MP Moon: Our regeneration projects are so important

Elected in 2024, Perran Moon has already made waves for the Cornish community, and had a large hand in the regeneration of Redruth. The tow has long faced the challenges of post-industrial decline but thanks to the vision and drive of local leaders such as Moon, Redruth is undergoing a striking transformation. 

What does being from Redruth mean to you?

For me, it’s home. I was born in Redruth, it’s about friends and family and community. It’s a very important place for me.  

Since being elected, what has been your biggest achievement for Redruth?  

It’s more of a general win for the whole area, but it affects Redruth too and that’s the money that we’ve gotten from the national wealth fund to reopen the first tin mine, which was the last one to close, in South Crofty. We’ve managed to get around £67 million to help reopen that. We’re pumping out all of the water that’s flooded the mines, but we want to get that tin mine up and running because tin is really useful, it’s used in all electronic devices. It’s also used in solar panels, which is great for renewable energy. 

What are your thoughts on the regeneration of historical places such as The Ladder, The Buttermarket and Fore Street?

It’s really important. This is the first wave of the regeneration of Redruth. The Buttermarket is a brilliant facility for people to come and have a coffee or meet friends, it’s an important social space that helps with mental health. The Ladder is a great place for Redruth that needs to be supported and encouraged. Redruth is becoming more and more of a cultural hub for Cornwall and a great example of that is The Ladder and other places like Krowji.    

How do you make sure that the voices of the people who live in Redruth are heard?  

I always try to make myself as accessible as possible to everyone. As well as that I also always go and knock on doors, see if they’re okay. It’s really important to me because it helps me see exactly what other people’s priorities are, and that influences the activities that I do in London.   

How important are the local businesses in Redruth?  

Very, because that’s about the individual identity of the town. We really want those smaller independent businesses to make it a vibrant place that people want to come to. Soon we are getting St Pirans cycling team opening up in the Buttermarket, which will bring more trade to the smaller business as people show interest in a world class cycling team.  

And how do you plan to support these local businesses?  

Recently in Parliament there have been changes to legislation to make sure that small businesses get paid on time, but also by visiting them myself and encouraging other people to visit too.  

What is your vision for Redruth 5-10 years in the future?  

When people think of Redruth, they usually think quite negatively because of its wrongfully so bad reputation. We want to make the town a real destination and we want to make it a town that people want to visit and eat here and have a good experience, through things like the theatre or the cinema or watching rugby or going to see a play at the ladder or any other cultural events that are happening. I want it to be a place where all people of all ages feel welcomed and encouraged to visit.