About Falmouth Town Council - Falmouth Town Council

Falmouth Town Council is proud to serve the vibrant coastal town, Port and civil parish of Falmouth, on Cornwall’s beautiful South coast.

History

Falmouth received Royal Charter in 1661. In 1974 Falmouth Town Council was established from the historic Falmouth Borough Council. Falmouth Town Council is the first tier of local government and plays a vital role in representing the interests of Falmouth’s residents. The town is formally twinned with Douarnenez in Brittany and Rotenburg (Wümme) in Germany and is currently exploring formal twinning links with St Nazaire in Brittany.

Our Councillors

Falmouth Town Council is made up of sixteen elected and unpaid Members (Councillors).

Councillors are elected every four years to address the issues and concerns of the residents in their ward (electoral division/area). They play a fundamental role in making decisions that affect the town and its residents by actively engaging in constructive debate in Council meetings and committees. They also collaborate with Council Officers (staff) to deliver key services and projects to a high standard.

Additionally, the Town Council acts as the guardian of public money, ensuring due diligence and achieving the best value for money.

The Town Council’s objectives:

Provide facilities and services which support a well-connected town and health and well-being
Provide a strong Community voice and work in collaboration with our partners
Promote Falmouth as a cultural community and destination
Support our economy and the public realm
Be a responsible body and employer

You can read more about the Town Council’s vision for Falmouth in our Strategic Plan.

Services We Provide:

Upkeep and Maintenance

Falmouth Town Council is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of:

The town’s award-winning Kimberley Park Gardens and Gyllyngdune Gardens
Falmouth’s Cemeteries
Falmouth Skate Park
Outdoor Gym at Dracaena Playing Fields
Pendennis Headland (not including Pendennis Castle which is owned by English Heritage)
Playgrounds at Kimberley Park, Trescobeas and Bowling Green Lane
Playing fields at Dracaena Avenue
Public toilets
Pump Track at Trescobeas
Roundabouts
Swanvale Nature Reserve (Boardwalk)
Town hanging baskets
Town Notice Boards
Bus Shelters
Pendennis Point, including the car park and the old Ships and Castles site (the latter is currently leased to Pendennis Leisure CIC).

Consultation and Grants

We provide consultation on local planning and licensing applications and award community grants to local organizations. We also run the town’s twice-weekly markets.

Cultural Venues

Falmouth Town Council also funds and manages three of Falmouth’s most important cultural venues: the internationally renowned and award-winning Falmouth Art Gallery, Falmouth Library, and the beloved community and live events venue, the Princess Pavilion. All three venues provide an accessible and engaging programme of events for residents and visitors of all ages.

Recent and Ongoing Projects

Recent and ongoing Town Council projects include:

The completion of the first-ever fully accessible and DDA-compliant section of the Southwest Coast Path between Swanpool and Gyllyngvase beaches
At the request of the people of Falmouth, the acquisition of Pendennis Headland from Cornwall Council in August 2023, one of Falmouth’s most iconic landmarks and an area of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance, to protect it from future development.
The delivery of a new Changing Places facility at Grove Place in April 2024
The opening in July 2024 of a brand-new skatepark at Dracaena Playing Fields
The Re-Source Project – upcoming provision of a new community radio and media hub in Kimberley Park Lodge, opening April 2025

Community Involvement

Falmouth Town Council is recognised nationally for actively involving our community and partners in influencing our decisions and delivering services.