We, the undersigned residents, workers, visitors and regular users of Calstock, call on Cornwall Council, Calstock Parish Council, the Environment Agency, relevant landowners and any other responsible bodies to urgently investigate and address the severe biting insect problem affecting the village.

This is not a minor inconvenience. Many people in Calstock are being badly bitten, avoiding outdoor areas, keeping windows shut in hot weather, and feeling unable to enjoy the village, riverfront and surrounding areas properly.

We understand that climate and weather conditions may play a part, but simply blaming climate change is not an action plan.

We ask the relevant authorities to:

Identify the species causing the bites, using proper sampling and expert advice where needed.
Investigate whether standing water, vegetation, flood defence arrangements, drainage, wetlands, river margins, or other local environmental conditions are contributing to the problem.
Assess whether the flood defence gap and wet areas nearby are worsening breeding conditions, and whether changes to water flow, vegetation management, drainage, or other practical measures could reduce the issue without causing unnecessary environmental harm.
Publish a clear report explaining who is responsible for what, what options are available, what action can legally be taken, and when residents can expect progress.
Put forward a practical action plan before next summer, rather than leaving the community to suffer the same problem again.
Nobody is asking for reckless damage to wildlife or the environment. We are asking for the issue to be taken seriously, properly investigated, and acted on.

Doing nothing is not acceptable.