status of Street an Pol and how this would work with the
restrictions.
MapBlack square shows the road closure point at Library Corner. The red arrow shows the exit point for any vehicles who entre the vehicle free zone at any other point Black arrows show the flow of the one-way pedestrian route.
2. One Way Pedestrian Route
Aim: to provide a workable route that enables safer social distancing.
2.1 Partners agree that the roads are too narrow to accommodate people mingling and walking in both
directions, along with queuing for shops and takeaways. The proposed solution is a one-way Pedestrian
Zone to operate alongside the vehicle free zone for the same length of time.
2.2 It would operate from the crossroad at Lifeboat Hill, Fore Street and Market Place. Going down Lifeboat
Hill, along the Wharf and back along Fore Street. Also, Market place would need to operate one, clockwise.
2.3 It is recognised that this would not have the same force as road closures and requires good will and co-
operation so positive messaging is important. It is proposed that any system should include both Wharf
Road and Fore Street. Consultation with business owners is on-going and the proposals may be revised in
the light of alternative suggestions for a co-ordinated approach by businesses to achieve social distancing
and keep people safe. Impact signage at the beginning of the Harbour and Fore Street (and banners within
the street) will emphasise the challenges and urge social distancing.
2.4 The BID and the Town Council have approached a volunteering group already established to assist during
the COVID lockdown. Volunteer street guides would focus on positive engagement offering help and advice
in a non -confrontational manner. Training will be required. Guidance from Cornwall Council and access to
previous training is sought.
2.5 There will be no barriers in the middle of roads but there will need to be some barriers at busy pinch points,
for example the crossroads at Market Square and the Sloop. Cones and directional partitions are also
needed. Distinctive marking tape down the centre of the streets will emphasise the need for separation
distances.
2.6 BID have already worked with businesses to procure joint signage, street stickers. Businesses will be
responsible for purchasing suitable signage and street marking materials at their premises.3. Other Issues
It is essential that the space in the town centre and in this zone in particular, is kept as clear as possible
to enable social distancing and so:
3.1 Keeping the streets clear of obstacles
There is very limited space to social distance, even with traffic removed. All businesses are being asked to
remove A boards and advertising from pavements and roads.
Despite national guidance supporting tables and chairs outdoors, this is only where it is safe to do so. In
key hotspots (Wharf Road, Fore Street etc), no tables and chairs should be on the highway, apart from
those with existing licences.
3.2 Boat trips/surf board hire booking.
The Town Council and the Harbour master have been working with the boatmen and ticket sellers to
develop a code of practice and manage ticket selling along the harbour. Should guidance permit pleasure
trips with groups of 6 or fewer, some of the voluntary code of practice principles -in terms of limits to the
number of ticket sellers, ID and signage - should be observed. There should be no booths on the highway
this year. The Harbourmaster is liaising with boatmen to discuss their ability to trade and identify a
concession area. There are a number of options being considered. The boatmen’s association should
support members to develop on-line ticket sales and / or identify a shared ticket office facility. The ticket
sellers should make every effort to ensure that they do not cause hindrance or obstructions to pedestrians
and will maintain social distance at all times.
3.3 Trading in the streets
No hair braiders, tattoo traders, street traders, or buskers will be permitted in the Harbour, Wharf Road
and Fore Street. If there is scope to work from West Pier, the Town Council and Harbour master shouldliaise with street sellers to achieve this through a licencing scheme. Cornwall Council are asked to support
this through their street trading policy, encouraging and promoting licencing through lower fees and any
enforcement.
3.4 Dogs
The number of dogs has risen in recent years. Dogs on leads in the main streets can also be a challenge
to social distancing and households with dogs often need more space to move around. The Town Council,
Cornwall Council and partners are working with dog groups to promote responsible dog ownership, reduce
dog fouling and keep dogs off the beaches during July and August. Dogs on beaches and in towns creates
additional congestion. It is hoped that a dog action group will produce advice cards and explore better dog
waste facilities.
3.5 Handwashing and cleaner streets
The Town Council will monitor the public convenience cleaning contract carefully to review levels of
cleaning, to ensure it is adequate and will introduce end of day inspections.
All businesses are being encouraged to supply their own hand sanitiser. Additional commercial stocks will
be procured and held at the Guildhall. There is limited room for additional public hand sanitiser stations
but is proposed that some could be installed outside every public convenience.
3.6 Enforcement Resources
Many restrictions on activities in the public highway are still only subject to byelaws and difficult to enforce.
The multi-skilled enforcement pilot last year proved effective and the Town Council and Cornwall Council
are discussing the level of resource for this year. It is proposed that multi skilled officers will be able to
enforce the dog orders, litter, dog fouling and give advisory support in relation to byelaw breaches. The
Town Council will be jointly fund this.
3.7 Communications
This plan needs community support. Communications and the stay safe message will be shared positively
and all partners need to undertake to lead on comms with key interest groups. The focus will be aboutlooking after the whole community. A communications plan is being drawn up to include a wide range of channels to communicate with businesses, residents and visitors. A facebook page for questions, answers and comments will be live shortly and a copy of the draft plan will be shared. The Town Council are able to assume the role of lead co-ordinator for comms and ensure consistency of message. They can pool budgets with partners for any printed media and support social media posts and updates. A limited LIS visitor information service will be operational and this can play a role as a co- ordination point/help desk Flexibility will be essential and the plan should be dynamic, to be reviewed and altered as necessary.
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