We’re here for everyone facing up to mortality

presses on with its cosy partnership with developers.

Steve Double and Cherilyn Mackrory’s fine words would be more credible if they proposed any of the above. Houses are still being built in Cornwall but the problem is they are the wrong houses and do very little to stem the rising tide of homelessness, with 26,000 now on the list. The 351 homes planned for Summercourt, Newquay, St Austell and Bodmin are overwhelmingly for sale on the open market and ignore the needs of those 26,000. I don’t think this is what Steve Double was referring to when he spoke of a broken housing market.

Building publicly owned, publicly accountable housing for rent has to be the priority if Tory MPs and Cornwall Council’s Tory administration is serious about addressing the crisis it presides over.

Cornwall Council must recognise the current “crumbs from the developer’s table” approach to building housing people can afford to rent is an insult to those languishing on that housing waiting list.

Rob Rooney Cornwall Socialist Party occurring at a pretty exponential rate, to be harnessed in the pursuance of the advancement of the lives of the global population and nothing to be frightened of, or those who adopt the slightly more paranoid and dystopian view that these technologies will be used by globalist cabals to control and enslave us all. Now, both these world views have their merits; history shows us that technological advancements can just as easily be used for good or ill, but I would always tend towards the more optimistic view that things will be OK, in the case of the aforementioned growing influence of AI on our lives, but in any event, as Pangloss said: “All is for the best, in the best of all possible worlds”. What concerns me most, however, is the fact that AI is not a word but an acronym, so why has it been chosen as the “word” of

The tug Cannis passes St Mawes Castle, by

from Mevagissey. Send your photographs from West Briton territory to us at thebigpicture@ dc-media.co.uk the year by Collins’ dictionary, hitherto such a paragon of linguistic propriety and exactitude? For me, this is yet another sign of the debasement of the English language, a dumbing down and coarsening of our culture and tradition and all in the name of “progress”, but to what end? Finally, and what really compounds the felony is that the word “AI” already exists, a word beloved by Scrabble players the world over who are desperate to get rid of their spare vowels before the end of the game, the name given to that most noble and unassuming of animals, namely the pale-throated three-toed sloth (Bradypus tridactylus) which inhabits the jungles of South America. Must this worthy animal’s rank and reputation be traduced in this ignoble manner by Collins? Has the world gone mad, or is it me? AI, AI, AI!

Chris Mundy Penzance back their own shares? How much has been paid out in dividends? How much in bonuses?

Answers rather than PR bafflegab, please.

James Biscoe via email ✒ CHRISTMAS can be challenging for many of us, but for families experiencing dying, death, or bereavement it can often feel impossible. People who are grieving may find the festive season particularly tough and emotionally draining, as that’s when we often miss our loved ones the most. Many families may also be facing the last Christmas with a loved one or the first without them, and not know where to turn to help get them through the season.

Marie Curie is here for anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from, and those close to them. Our free support line and webchat are open over the festive season, including New Year’s Day, offering practical and emotional support on everything from symptom management and day-to-day care to financial information and bereavement support. Our trained support line officers are there if you need support or a listening ear, as well as our Telephone Companion service that offers regular calls at a time that suits you.

Additionally, for people across the South West, Marie Curie’s bereavement companions will still be making phone calls as usual throughout the festive period. If your readers need support over Christmas and new year please encourage them to contact Marie Curie free on 0800 090 2309. Alternatively, visit mariecurie.org.uk/support to chat online.

Matt Williams Associate director, information and support available every day of the year by phone, email or webchat to offer help to anyone experiencing the pain of losing a beloved pet. Our charity is calling out to animal-lovers to sign up to train as volunteers for Pet Loss Support, helping those struggling with the devastation of pet loss to come to terms with the death or parting of a much-loved pet.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer, or to make a donation to ensure homeless pets have a happy, healthy Christmas, visit www. bluecross.org.uk/AllWeNeed

Diane James Head of Pet Loss Support

Lisa MacLeod