High levels of interest are expected in a cafe in a sought-after Cornish beachside village.The Retreat Cafe in Portreath occupies a detached property which has been subject to high level investments and improvements throughout the vendor's ownership.
From the front a customer entrance leads into a cafe area offering 34 covers with breathtaking sea views.
An archway leads to a further cafe area for 44 covers, toilet facilities and office space.
To the side of the café is a doorway leading into a recently fitted commercial kitchen.
The cafe also offers a further 32 covers outside and provides a fish and chip take-away service.
Above the business is a two-bedroom flat which has an allocated parking space.
The vendors have owned and operated the business since 2004 and now wish to move back to Australia.
They have run it as a husband and wife team with the assistance of 25 casual part-time staff.
The business is seasonal, operating from March to November Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm and Saturday to Sundays 8.30am to 7pm, with increased opening hours during the summer peak season.
There is a premises license in place which entitles the owners to serve alcohol from noon to midnight, seven days a week.
The business is held on a 999-year lease providing a peppercorn rent to the freeholder. We are advised that the current net turnover is in order of £190,000 with a gross profit of 61 per cent.
The ground floor lock-up is being offered on a 999-year lease with a peppercorn rent for £425,000 or the freehold at £655,000.
Michael Fredriksson, head of retail department at Peninsula Commercial, said: "We expect high levels of interest, particularly from someone who is looking for a seasonal business in a stunning location."
For further details contact Peninsula Commercial on 01392 848484 or visit www.peninsulacommercial.co.uk
Monday, August 13, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
DISPLAYS CAPTURE FLORAL SPIRIT OF FAVOURITE HYMNS
Eleven stunning floral displays captivated visitors to a flower festival at Bridge Chapel at the weekend.The displays were provided by churches, organisations and individuals from across the Redruth district based on the theme of favourite hymns.
The exhibits included For the Beauty of the Earth, by Treleigh Floral Art Club; Morning has Broken, by Four Lanes United Methodist Church; All Things Bright and Beautiful, by Paynter's Lane End Methodist Church; and the centrepiece of the festival, Think of a World Without any Flowers, by Bridge Chapel.
The opening ceremony on Friday morning included a musical performance by children from Portreath School who played instruments and sang.
The musical theme continued throughout the weekend with local organists playing sympathetic background music as visitors admired the displays.
The flowers provided a perfect backdrop for a concert on Saturday evening by Celtic Voices, followed on Sunday evening by a Songs of Praise.
The Rev Haley Moore, the superintendent minister, said that as intoxicating as the sights, smells and sounds of the festival had been, she hoped they had not diverted attention away from the true purpose of the weekend - to raise money for the Persecuted Church, those who pay a heavy price for their continued faithfulness to Christianity around the world.
She said: "When we gather together for worship and fellowship we take so much for granted, such as our freedom of speech and the ease with which we are able to talk about Jesus Christ in our families and communities.
"However, for many Christians such activities hold many risks and dangers and discipleship is extremely costly.
"For some this includes the threat of imprisonment, of torture and of threats to their families.
"Hopefully people came in and enjoyed all these beautiful flowers, but also left aware of the challenges that face Christians around the world."
The Rev Haley paid tribute to the Bridge congregation: "They are only a small church community, but they have a wonderful church family here.
"This festival was a big task for them, and they've excelled themselves."
The exhibits included For the Beauty of the Earth, by Treleigh Floral Art Club; Morning has Broken, by Four Lanes United Methodist Church; All Things Bright and Beautiful, by Paynter's Lane End Methodist Church; and the centrepiece of the festival, Think of a World Without any Flowers, by Bridge Chapel.
The opening ceremony on Friday morning included a musical performance by children from Portreath School who played instruments and sang.
The musical theme continued throughout the weekend with local organists playing sympathetic background music as visitors admired the displays.
The flowers provided a perfect backdrop for a concert on Saturday evening by Celtic Voices, followed on Sunday evening by a Songs of Praise.
The Rev Haley Moore, the superintendent minister, said that as intoxicating as the sights, smells and sounds of the festival had been, she hoped they had not diverted attention away from the true purpose of the weekend - to raise money for the Persecuted Church, those who pay a heavy price for their continued faithfulness to Christianity around the world.
She said: "When we gather together for worship and fellowship we take so much for granted, such as our freedom of speech and the ease with which we are able to talk about Jesus Christ in our families and communities.
"However, for many Christians such activities hold many risks and dangers and discipleship is extremely costly.
"For some this includes the threat of imprisonment, of torture and of threats to their families.
"Hopefully people came in and enjoyed all these beautiful flowers, but also left aware of the challenges that face Christians around the world."
The Rev Haley paid tribute to the Bridge congregation: "They are only a small church community, but they have a wonderful church family here.
"This festival was a big task for them, and they've excelled themselves."
Flood Action
The Environment Agency has announced plans to carry out work in Portreath to reduce the risk of flooding.The agency will fit a screen to stop debris and monitor the flow upstream and downstream, linked to its centre in Bodmin, so staff can get an early warning when there is a problem.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
CHEMICAL ALERT AT DEFENCE SITE
EXCLUSIVE: ANDY GREENWOOD CHIEF REPORTER
11:00 - 29 May 2007
A chemical weapons scare was sparked at a former nerve agent factory when a digger driver accidentally unearthed equipment used to produce mustard gas.It has raised fears there could be potentially dangerous substances on other sites in the area, which might not appear on any maps, prompting calls for a full survey to identify potentially contaminated land and to restore public trust.
The discovery at the former Chemical Defence Establishment at Nancekuke, near Redruth in Cornwall - revealed publicly for the first time today - happened last year as contractors investigated a shaft thought to lead to one of five known dump sites.
Tons of equipment and plant from the factory, which manufactured 20 tons of the deadly nerve agent sarin between 1954 and 1956, was buried after the facility was closed in 1977.
Its chemical weapons were either treated and disposed of on site or transported to Porton Down in Wiltshire.
But the material unearthed by accident - thought to be reaction vessels used in the production of chemical weapon agents - had not been mapped, so nobody was aware of its exact whereabouts.
Julia Goldsworthy, Liberal Democrat MP for Falmouth and Camborne, said she would be writing to the MoD to demand a full explanation of the incident to restore public trust. Ms Goldsworthy added: "This is a potentially serious breach of trust with the public as well as a serious breach of safety. It seems to indicate there could be potentially dangerous substances on the sites other than those identified in the decontamination programme.
"A complete and full survey of the site is the only thing to restore public confidence that the decontamination works are comprehensive and can be trusted. If this does not happen, members of the public will justifiably be very cynical about exactly what work has been done and the safety of the site overall."
The incident happened at Nancekuke, now known as RAF Portreath, last July but was not made public. It has now come to light after documents were released to the Western Morning News under the Freedom of Information Act.
An official report into what went wrong said there were "clear shortcomings with the implementation of procedures put in place". It also said that the finds "question the completeness of the 1980 Nancekuke closure report in defining where all of the former CDE Nancekuke wastes are buried" - a document which had previously been relied upon.
Dr Paul Johnston, from the Greenpeace Research Laboratories at Exeter University, said he was concerned but not surprised by the unexpected find.
"We have seen this time and again at MoD sites that are being cleaned up," he said. "Generally speaking, some event has taken place that people want to draw a veil over, or was illegal, or was officially sanctioned but never recorded.
"Mustard has been found to remain hazardous in soil or water for a very, very long time. Unbreached weapons can be very, very dangerous. Considering the reactions they were carrying out and the chemistry they were performing and the huge volume of waste they created, I'm surprised the situation isn't far worse."
An official report into the incident said the equipment was "almost certainly" from Sutton Oak, a chemical warfare plant at St Helens, Merseyside, which was closed when Nancekuke was established in the early1950s.
The site was involved in the manufacture of Lewisite - a chemical warfare agent developed in 1918 but too late for use in the First World War. It is a powerful irritant which immediately damages the skin, eyes, and lungs.
Its laboratory equipment was decontaminated and transported to the Cornwall base where it was dumped.
When it was uncovered, the digger driver was ordered to remain in his cab and remain upwind. Specialists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) were called in test for chemicals. None was found.
The report said: "The incident is obviously of serious concern to us and our own internal inquiry will result to changes in future practice."
The report, by Enviros Consulting, concluded there were "no immediate concerns" because there were no traces of chemicals found and it appeared correct disposal policies had been followed.
11:00 - 29 May 2007
A chemical weapons scare was sparked at a former nerve agent factory when a digger driver accidentally unearthed equipment used to produce mustard gas.It has raised fears there could be potentially dangerous substances on other sites in the area, which might not appear on any maps, prompting calls for a full survey to identify potentially contaminated land and to restore public trust.
The discovery at the former Chemical Defence Establishment at Nancekuke, near Redruth in Cornwall - revealed publicly for the first time today - happened last year as contractors investigated a shaft thought to lead to one of five known dump sites.
Tons of equipment and plant from the factory, which manufactured 20 tons of the deadly nerve agent sarin between 1954 and 1956, was buried after the facility was closed in 1977.
Its chemical weapons were either treated and disposed of on site or transported to Porton Down in Wiltshire.
But the material unearthed by accident - thought to be reaction vessels used in the production of chemical weapon agents - had not been mapped, so nobody was aware of its exact whereabouts.
Julia Goldsworthy, Liberal Democrat MP for Falmouth and Camborne, said she would be writing to the MoD to demand a full explanation of the incident to restore public trust. Ms Goldsworthy added: "This is a potentially serious breach of trust with the public as well as a serious breach of safety. It seems to indicate there could be potentially dangerous substances on the sites other than those identified in the decontamination programme.
"A complete and full survey of the site is the only thing to restore public confidence that the decontamination works are comprehensive and can be trusted. If this does not happen, members of the public will justifiably be very cynical about exactly what work has been done and the safety of the site overall."
The incident happened at Nancekuke, now known as RAF Portreath, last July but was not made public. It has now come to light after documents were released to the Western Morning News under the Freedom of Information Act.
An official report into what went wrong said there were "clear shortcomings with the implementation of procedures put in place". It also said that the finds "question the completeness of the 1980 Nancekuke closure report in defining where all of the former CDE Nancekuke wastes are buried" - a document which had previously been relied upon.
Dr Paul Johnston, from the Greenpeace Research Laboratories at Exeter University, said he was concerned but not surprised by the unexpected find.
"We have seen this time and again at MoD sites that are being cleaned up," he said. "Generally speaking, some event has taken place that people want to draw a veil over, or was illegal, or was officially sanctioned but never recorded.
"Mustard has been found to remain hazardous in soil or water for a very, very long time. Unbreached weapons can be very, very dangerous. Considering the reactions they were carrying out and the chemistry they were performing and the huge volume of waste they created, I'm surprised the situation isn't far worse."
An official report into the incident said the equipment was "almost certainly" from Sutton Oak, a chemical warfare plant at St Helens, Merseyside, which was closed when Nancekuke was established in the early1950s.
The site was involved in the manufacture of Lewisite - a chemical warfare agent developed in 1918 but too late for use in the First World War. It is a powerful irritant which immediately damages the skin, eyes, and lungs.
Its laboratory equipment was decontaminated and transported to the Cornwall base where it was dumped.
When it was uncovered, the digger driver was ordered to remain in his cab and remain upwind. Specialists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) were called in test for chemicals. None was found.
The report said: "The incident is obviously of serious concern to us and our own internal inquiry will result to changes in future practice."
The report, by Enviros Consulting, concluded there were "no immediate concerns" because there were no traces of chemicals found and it appeared correct disposal policies had been followed.
ADA SPELLS OUT HER 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
It was a birthday party that spelled a celebration for Scrabble enthusiast Ada Gregory.The resident of Harbour House in Portreath marked her century with a special get-together for her family and friends.
Ada, born in Leicestershire and one of eight children, moved to Cornwall in the 1960s and settled into her home at Bridge Moor.
Over the next few decades she threw herself into village life, becoming an active member of St Mary's Church and a keen member of the choir. She moved into Harbour House two years ago.
She has two surviving sons, eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
"Her interests include reading and she loves a good game of Scrabble," said her granddaughter Sandra Hogan.
Ada, born in Leicestershire and one of eight children, moved to Cornwall in the 1960s and settled into her home at Bridge Moor.
Over the next few decades she threw herself into village life, becoming an active member of St Mary's Church and a keen member of the choir. She moved into Harbour House two years ago.
She has two surviving sons, eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
"Her interests include reading and she loves a good game of Scrabble," said her granddaughter Sandra Hogan.
QUALIFIED WELCOME FOR HOLIDAY ATTRACTION
A controversial plan for a major holiday attraction at Portreath has been given a cautious welcome by the parish council.Landfish Consultants Ltd has applied to redevelop land at Feadon Farm at the top of Tregea Hill.
It wants to build 60 new holiday lodges as part of the proposal, which the company claims could create up to 120 new jobs.
The £25 million plan also include a dry ski slope, a nine-hole golf course and an equestrian centre.
A handful of members of the Feadon Residents Association expressed their concerns about the attraction project at Monday's meeting of the parish council.
Their spokesman, Marj Rowland, said the proposal would have an adverse effect on people living close by and would change the character of Portreath.
She highlighted fears of light and noise pollution, and the movements of extra cars, horse boxes and service lorries, at what was already a dangerous junction.
She said: "We are concerned about the noise from the development.
"For example, the restaurant and bar may be open until the early hours of the morning; dogs may be barking in the pet hotel; and the planned equestrian centre is a large one, so we may have horses going past several times a day."
Mrs Rowland said residents had already endured three years of construction work on the site, with mud, dust and noise, and "the nuisance of foreign workers housed in mobile homes on an adjacent field."
She added: "We feel that the tranquil character of Feadon will be changed by this development, and that the true impact it will have on Portreath has not been realised.
"The whole identity of the village will change."
She stressed that if the proposal was to go ahead, a separate access should be built.
Developer Bill Haslem told the council that his company had held a public consultation event and had tried very hard to engage the public in its proposals.
Some changes had been made as a result of residents' comments.
It had received 200 letters of support for its plans, including 75 from the residents of Portreath.
The company agreed that a new entrance to the site was needed as part of the proposal, but County Highways had disagreed.
Cllr Chris Watts said that in principle he did not have a problem with the plan but added: "There is a problem that it's not in the village envelope; there are a number of areas that could do with more shielding to protect residents; and I think the issue of the entrance really needs addressing.
"Potentially, it would be a huge development and a big feather in our cap."
Cllr Doris Butler, who lives close to the site, feared the noise from hundreds of holiday makers using the ski slope, the parks facilities, and riding horses.
"It will disrupt and spoil the peace and tranquillity of Portreath," she said.
Council members voted to support the principle of development but will ask Kerrier to impose conditions that will protect the amenity of neighbouring residents and that will require the company to make improvements to the entrance to the site.
It wants to build 60 new holiday lodges as part of the proposal, which the company claims could create up to 120 new jobs.
The £25 million plan also include a dry ski slope, a nine-hole golf course and an equestrian centre.
A handful of members of the Feadon Residents Association expressed their concerns about the attraction project at Monday's meeting of the parish council.
Their spokesman, Marj Rowland, said the proposal would have an adverse effect on people living close by and would change the character of Portreath.
She highlighted fears of light and noise pollution, and the movements of extra cars, horse boxes and service lorries, at what was already a dangerous junction.
She said: "We are concerned about the noise from the development.
"For example, the restaurant and bar may be open until the early hours of the morning; dogs may be barking in the pet hotel; and the planned equestrian centre is a large one, so we may have horses going past several times a day."
Mrs Rowland said residents had already endured three years of construction work on the site, with mud, dust and noise, and "the nuisance of foreign workers housed in mobile homes on an adjacent field."
She added: "We feel that the tranquil character of Feadon will be changed by this development, and that the true impact it will have on Portreath has not been realised.
"The whole identity of the village will change."
She stressed that if the proposal was to go ahead, a separate access should be built.
Developer Bill Haslem told the council that his company had held a public consultation event and had tried very hard to engage the public in its proposals.
Some changes had been made as a result of residents' comments.
It had received 200 letters of support for its plans, including 75 from the residents of Portreath.
The company agreed that a new entrance to the site was needed as part of the proposal, but County Highways had disagreed.
Cllr Chris Watts said that in principle he did not have a problem with the plan but added: "There is a problem that it's not in the village envelope; there are a number of areas that could do with more shielding to protect residents; and I think the issue of the entrance really needs addressing.
"Potentially, it would be a huge development and a big feather in our cap."
Cllr Doris Butler, who lives close to the site, feared the noise from hundreds of holiday makers using the ski slope, the parks facilities, and riding horses.
"It will disrupt and spoil the peace and tranquillity of Portreath," she said.
Council members voted to support the principle of development but will ask Kerrier to impose conditions that will protect the amenity of neighbouring residents and that will require the company to make improvements to the entrance to the site.
Monday, May 21, 2007
WAVE HUB 'WILL NOT SPOIL SURF IN NEWQUAY'
Newquay's famous surf will not be spoiled by the proposed 'Wave Hub' at Hayle, it was claimed this week.Concerns had been raised that the device - which generates electricity from wave power - would damage the quality of surf along the whole of the north coast.
But the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) said Newquay would not be affected even if other beaches further down the coast saw a drop in swell.
A new report - commissioned by the SWRDA and the British Surfing Association and published by oceanographer Dr Kerry Black - into the potential impact of the hub on Cornish surfing states that in a worst case scenario, some north coast beaches could see up to a 30% reduction in wave height.
But this week Nick Harrington, who commissioned the report, said that Newquay would not be affected because it is too far along the coast. "The expectation is that there will be no impact at all in Newquay," he said.
"The headline figure was 30%, but we are confident in saying in Newquay it's as near to zero as possible."
Mr Harrington said that beaches at St Agnes, Perranporth and Portreath are most likely to be affected. But even at these beaches, the reduction in swell would probably never exceed 13%, he said.
"The headline figure of 30% would only apply if 100% of the wave was absorbed by the Wave Hub," he said. "In order for that to happen, you would need something the size of Lundy Island out there.
"In practice the maximum reduction we would ever expect to see is around 13%. And more likely, it would be around 6%, which is the figure cited in Dr Black's report."
The report, Review of Wave Hub Technical Studies: Impacts on Inshore Surfing Beaches, was welcomed by campaign group Surfers Against Sewage.
Campaigns officer Andy Cummins said: "Dr Kerry Black's review is good news for surfers, for the Wave Hub and for the global fight against climate change."
If it receives planning permission, the Wave Hub would be the first device of its type in the world, providing up to 20MW of electricity to the national grid.
But the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) said Newquay would not be affected even if other beaches further down the coast saw a drop in swell.
A new report - commissioned by the SWRDA and the British Surfing Association and published by oceanographer Dr Kerry Black - into the potential impact of the hub on Cornish surfing states that in a worst case scenario, some north coast beaches could see up to a 30% reduction in wave height.
But this week Nick Harrington, who commissioned the report, said that Newquay would not be affected because it is too far along the coast. "The expectation is that there will be no impact at all in Newquay," he said.
"The headline figure was 30%, but we are confident in saying in Newquay it's as near to zero as possible."
Mr Harrington said that beaches at St Agnes, Perranporth and Portreath are most likely to be affected. But even at these beaches, the reduction in swell would probably never exceed 13%, he said.
"The headline figure of 30% would only apply if 100% of the wave was absorbed by the Wave Hub," he said. "In order for that to happen, you would need something the size of Lundy Island out there.
"In practice the maximum reduction we would ever expect to see is around 13%. And more likely, it would be around 6%, which is the figure cited in Dr Black's report."
The report, Review of Wave Hub Technical Studies: Impacts on Inshore Surfing Beaches, was welcomed by campaign group Surfers Against Sewage.
Campaigns officer Andy Cummins said: "Dr Kerry Black's review is good news for surfers, for the Wave Hub and for the global fight against climate change."
If it receives planning permission, the Wave Hub would be the first device of its type in the world, providing up to 20MW of electricity to the national grid.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
PUPILS TO LEARN BASICS OF SPORT
Seventy primary school children will descend on Pool Business and Enterprise College today (May 10) for a multi-skills sports festival.The activities will be led by Danielle Greenaway, Martina Trethowan, Nathan Williams and Tyrone Daniel who are year 10 students from Pool School.
They are taking part in TOP Link, which allows young people, aged 14 to 16, to develop their leadership skills by planning and organising sports festivals for their local primary schools.
The Pool students are currently completing the Sports Leader Award, which is tutored by sports coach Julian Hosking.
Today's festival, which includes pupils from Portreath, Illogan, Pencoys, Treloweth and Roskear primary schools, will have a multi-skills theme.
This focuses on the ABCs of sport (agility, balance, co-ordination) which are known as fundamental movement skills.
It will also include generic sports skills such as throwing, catching, accuracy, balance and reactions.
Mr Hosking said: "These are key skills in the children's development and participation in sports activity.
"It should be another fun-packed afternoon for them and huge credit should go to all sports leaders involved for their enthusiasm and dedication throughout the course."
They are taking part in TOP Link, which allows young people, aged 14 to 16, to develop their leadership skills by planning and organising sports festivals for their local primary schools.
The Pool students are currently completing the Sports Leader Award, which is tutored by sports coach Julian Hosking.
Today's festival, which includes pupils from Portreath, Illogan, Pencoys, Treloweth and Roskear primary schools, will have a multi-skills theme.
This focuses on the ABCs of sport (agility, balance, co-ordination) which are known as fundamental movement skills.
It will also include generic sports skills such as throwing, catching, accuracy, balance and reactions.
Mr Hosking said: "These are key skills in the children's development and participation in sports activity.
"It should be another fun-packed afternoon for them and huge credit should go to all sports leaders involved for their enthusiasm and dedication throughout the course."
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Parish Tram Issue 16
BEAT-LINES
I apologise for the absence of my article in the last edition – I did write it but due to a breakdown in modern communication methods it failed to get to the publishers on time!!
I have recently received a copy of the proposals from the County Council regarding the development of the Square area. The plans look very exciting and offer the opportunity for major changes to the village layout, this I believe, can only be beneficial for residents and visitors alike. I am aware however that not everyone likes change and may become apprehensive about it. You may think that village improvements such as those planned for Portreath really have nothing to do with the police. The truth is, that whilst we are not a lead agency on such projects it is necessary for us to have an input. We have police officers (known as Architectural Liaison Officers or ALO’s) who are experts on ‘designing out’ crime. The ALO will make observations and recommendations at the planning stages of new developments to try and minimise problems of crime and anti social behaviour that may occur due to the design of a development. An example of designing out crime on a housing estate would be to ensure that there are no concealed or blind alleyways particularly at the rear of houses.
In addition to the recommendations of the ALO all agencies have a duty to consider what impact their actions have on crime and anti-social behaviour. As an example, in Portreath, I believe that it is particularly important to carefully consider the location of new seating etc. to ensure that they remain as a facility for people to enjoy as opposed to becoming the preferred venue for alcohol fuelled anti-social groups to meet. Obviously if this became the case particularly near residential properties, then people will justifiably have cause to complain. If you have any such concerns about the new proposals I will be happy to discuss these with you and pass on any relevant observations to the appropriate authority.
It is with regret that I have to inform you that PCSO Vikki White, whom many of you will have seen and met over the last six months has moved on to pastures new and no longer covers this area. I have made strong representations to ‘the powers that be’ that she is replaced as soon as possible. I am pleased to be able to report that I have been given the name of her replacement although we will have to wait for him to complete his initial training prior to seeing him out and about on patrol.
Finally I would like to advise you of a new way to have any concerns that you may have about your community heard and dealt with. I have the task of setting up a Partners and Communities Together (P.A.C.T) panel within area. The panel will comprise of representatives from a number of different agencies and groups with the objective of resolving the top three most important issues identified by the community. Whilst this is a very brief summary of what the PACT process is all about you can see that it will be driven by the what the community wants – so it is up to you to attend the meeting and tell the panel what concerns you the most!! (It is worth noting that this is not a forum just to air your concerns about policing – it is your opportunity to raise issues about anything in your community even if it has nothing at all to do with the police!!) - The details of the first meeting have still to be finalised but will be published – I look forward to seeing you there!!
PORTREATH PARISH COUNCIL
Greenfield Gardens
As you will be aware from other reports in this issue, the seats and litter bins purchased by the Parish Council have now been installed in Greenfield Gardens and the bulk of the improvements have been completed.
Sunnyvale Road
Following representations to the County Council work has now been carried out to stabilise the
Highway at the southern end of Sunnyvale Road where slippage had occurred. A fence has also been erected along this repaired area.
Beach Road
Preliminary plans have been prepared by the County Council for a new kerb line along Beach Road which will slightly narrow the width of this road but delineated parking areas will be retained.
It is also proposed that an additional ‘bus shelter be provided around the area of The Square and that the existing shelter be upgraded. Members have requested that these shelters should be of the ‘up and over’ clear sided type and that no seating should be provided in an effort to prevent the shelters being utilised as gathering places for vandals.
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish meeting of this Council will be held in The Institute commencing at 7:00 p.m. on
Monday, 30th April when all Parish organisations will be invited to attend and present a report .
This will be the last meeting of the existing council as elections will be held on 3rd May.
Greenfield Gardens
As you will be aware from other reports in this issue, the seats and litter bins purchased by the Parish Council have now been installed in Greenfield Gardens and the bulk of the improvements have been completed.
Sunnyvale Road
Following representations to the County Council work has now been carried out to stabilise the
Highway at the southern end of Sunnyvale Road where slippage had occurred. A fence has also been erected along this repaired area.
Beach Road
Preliminary plans have been prepared by the County Council for a new kerb line along Beach Road which will slightly narrow the width of this road but delineated parking areas will be retained.
It is also proposed that an additional ‘bus shelter be provided around the area of The Square and that the existing shelter be upgraded. Members have requested that these shelters should be of the ‘up and over’ clear sided type and that no seating should be provided in an effort to prevent the shelters being utilised as gathering places for vandals.
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish meeting of this Council will be held in The Institute commencing at 7:00 p.m. on
Monday, 30th April when all Parish organisations will be invited to attend and present a report .
This will be the last meeting of the existing council as elections will be held on 3rd May.
Seating in Greenfield Gardens
With the ordering and delivery of three stainless steel benches and two stainless steel litter bins, the Parish Council have now finished their part in the regeneration of Greenfield gardens. The council is delighted with the end result and are pleased to see the increased use already apparent in the gardens. The spring bulbs that were planted by the primary school children are now coming through and looking good, as are the many other plants that have been kindly donated by local residents.
Our only disappointment was the necessary installation of Western Power’s transformer station, in which neither the Parish Council or the PIC had any say. Its not as bad as it could have been - at least its green and Western Power have paid for some composting bins and we are hopeful they will fund a couple of specimen trees.
Portreath Improvements Committee are now in control of the gardens and through the efforts of their sub-committee, are improving the gardens even further.
Many thanks to all those involved in the project, it has been a real team effort from members of the parish council, members of the PIC, local residents and of course the cooperation of Kerrier District Council.
Chris Watts
Greenfield Garden update
Spring has arrived at the gardens , the daffodils look great and I
really hope all the children at Portreath school have been to see the
fruits of their labours. The seats have arrived and are waiting to be
installed, I have been told this will be happening mid-march, so
fingers crossed. The new signs are up and look good. I am hoping to
put up another notice board which will tell you what is happening in
the park, when the gardener will be working, when the grand opening
will be, and thanking people for their help. A big thank you to Dee
Beauchamp for three lovely plants for the park, they have fitted in
very well.
Please don’t forget this is a community garden for the village and
your ideas and help are important to make this park succeed. Apart
from the gardener nobody gets paid to be involved in this garden and
should you see any damage being caused please act on it. Remember
this is our park and we must all try to keep it as we would like it
to be.
Sarah Clasper
£
Councillor White Retires
Councillor Ashton White will not be standing for the parish council election on May 3 this year. Mr. White has been a member of Portreath Parish Council since its inception on the 15 of April 1985.
He has been a very active member of the Council and been involved in many projects , organising as chairman in 1986 and 87 the clearance of the harbour precinct by way of local donations, turning the area from waste tip to the usable area we know today
He was heavily involved in the clear up after the flooding of the Portreath river during the early Nineties and the subsequent enquiry into the causes, and highlighted the division of responsibilities between Kerrier District Council and the Environment Agency at the root of the problem. This led to re- designation of the water course as a main river for which the Environment Agency became solely responsible. Further serious flooding has since been avoided.
He fostered good relations with RAF Portreath over many years taking a particular interest in the wildlife surveys of the RAF conservation group. These findings became particularly valuable at a later date when they were able to show the same healthy levels of flora and fauna after the closure of the chemical warfare units as there had been at the outset. Mr White was subsequently presented with a commemorative plaque by the commanding officer for services to the liaison work between the RAF and the community
He negotiated a local agreement with the developers of Harbour Court to allow the resiting of the granite horse trough memorial to Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, to a safer spot away from the busy forecourt of the shops in the square.
He has been chairman of the Council on four occasions , the most recent being 2003, which was the year of our public consultation regarding the village centre regeneration programme, which hopefully will see the start of work this year, for completion in 2008. Mr. White has also served as Chairman of the Regeneration Committee (a sub committee of the Parish Council) but it was a period he subsequently described as the most frustrating of his Parish Council service.
During the interview for this story Mr. White was at pains to pay tribute to Jean Oates the Parish Clerk , for the help and support she has given him throughout his years of service.
Councillor White will be greatly missed by the Parish Council , his local knowledge, leadership , sense of humour , sensible and pragmatic views on planning decisions and overall steadying influence will leave a gap hard to fill.
PORTREATH MILLENNIUM COMMUNITY HALL
Due to the retirement of both the Treasurer and Bookings Secretary, the Management Team of the Millennium Community Hall would like to hear from people who would be interested in helping to run / manage the Hall.
It has operated as a successful village Hall for a number of years, but the management team would like to see more people being involved, coming in with fresh ideas and perhaps taking it in a different direction. There are lots of opportunities for enthusiastic people to make a difference and to be involved in an important community project, and which will give those involved with the Hall many opportunities to meet people.
For more information you can contact me on 01209 843873 and I will be happy to have an informal chat, provide you with further information and put you in touch with other committee members.
The AGM will be held in May/June, when everyone is welcome to attend – public Notices will be put up on the Notice Boards in the village to advertise the date nearer the time.
Secretary
A HUGE THANK YOU to Douglas McClure, who provided the village with an amazing opportunity to enjoy an evening of classical guitar music, which was held at the Millennium Community Hall last November. With over a hundred tickets being sold, we had a wonderful evening, with Douglas providing a full programme of music.
Douglas had put in a tremendous amount of effort and practice and the excellent feedback received demonstrated his hard work was worth it.
Many people commented on how much they enjoyed the evening, the generous buffet and the wine, and that it was a great way to meet up with friends and family and have the opportunity to experience something very different in our own village.
Thank you !
Harbour News
A draft copy of the feasibility study has been received by the parish council and the harbour steering committee. It comprises of a sixty page report of fairly technical reading so I hope a brief summary of my view of the report will give an overall picture. The full report will be available soon.
The council was encouraged to see the feasibility study agree in principle that regenerating Portreath harbour is consistent with other similar programmes within Cornwall, and if successful would strengthen the local economy, diversify business and provide employment opportunities.
The proposals however would depend on the long term structural stability of the harbour itself and here the feasibility study has put forward some searching considerations. The engineers have concluded that significant repairs are needed to all parts of the harbour, but in particular to the finger pier, and the cost estimates are therefore much higher than initially perceived.
The study estimates the capital costs to be in the range £11.3m - £14.4m - this is three to four times higher than estimates put forward in the lottery grant bid.
Funding it seems could also be a problem, the Heritage lottery fund would possibly make a contribution to the structures in a historical context but would not fund capital costs for lock gates or new buildings. The new convergence fund which is set to take over from objective one funding needs to see proof of significant economic benefit, so even if the marina and planned heritage centre were to go ahead, the employment of five or six people would probably not be enough to qualify.
The report lists a number of risks, top of the list comes technical and engineering issues and costs, including extensive repairs that are required to the finger pier and the harbour walls in the middle and inner harbour.
Technically, all these risks can be overcome at high cost but funding may not be available.
The report goes on to warn that any organisation or group that takes on such a financial risk could depend on individuals excepting personal liability and therefore this is another risk that no organisation or group could or would take responsibility for the scheme.
In conclusion the report asks whether ownership needs to be transferred from Kerrier District Council. A local group working closely with Kerrier to progress individual key projects within the harbour would be perhaps the way forward. This would of course depend on Kerrier agreeing to this approach.
This is a brief description of the draft feasibility study and there are many and varied interpretations that can be drawn from it, but overall the parish council believe that the proposed project cannot be taken into community ownership at this stage.
There are many meetings ahead with Kerrier District Council to find a way forward with our harbour. If nothing else this study has shown that the harbour needs urgent attention to its structure and ongoing maintenance.
This is not the end of the project but perhaps the beginning of a new direction.
Chris Watts
I apologise for the absence of my article in the last edition – I did write it but due to a breakdown in modern communication methods it failed to get to the publishers on time!!
I have recently received a copy of the proposals from the County Council regarding the development of the Square area. The plans look very exciting and offer the opportunity for major changes to the village layout, this I believe, can only be beneficial for residents and visitors alike. I am aware however that not everyone likes change and may become apprehensive about it. You may think that village improvements such as those planned for Portreath really have nothing to do with the police. The truth is, that whilst we are not a lead agency on such projects it is necessary for us to have an input. We have police officers (known as Architectural Liaison Officers or ALO’s) who are experts on ‘designing out’ crime. The ALO will make observations and recommendations at the planning stages of new developments to try and minimise problems of crime and anti social behaviour that may occur due to the design of a development. An example of designing out crime on a housing estate would be to ensure that there are no concealed or blind alleyways particularly at the rear of houses.
In addition to the recommendations of the ALO all agencies have a duty to consider what impact their actions have on crime and anti-social behaviour. As an example, in Portreath, I believe that it is particularly important to carefully consider the location of new seating etc. to ensure that they remain as a facility for people to enjoy as opposed to becoming the preferred venue for alcohol fuelled anti-social groups to meet. Obviously if this became the case particularly near residential properties, then people will justifiably have cause to complain. If you have any such concerns about the new proposals I will be happy to discuss these with you and pass on any relevant observations to the appropriate authority.
It is with regret that I have to inform you that PCSO Vikki White, whom many of you will have seen and met over the last six months has moved on to pastures new and no longer covers this area. I have made strong representations to ‘the powers that be’ that she is replaced as soon as possible. I am pleased to be able to report that I have been given the name of her replacement although we will have to wait for him to complete his initial training prior to seeing him out and about on patrol.
Finally I would like to advise you of a new way to have any concerns that you may have about your community heard and dealt with. I have the task of setting up a Partners and Communities Together (P.A.C.T) panel within area. The panel will comprise of representatives from a number of different agencies and groups with the objective of resolving the top three most important issues identified by the community. Whilst this is a very brief summary of what the PACT process is all about you can see that it will be driven by the what the community wants – so it is up to you to attend the meeting and tell the panel what concerns you the most!! (It is worth noting that this is not a forum just to air your concerns about policing – it is your opportunity to raise issues about anything in your community even if it has nothing at all to do with the police!!) - The details of the first meeting have still to be finalised but will be published – I look forward to seeing you there!!
PORTREATH PARISH COUNCIL
Greenfield Gardens
As you will be aware from other reports in this issue, the seats and litter bins purchased by the Parish Council have now been installed in Greenfield Gardens and the bulk of the improvements have been completed.
Sunnyvale Road
Following representations to the County Council work has now been carried out to stabilise the
Highway at the southern end of Sunnyvale Road where slippage had occurred. A fence has also been erected along this repaired area.
Beach Road
Preliminary plans have been prepared by the County Council for a new kerb line along Beach Road which will slightly narrow the width of this road but delineated parking areas will be retained.
It is also proposed that an additional ‘bus shelter be provided around the area of The Square and that the existing shelter be upgraded. Members have requested that these shelters should be of the ‘up and over’ clear sided type and that no seating should be provided in an effort to prevent the shelters being utilised as gathering places for vandals.
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish meeting of this Council will be held in The Institute commencing at 7:00 p.m. on
Monday, 30th April when all Parish organisations will be invited to attend and present a report .
This will be the last meeting of the existing council as elections will be held on 3rd May.
Greenfield Gardens
As you will be aware from other reports in this issue, the seats and litter bins purchased by the Parish Council have now been installed in Greenfield Gardens and the bulk of the improvements have been completed.
Sunnyvale Road
Following representations to the County Council work has now been carried out to stabilise the
Highway at the southern end of Sunnyvale Road where slippage had occurred. A fence has also been erected along this repaired area.
Beach Road
Preliminary plans have been prepared by the County Council for a new kerb line along Beach Road which will slightly narrow the width of this road but delineated parking areas will be retained.
It is also proposed that an additional ‘bus shelter be provided around the area of The Square and that the existing shelter be upgraded. Members have requested that these shelters should be of the ‘up and over’ clear sided type and that no seating should be provided in an effort to prevent the shelters being utilised as gathering places for vandals.
Annual Parish Meeting
The Annual Parish meeting of this Council will be held in The Institute commencing at 7:00 p.m. on
Monday, 30th April when all Parish organisations will be invited to attend and present a report .
This will be the last meeting of the existing council as elections will be held on 3rd May.
Seating in Greenfield Gardens
With the ordering and delivery of three stainless steel benches and two stainless steel litter bins, the Parish Council have now finished their part in the regeneration of Greenfield gardens. The council is delighted with the end result and are pleased to see the increased use already apparent in the gardens. The spring bulbs that were planted by the primary school children are now coming through and looking good, as are the many other plants that have been kindly donated by local residents.
Our only disappointment was the necessary installation of Western Power’s transformer station, in which neither the Parish Council or the PIC had any say. Its not as bad as it could have been - at least its green and Western Power have paid for some composting bins and we are hopeful they will fund a couple of specimen trees.
Portreath Improvements Committee are now in control of the gardens and through the efforts of their sub-committee, are improving the gardens even further.
Many thanks to all those involved in the project, it has been a real team effort from members of the parish council, members of the PIC, local residents and of course the cooperation of Kerrier District Council.
Chris Watts
Greenfield Garden update
Spring has arrived at the gardens , the daffodils look great and I
really hope all the children at Portreath school have been to see the
fruits of their labours. The seats have arrived and are waiting to be
installed, I have been told this will be happening mid-march, so
fingers crossed. The new signs are up and look good. I am hoping to
put up another notice board which will tell you what is happening in
the park, when the gardener will be working, when the grand opening
will be, and thanking people for their help. A big thank you to Dee
Beauchamp for three lovely plants for the park, they have fitted in
very well.
Please don’t forget this is a community garden for the village and
your ideas and help are important to make this park succeed. Apart
from the gardener nobody gets paid to be involved in this garden and
should you see any damage being caused please act on it. Remember
this is our park and we must all try to keep it as we would like it
to be.
Sarah Clasper
£
Councillor White Retires
Councillor Ashton White will not be standing for the parish council election on May 3 this year. Mr. White has been a member of Portreath Parish Council since its inception on the 15 of April 1985.
He has been a very active member of the Council and been involved in many projects , organising as chairman in 1986 and 87 the clearance of the harbour precinct by way of local donations, turning the area from waste tip to the usable area we know today
He was heavily involved in the clear up after the flooding of the Portreath river during the early Nineties and the subsequent enquiry into the causes, and highlighted the division of responsibilities between Kerrier District Council and the Environment Agency at the root of the problem. This led to re- designation of the water course as a main river for which the Environment Agency became solely responsible. Further serious flooding has since been avoided.
He fostered good relations with RAF Portreath over many years taking a particular interest in the wildlife surveys of the RAF conservation group. These findings became particularly valuable at a later date when they were able to show the same healthy levels of flora and fauna after the closure of the chemical warfare units as there had been at the outset. Mr White was subsequently presented with a commemorative plaque by the commanding officer for services to the liaison work between the RAF and the community
He negotiated a local agreement with the developers of Harbour Court to allow the resiting of the granite horse trough memorial to Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, to a safer spot away from the busy forecourt of the shops in the square.
He has been chairman of the Council on four occasions , the most recent being 2003, which was the year of our public consultation regarding the village centre regeneration programme, which hopefully will see the start of work this year, for completion in 2008. Mr. White has also served as Chairman of the Regeneration Committee (a sub committee of the Parish Council) but it was a period he subsequently described as the most frustrating of his Parish Council service.
During the interview for this story Mr. White was at pains to pay tribute to Jean Oates the Parish Clerk , for the help and support she has given him throughout his years of service.
Councillor White will be greatly missed by the Parish Council , his local knowledge, leadership , sense of humour , sensible and pragmatic views on planning decisions and overall steadying influence will leave a gap hard to fill.
PORTREATH MILLENNIUM COMMUNITY HALL
Due to the retirement of both the Treasurer and Bookings Secretary, the Management Team of the Millennium Community Hall would like to hear from people who would be interested in helping to run / manage the Hall.
It has operated as a successful village Hall for a number of years, but the management team would like to see more people being involved, coming in with fresh ideas and perhaps taking it in a different direction. There are lots of opportunities for enthusiastic people to make a difference and to be involved in an important community project, and which will give those involved with the Hall many opportunities to meet people.
For more information you can contact me on 01209 843873 and I will be happy to have an informal chat, provide you with further information and put you in touch with other committee members.
The AGM will be held in May/June, when everyone is welcome to attend – public Notices will be put up on the Notice Boards in the village to advertise the date nearer the time.
Secretary
A HUGE THANK YOU to Douglas McClure, who provided the village with an amazing opportunity to enjoy an evening of classical guitar music, which was held at the Millennium Community Hall last November. With over a hundred tickets being sold, we had a wonderful evening, with Douglas providing a full programme of music.
Douglas had put in a tremendous amount of effort and practice and the excellent feedback received demonstrated his hard work was worth it.
Many people commented on how much they enjoyed the evening, the generous buffet and the wine, and that it was a great way to meet up with friends and family and have the opportunity to experience something very different in our own village.
Thank you !
Harbour News
A draft copy of the feasibility study has been received by the parish council and the harbour steering committee. It comprises of a sixty page report of fairly technical reading so I hope a brief summary of my view of the report will give an overall picture. The full report will be available soon.
The council was encouraged to see the feasibility study agree in principle that regenerating Portreath harbour is consistent with other similar programmes within Cornwall, and if successful would strengthen the local economy, diversify business and provide employment opportunities.
The proposals however would depend on the long term structural stability of the harbour itself and here the feasibility study has put forward some searching considerations. The engineers have concluded that significant repairs are needed to all parts of the harbour, but in particular to the finger pier, and the cost estimates are therefore much higher than initially perceived.
The study estimates the capital costs to be in the range £11.3m - £14.4m - this is three to four times higher than estimates put forward in the lottery grant bid.
Funding it seems could also be a problem, the Heritage lottery fund would possibly make a contribution to the structures in a historical context but would not fund capital costs for lock gates or new buildings. The new convergence fund which is set to take over from objective one funding needs to see proof of significant economic benefit, so even if the marina and planned heritage centre were to go ahead, the employment of five or six people would probably not be enough to qualify.
The report lists a number of risks, top of the list comes technical and engineering issues and costs, including extensive repairs that are required to the finger pier and the harbour walls in the middle and inner harbour.
Technically, all these risks can be overcome at high cost but funding may not be available.
The report goes on to warn that any organisation or group that takes on such a financial risk could depend on individuals excepting personal liability and therefore this is another risk that no organisation or group could or would take responsibility for the scheme.
In conclusion the report asks whether ownership needs to be transferred from Kerrier District Council. A local group working closely with Kerrier to progress individual key projects within the harbour would be perhaps the way forward. This would of course depend on Kerrier agreeing to this approach.
This is a brief description of the draft feasibility study and there are many and varied interpretations that can be drawn from it, but overall the parish council believe that the proposed project cannot be taken into community ownership at this stage.
There are many meetings ahead with Kerrier District Council to find a way forward with our harbour. If nothing else this study has shown that the harbour needs urgent attention to its structure and ongoing maintenance.
This is not the end of the project but perhaps the beginning of a new direction.
Chris Watts
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Gwel-An-Mor
A holiday village at Portreath is looking to create 120 jobs as part of a £25 million expansion plan that features a dry ski slope and a nine-hole golf course.Gwel an Mor announced this week that it was also aiming to build an equestrian centre and regenerate 50 acres of agricultural land.
This would pave for the way for organic farm produce to be grown for two new restaurants and a farm shop that are planned for the village at Tregea Hill.
Leaders of the scheme say the proposed development would inject more than £3 million a year into the local economy, according to research by tourism chiefs.
The ambitious plans, which also include a conference centre, fishing lakes and a spa, follow a deal struck with Duchy College for the sale of the adjacent Feadon Farm to Gwel an Mor, adding 140 acres to the site.
The holiday village says it aims to continue the college's animal care facilities, making them and all the planned leisure pursuits available to the community "at preferential rates wherever possible".
The proposed equestrian centre would have stabling for 30 horses while the state-of-the-art conference facility would have seating for more than 200 people.
The £5 million first phase of Gwel an Mor opened last year on the former Sunlands site with 28 luxury holiday lodges, a gym, swimming pool and spa pool plus a children's adventure playground, croquet lawn and putting green.
A further 32 lodges are being built at the holiday village.
Damian Hall, its general manager, stressed that in order to compete with other holiday destinations in Europe and around the world, Cornwall "must offer much more".
He said: "Our plans will deliver such a wide-ranging mix of activities and high standard of accommodation.
"Allied to the natural beauty of the area and the traditional friendliness of the Cornish, holiday-makers will have a real decision to make - whether they need to travel abroad."
A consultation on the scheme ended at the weekend with an open day for the public and a meeting of local business people.
Nigel Tipple, chief executive of CPR Regeneration and a guest at the event, said: "This is an exciting development, which complements the activity promoted within the Camborne, Pool and Redruth area. These proposals demonstrate the confidence of the private sector to invest in the area, create employment and strengthen the overall leisure offer."
Barbara Ellenbroek, of the Federation of Small Businesses and CPR Regeneration board, said: "I am very impressed with this development, which will enhance the whole Camborne, Pool and Redruth area. The combination of good quality accommodation and all-year-round leisure facilities is just what we need."
Gwel an Mor said a planning application would be submitted shortly.
This would pave for the way for organic farm produce to be grown for two new restaurants and a farm shop that are planned for the village at Tregea Hill.
Leaders of the scheme say the proposed development would inject more than £3 million a year into the local economy, according to research by tourism chiefs.
The ambitious plans, which also include a conference centre, fishing lakes and a spa, follow a deal struck with Duchy College for the sale of the adjacent Feadon Farm to Gwel an Mor, adding 140 acres to the site.
The holiday village says it aims to continue the college's animal care facilities, making them and all the planned leisure pursuits available to the community "at preferential rates wherever possible".
The proposed equestrian centre would have stabling for 30 horses while the state-of-the-art conference facility would have seating for more than 200 people.
The £5 million first phase of Gwel an Mor opened last year on the former Sunlands site with 28 luxury holiday lodges, a gym, swimming pool and spa pool plus a children's adventure playground, croquet lawn and putting green.
A further 32 lodges are being built at the holiday village.
Damian Hall, its general manager, stressed that in order to compete with other holiday destinations in Europe and around the world, Cornwall "must offer much more".
He said: "Our plans will deliver such a wide-ranging mix of activities and high standard of accommodation.
"Allied to the natural beauty of the area and the traditional friendliness of the Cornish, holiday-makers will have a real decision to make - whether they need to travel abroad."
A consultation on the scheme ended at the weekend with an open day for the public and a meeting of local business people.
Nigel Tipple, chief executive of CPR Regeneration and a guest at the event, said: "This is an exciting development, which complements the activity promoted within the Camborne, Pool and Redruth area. These proposals demonstrate the confidence of the private sector to invest in the area, create employment and strengthen the overall leisure offer."
Barbara Ellenbroek, of the Federation of Small Businesses and CPR Regeneration board, said: "I am very impressed with this development, which will enhance the whole Camborne, Pool and Redruth area. The combination of good quality accommodation and all-year-round leisure facilities is just what we need."
Gwel an Mor said a planning application would be submitted shortly.
BURGLARIES TAKE SHINE OFF CRIME STATISTICS
clipped from www.westbriton.co.uk
A spate of burglaries took the gloss off the crime statistics for Portreath in December and January.Of the 16 incidents recorded, eight were burglaries, of which five were to dwellings.
In his report to the parish council on Monday evening, PC Tim Roberts said burglary was an unusual crime in the village.
He added: "If it wasn't for this spate of burglaries, the crime statistics would be quite low."
He asked residents to take extra care with their security, particularly to lock doors and close windows. Anyone leaving their home for a long period should make arrangements to hide tell-tale signs like piles of mail and newspapers on the floor inside the front door.
He appealed for vigilance and asked anyone who saw or had seen anything suspicious to contact the police without delay.
 |
Thursday, January 18, 2007
AWARDS FOR COASTGUARD 'BACKBONE'
Stalwart members of the Portreath coastguard team were handed special
awards to mark their long and loyal service.Graham May, aged 56, and
Mike Prowton, 62, were feted at a presentation ceremony at the
Portreath Arms Hotel.
Their boss, Mark Roberts, said both men had dedicated many years of their
lives to rescuing those who found themselves in danger along the
coastline.
"These two have been the backbone of the team," said
Mr Roberts, who heads the Portreath coastguard volunteers. "It's the
likes of them who turn out day and night in all weathers."
Mr May, who received a 20-year long-service award, said he had relished
the challenges he had faced over the past two decades. "Because I was
involved in surf lifesaving, this was another avenue of rescue and I
was delighted to have been asked to become a member of the team," he
said.
Mr May, who lives in the village, said he and his
colleagues had been inspired by the leadership skills of Mark Roberts
and his father, Alan, who was awarded the MBE for his coastguard role.
He
added: "We've always found a way of getting round any problem that we
might encounter in a rescue - and getting round it safely.
"Everything we do, we do as a team. We train as a team and we work as a team."
Mr Prowton, who earlier stepped down from the cliff rescue team, was given
a special award to recognise his 23 years of service to the coastguards.
He signed up as a volunteer while running a fish and chip shop in his home village of Portreath.
"We all get on very well and it is the camaraderie between the team that has probably been the highlight for me," he said.
"I had previously been awarded my 20-year service award and I wasn't expecting this at all.
"When I received the award, it was a mixture of shock, surprise and pleasure."
Mr
May and Mr Prowton paid tribute to the close working relationship the
Portreath coastguard team had forged with agencies including police,
the fire and ambulance services and 771 Squadron at RNAS Culdrose,
Helston.
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Saturday, December 30, 2006
PORTREATH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB'S ANNUAL SWIM
Dozens of people took part in Portreath Surf Life Saving Club's annual
swim on Boxing Day morning.When 11am arrived the brave swimmers dashed
into the sea, dipped themselves momentarily beneath the icy water,
before rushing back to the sanctuary of the club house.
After
drying and replacing swimsuits with more traditional winter wear, they
restored the circulation to their fingers and toes with glasses of
mulled wine.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
How does your garden grow.
Children from Portreath School planted hundreds of daffodil bulbs to
mark the completion of improvements to Greenfield Gardens.Work on the
£48,000 project began in February and was carried out by R H Olds
Amenity Landscapers of Camborne.
What had been a largely grassed area was transformed with new pathways, disabled access, raised beds and a sunken amphitheatre.
Portreath
Improvements Committee, which provided £10,000 towards the project,
took charge of the planting programme, which followed.
This included low maintenance ground cover, shrubs, and grass, culminating in the planting of the daffodil bulbs.
Chris
Watts, chairman of the parish council, said: "This project has been a
village team effort with the parish council, regeneration team and
Portreath Improvements Committee working together.
"The
improvements committee will be taking ownership by way of a 999-year
lease. This will secure the gardens and ensure the maintenance of the
property."
The balance of the funding for Greenfield Gardens
came from a grant of £28,000 from the Rural Key Fund. A further £10,000
came from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Liveability Fund.
Mr Watts added: "This is yet another community project for Portreath that has turned out to be a great success.
"It's
now open for use and I hope the community will enjoy it. I know the
Brownies already already planning to use
the amphitheatre for plays."The
official hand over of the gardens from Kerrier to the PIC will take
place in the spring when all these bulbs are in flower."
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Friday, November 03, 2006
SUPPORT GROUP FOR BREAST FEEDING MUMS
09:00 - 02 November 2006
A new support group for breast feeding mums has been launched in Portreath.Little Engines is the brainchild of mum-of-two Katie Fulcher, who raised almost £3,000 to get the group off the ground.
She said: "While breast feeding my son at SureStart Trevu, I decided to become a breast feeding peer supporter - that's a volunteer who gives breast feeding advice to other mums.
"After about eight months I thought it would be a good idea to offer the same sort of support to mums living in my own village - Portreath."
Katie began fund raising and received £250 from Portreath Improvements Committee, £400 from Awards for All and £2,500 from Network Funding.
The group meets every Monday - during term-time - from 9.30am-11am in St Mary's Church Hall. The inaugural meeting was opened by Lady Terrye Teverson, who is the patron of Breast Friends in Camborne.
"Little Engines is not just a breast feeding group," said Katie, "It's also a baby group. We offer a baby weighing facility, breast feeding support, advice from qualified health professionals, and a monthly visit from a health visitor."
Treloweth Children's Centre has also donated a year's supply of refreshments. Although only a handful of mums attended the first meeting, Katie is confident the group will grow.
She said: "It's going to snowball. We've just had four deliveries in the village and there are another three on the way that I know of. Plus we will get some mums from other villages like Porthtowan and Illogan."
A new support group for breast feeding mums has been launched in Portreath.Little Engines is the brainchild of mum-of-two Katie Fulcher, who raised almost £3,000 to get the group off the ground.
She said: "While breast feeding my son at SureStart Trevu, I decided to become a breast feeding peer supporter - that's a volunteer who gives breast feeding advice to other mums.
"After about eight months I thought it would be a good idea to offer the same sort of support to mums living in my own village - Portreath."
Katie began fund raising and received £250 from Portreath Improvements Committee, £400 from Awards for All and £2,500 from Network Funding.
The group meets every Monday - during term-time - from 9.30am-11am in St Mary's Church Hall. The inaugural meeting was opened by Lady Terrye Teverson, who is the patron of Breast Friends in Camborne.
"Little Engines is not just a breast feeding group," said Katie, "It's also a baby group. We offer a baby weighing facility, breast feeding support, advice from qualified health professionals, and a monthly visit from a health visitor."
Treloweth Children's Centre has also donated a year's supply of refreshments. Although only a handful of mums attended the first meeting, Katie is confident the group will grow.
She said: "It's going to snowball. We've just had four deliveries in the village and there are another three on the way that I know of. Plus we will get some mums from other villages like Porthtowan and Illogan."
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Parish Tram Issue 14
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Designated Public Place Order
In the last issue of the parish tram I gave a brief progress report on the anti social behaviour order that the parish council had applied for, I'm very pleased to be able to now report that the designated public place order (DPPO) is now permanently in place in Portreath.
In layman terms the act provides local authorities with the power to make an Order to restrict antisocial drinking in designated public places and it provides the police with the power to enforce the restriction. We applied for the order earlier this year after the great success of the dispersal order of 2005. Dispersal orders are a temporary measure, the DPPO is a permanent order similar to the old bylaws.
The application for the DPPO was a real community effort, the parish council had the support of the Portreath Improvements Committee, which not only wrote letters of support for our efforts but also financed the signage and administration costs. The Harbour Association were involved and also most of the businesses within Portreath, all of whom supported the application with letters of support and historical evidence of antisocial behaviour. We also had overwhelming support from the residents of Portreath.
Neighbourhood beat manager Tim Roberts has given tireless support to our application, he of course has seen the problems of anti social behaviour in Portreath first hand and spent many hours patrolling the area dealing with the consequences of such behaviour.
Thank you to all who contributed time and effort to the parish councils application, working together we can continue to make Portreath a safer place to live , work and visit.
Chris Watts
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANK YOU TO THE UNSEEN GARDENERS
I am rather old to believe in fairies, but as a child I was assured by my long suffering parents that they really did exist. In answer to many questions of why, how, when did something happen I was usually stalled with the answer, "Oh it must be the fairies at the bottom of the garden"
During the summer, walking through the village, I began to notice the flower beds were beginning to change and bloom. It was not long before they were looking quite colourful and a real pleasure to look at. They were so different from the usual short back and sides the shrubs have been accustomed to in previous seasons
I would just like to say a big thank you to the unseen gardeners who have worked so hard and made our village a much pleasanter place to walk through
Mrs T. Hamer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All welcome to Portreath TABLE TENNIS Club
Wednesdays at 7pm in St Marys Church Hall
Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult
Geoff on 01209 843181 or Malcolm on 01209 842695
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch
Will be held in the Portreath Institute on Saturday 10th of February 2007
12:30 for 1:00pm
Last year's lunch was a great success as usual and this year we would like to increase our numbers. All Senior Citizens that receive State Pension are eligible for our four course lunch and afternoon entertainment.
For further information.
Please call Madeline on 219960 or June on 843019
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION REMEMBRANCE SERVICE PARADE
SUNDAY 5TH NOVEMBER, 2006
The Parade will assemble at 2.15 p.m. in the Portreath sea front car park, and will march to St. Mary's Church to lay the wreaths at 2.30 p.m. This will be followed by a Service in the Church and then parade back to the sea front car park.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regeneration Update
Parish councillors had the chance to view a first draft of the proposed changes to Beach Road due to take place this winter in line with the Mineral Tramways schedule. The main work that is to be carried out is a narrowing of Beach road with build outs on the junctions similar to the construction at Greenfield Terrace. There will also be a pavement on the Southern side of Beach Road.
The village Square is also due to be altered to slow traffic and make it more "pedestrian friendly" The Minerals Tramway team have asked for suggestions for an "iconic" centrepiece that represents the village. Some early suggestions are an anchor, an ore tram, village clock, tide predictor, bronze surfboard! Any suggestions to the Tram care of the Post Office please.
The Greenfield Gardens project has now been passed over to the PIC, bringing to an end a very successful project for the Parish Council. Our final task was to spend the remaining funding on stainless steel benches, these are now in the procurement process and will be in place for the proposed spring grand opening. A big thank you to Jean Oates for keeping track of the funding to Nigel Mathews for overseeing the project and Sara Clasper for her constant work and attention to detail.
The harbour moves on despite the lack of Lottery funding. The new harbour steering committee is chaired by the very capable Doug Coates and a first stage feasibility study is in the process of commission. In the next edition of the Tram I hope to publish the results.
Chris Watts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Primary School
School Harvest Festival at St Mary's Church at 2pm on Wednesday 4
October 2006.
Breakfast club is starting after half term 30 October 2006 from 8am -
8.40am every day - offers of help welcomed or ideas for activities or
just come along for breakfast!
We are also in the process of making a school garden. Any hints or
help from gardeners in the village would be much appreciated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Harbour Fun day. Sunday 20th Aug 2006
The day dawned grey as we worked away,
all feeling unsure , what would happen today.
Not long to go now , we look to the sky,
its looking much better I hope it stays dry.
Well all we can do has now been done,
with minutes to go," HERE COMES THE SUN".
Grey clouds draw back the blue curtain appears,
just in time to allay way all our fears .
We planned all year with nothing overlooked,
the I's had been dotted & checked all was booked.
OH, what a great day full of action and fun,
the team worked so hard to raise a good sum.
Now tired hands to the job, lets pack away,
it will all happen again, another year another day.
Thanks are not enough for what everybody has done,
The rewards we have gained are friends working as one.
This is dedicated to Richard who without his support I could not have
done it,
The committee =Fiona, Shirley, Beverly, Duncan, Callum, Roselyne, John &
Doris .
Friends =
Alex, Radar, Elise, James, Mat, Sue, Di, Colin, Shane, Ben, Scott, Kate, Sarah
Lisa, The Tonkins, The Williams, The Ruddocks, Richard our celebrity,
Paul & Cilla.
Doug & the harbour assoc ,for all their co operation & boat trips. The
Last note Singers.
The Retreat for scrummy cakes, David Nicholas for trailer & use of
field, Thai Quando club
Portreath Surf life Saving Club ,Our D.J Mark Stephens who brought
the event together .
Our Sponsors =
Cornish Fixings, Cornish coffee co, Philip Whear, Gwel an mor,
Skinners, Kehelland garden centre.
& everyone who helped make this day a great success .
My Sincere thanks Pamela Christ ( Chairman )
P.S it's not too soon to enrol for next year
P.P.S We are still waiting for final payments to be made but we
expect our profit to be in excess
of £1,000 which will be allocated to Local organisations and Clubs.
A,G,M Meeting, 1st November ,The Portreath
Institute 7.30 p.m. All Welcome.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Artist
Catherine Dennis
Is Exhibiting at Helston Museum
A Selection of
Painting
Drawing
Printmaking
Sat 14th Oct – Fri 27th Oct
14th – 20th : 10am – 1pm
21st – 27th : 10am – 4pm
Closed Sunday 01326 564027
Free Entry to Kerrier Residents
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parish Council Report
Footpaths
All the footpaths within the Parish have now been trimmed and cleaned including the removal of fallen trees at the entrance to Footpath No. 7 at Bridge.
Greenfield Gardens
The newly provided grassed areas in Greenfield Gardens have now received the first cut and the temporary fencing should be removed by the time this article goes to press. These areas will continue to be cut by Kerrier District Council Staff but responsibility for the Gardens will shortly be taken over by the Portreath Improvements Committee.
Most of the planting has been carried out but, later in the season, several hundred daffodil bulbs will be planted which should make a wonderful display in the Spring when it is hoped that an Official Re-opening Ceremony will be carried out.
Orders have been placed for the supply of seats and litter bins which will be installed during the
Autumn/Winter period.
Highway Matters
The strengthening of Sunnyvale Road at the rear of Rose Villa Farm has been carried out by the County Council and a short length of fencing erected along this length.
Designated Public Place Order
The Designated Public Place (Portreath) Order 2006 came into effect on 31st August and covers the following areas:-
The Harbour; Kingsley Terrace; The Pier; The Novelty Golf Course
and adjacent area of sand; the Seafront Car Park and Promenade;
Car Park in front of the Waterfront Inn; the area adjacent to and
Surrounding the Rescue Post, The Surf Life Saving Club and Speranza;
Beach Road between Tregea Hill and the junction with Chynance
Firework Display
Members of the Council resolved to fund the attendance of the St. Johns Ambulance personnel at the Bonfire and Firework Display to be held on Sunday 5th November.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Millennium Community Hall
presents
An evening of Classical Guitar Music
An evening of wine, cheese and classical guitar music will be held at the Portreath Millennium Community Hall on Friday 10th November 2006.
The music will be provided by Douglas McClure who will be playing a selection of romantic pieces for classical guitar. Douglas, an American who has lived in Portreath since 1999, studied classical guitar under the world famous Japanese guitarist Masakazu Ito. Douglas has chosen a programme for the evening which includes works by Llobet, Pio Barrios, Villa Lobos, Bach and Giulani.
The Millennium Hall Committee hope this special evening will be the first in a series of live musical events at the Hall.
The tickets cost £5.00, which will include two glasses of wine and cheese. Other refreshments will also be available. The doors open at 7.30 p.m.
We very much hope you will come and enjoy the music over a glass of wine with friends as a way of supporting your Community Hall.
Tickets will be available from:
The Post Office, Cost Cutters, the Square, Portreath
Jeremy Benjamin, Camberly, Penberthy Road, Portreath
Or by ringing Mrs. Jan Sowden on 01209 842960
Tickets will also be available on the door
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HELP REQUIRED WITH THE PORTREATH BROWNIES
If anyone would like to act as a Helper with the Brownies, I would be very pleased to hear from you. We meet for 1.5 hours on Mondays at 5.00 p.m. and your involvement would mean being there to help run games, assist the children with any badge work or projects (for example they are currently planning to put on a pantomime around Christmas time) and generally help keep watch over the children's various activities. Whether you would like to help every week, or every now and then, we can cater for all circumstances. This is a really enjoyable time and working with girls between the age of 7 and 11 certainly brings perspective to life !
Please ring Shena Watts, Guider for the Unit on 01209 843873
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOUR LODGE
Living alone when life becomes something of a struggle can be a stressful business for the best of us, particularly as we grow older, and we begin to wonder if the time is coming when we might need to give up our home. Sometimes the options available don't seem to be exactly right for us. We don't feel ready for a care home, but living alone has become a daily struggle.
Local people now have an additional solution. Harbour House Care Home is opening a 'supported living' (sometimes called 'independent' living) bungalow, similar to the shared homes operated by charities such as 'Abbeyfield', but on a smaller scale. Just imagine not having to be worried by maintenance, gardening and utilities.
Harbour Lodge, situated in the grounds of the care home and opening this autumn, will be what the government calls an extra-care housing facility. It will become home for four individuals who by reason of age or frail health are finding it harder and harder to cope alone – or perhaps for those who just want more freedom from worry and chores. It has four lockable en-suite bed-sitting rooms, and shared use of the large lounge, kitchen-diner, gardens and laundry room.
An inclusive charge covers all rent, light and heating costs, council tax, water rates, maintenance, cleaning of the shared areas, and a daily main meal along with some basic provisions to help promote independence for breakfast and light snacks. Emergency call is available 24 hours a day, and a part-time housekeeper visits daily. A range of other support services, tailored to meet individual needs, can be arranged. It is even possible to participate in organised trips, activities or entertainment offered within the care home.
Should you eventually need care, we offer help in arranging this (if you wish it) and this care can be provided to you within the bungalow in the same way as if you were in your own home. We don't set out to take over, but to 'enable'.
Within this supportive environment residents are free to pursue their own independent lives and interests as they choose, from behind their own front door. This is not a care home but a private housing solution specifically set up to meet the needs of four independently minded people. You can be as independent as you like, or buy further support from a 'menu' of services available from the neighbouring care home such as hairdressing or help with a bath, or housekeeping assistance which might include laundry or cleaning of your own room, or additional pre-prepared snacks.
Enquiries should be directed, in the first instance, to Mrs Sarah Eustice, Manager at Harbour House, who will be happy to show you around and to discuss your personal situation in confidence. Please telephone Sarah on 01209 843276 for an informal discussion or to arrange an appointment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greenfield Gardens
September....the new gardener has got to grips with the weeds, bark
chippings have arrived from Kehelland and Peter is mulching around
all the plants .Hopefully by now two new stainless steel seats and
one litter bin have been ordered and will be in place by early
spring.
We are planning to have an official opening around March/
April. The bowls club have kindly donated 100 bulbs for the park, I
have approached the school and together with classes 4/5 we will
plant them in October. Hopefully the grass has been cut by the time
this is printed, Kerrier have agreed to maintain the grass and litter
bin.
New signs for the park are on their way, we have decided to stick
with the old style of sign of which there are two signing the park
still [ green and white ].
Since writing this article for the last Parish Tram I have had generous
offers of help to keep the park looking nice, a few people have chosen
special areas they helped plant and regularly go and weed.
A popular idea for one of the round areas is to plant a specimen tree
in the centre and have seats around the tree, it could provide shade
in the summer .....hopefully this will go ahead as soon as we can agree
on what type of tree!
I do hope that everyone has visited the new park , the fences are
down and the paths are waiting to be walked on. The P.I.C. would be
pleased to hear any more ideas you have for the park, it is for us
all to enjoy and I think it looks great, my little boy especially
likes running along the sunken seating. I believe the garden will
grow over the years and become a real asset to our village.
Sara Clasper member PIC
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did Portreath Harbour win the Lottery?
Don't we all dream of 'Lady Luck' bringing us home a cool Lotto million? By a stroke of good fortune Portreath was plunged into a massive 25 million pound bid by the County Council for money from the Big Lottery Fund in their Living Landmarks programme.
Cornwall Enterprise put together the plans for the regeneration of five Cornish harbours. We lined up alongside Falmouth, Newquay, Newlyn and Looe in an impressive appeal for half the cost of the countywide programme. From thousands of applicants throughout the UK we made it through the first selection and the Lottery panel of experts came here on a two-day review. We showed them Portreath and shared with them our vision to bring the harbour back to life and regenerate it as a living and working asset for the local community.
Our hopes were high even though the lottery lady boss told us they don't hand out 25 million quid lightly. Alas her words were a prophetic caution and - just like the lottery – that day our numbers didn't come up; though Cornwall did have success with two other bids. The Heartland Project for a regeneration programme in Pool has been selected to go through to compete in the next stage of their Living Landmarks Lottery funding bid and Eden's bid for 50 million is also through to the second selection, so congratulations to both of them.
Well Portreath didn't win the lottery and that certainly is not good news but I don't believe it should be seen as an end but rather the beginning. Now we have the panacea out of the way we can look at the assets available and come up with a revised, and probably better solution.
Being part of that bid was in its self an asset. The experience of working alongside the other multi-million pound harbour development programmes helped us refine our objectives. It gave us a platform. We were able to show the whole county our historic inheritance, this much overlooked port that had once been the trade lifeline to the copper and tin industry that in bygone years had raised Redruth & Camborne to be among the richest towns – not just in Britain but in the whole world – Portreath is now back in the spotlight.
Our community programme to own what must be our greatest asset and to make it better for all is firmly placed on the agenda before Kerrier District Council & the County. Now with World Heritage Site status time is right to take action on all of the suggestions put to us by the village at the open day earlier this year.
With a very modest budget the Parish Council's Regeneration committee have commissioned a feasibility study to examine the sustainable viability of the harbour development plan. Consultants will report on the business potential for more leisure boats in the harbour & evaluate the advantages of a larger and better-serviced fishing fleet. Planners will assess the effect a more vibrant village will have on all of us and our visitors. Environmental experts will consider global warming and flood risk issues and look at ways to deal with the pollution problems.
Still a lot to do and finding another five million certainly will not be as easy as winning the lottery but our little village has a rugged history of fighting and winning, and we will win this one.
Doug Coates, Chairman Harbour Steering Committee.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Improvements Committee
Christmas Lights 2006
Orders now being taken
The PIC are pleased to continue our Christmas Lights project.
There are 6 wall brackets in stock for new users but we can get more if needed and as usual newcomers to the scheme also get a set of lights and a tree for no charge. Indoor window lights are available as an alternative (one set per household)
For previous users the trees will be at cost price.
To apply for your Christmas tree and lights please phone Elaine or Nigel Sillence on 843515 before Friday 1st December.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carers Group
We are a group of carers from Portreath who meet regularly for fun and relaxation. We have been running for almost two years and are always looking for new members.
We have just finalised our program for the next six months;
October 3rd- Pitch and Putt, Hayle
November 29th- "That'll Be The Day" Hall for Cornwall
December 12th- Carnon Downs Café and Garden Centre
January 18th- Tate Gallery St Ives, Tour and Lunch (to be confirmed)
February 10th- Ten Pin Bowling, Truro
March 22nd- Penventon Hotel. Swim, Sauna and lunch
If you are a carer and would be interested in any of the above please contact;
Cath 842797 or Janet 842658 for more details.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Bonfire and Firework Display
Will be held on Sunday 5th November
Bonfire 6:30
Fireworks 7:15
Please encourage visiting family and friends to use the FREE Park and Ride scheme to and from The Treasure Park (Gold Centre) New Portreath Road. Running from 5:30 to 8:30
Beach Café open The Shore Shop open
Please give realistic donations to this unique seafront event. Insurance premiums rise every year and monies collected on the night have to cover all costs. The more the donations, the better the next years display.
Please bring light sticks rather than sparklers.
Offers of timber and combustibles are NOT required this year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
VILLAGE CAROL SERVICE
WEDNESDAY 20TH DECEMBER, 2006
PORTREATH ARMS CAR PARK
7.00 P.M.
The Illogan Sparnon Silver Band will be playing both traditional and modern carols for the festive season and everyone is invited to attend.
Children from the MishMash Club and the Brownies are making lanterns especially for the event and the lantern procession will leave St. Mary's Church Hall at 6.50 p.m., walking down Sunnyvale Road to the Portreath Arms car park.
Mulled wine and mince pies will be provided to help keep us warm and in good voice !
We look forward to seeing you there.
Designated Public Place Order
In the last issue of the parish tram I gave a brief progress report on the anti social behaviour order that the parish council had applied for, I'm very pleased to be able to now report that the designated public place order (DPPO) is now permanently in place in Portreath.
In layman terms the act provides local authorities with the power to make an Order to restrict antisocial drinking in designated public places and it provides the police with the power to enforce the restriction. We applied for the order earlier this year after the great success of the dispersal order of 2005. Dispersal orders are a temporary measure, the DPPO is a permanent order similar to the old bylaws.
The application for the DPPO was a real community effort, the parish council had the support of the Portreath Improvements Committee, which not only wrote letters of support for our efforts but also financed the signage and administration costs. The Harbour Association were involved and also most of the businesses within Portreath, all of whom supported the application with letters of support and historical evidence of antisocial behaviour. We also had overwhelming support from the residents of Portreath.
Neighbourhood beat manager Tim Roberts has given tireless support to our application, he of course has seen the problems of anti social behaviour in Portreath first hand and spent many hours patrolling the area dealing with the consequences of such behaviour.
Thank you to all who contributed time and effort to the parish councils application, working together we can continue to make Portreath a safer place to live , work and visit.
Chris Watts
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANK YOU TO THE UNSEEN GARDENERS
I am rather old to believe in fairies, but as a child I was assured by my long suffering parents that they really did exist. In answer to many questions of why, how, when did something happen I was usually stalled with the answer, "Oh it must be the fairies at the bottom of the garden"
During the summer, walking through the village, I began to notice the flower beds were beginning to change and bloom. It was not long before they were looking quite colourful and a real pleasure to look at. They were so different from the usual short back and sides the shrubs have been accustomed to in previous seasons
I would just like to say a big thank you to the unseen gardeners who have worked so hard and made our village a much pleasanter place to walk through
Mrs T. Hamer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All welcome to Portreath TABLE TENNIS Club
Wednesdays at 7pm in St Marys Church Hall
Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult
Geoff on 01209 843181 or Malcolm on 01209 842695
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch
Will be held in the Portreath Institute on Saturday 10th of February 2007
12:30 for 1:00pm
Last year's lunch was a great success as usual and this year we would like to increase our numbers. All Senior Citizens that receive State Pension are eligible for our four course lunch and afternoon entertainment.
For further information.
Please call Madeline on 219960 or June on 843019
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION REMEMBRANCE SERVICE PARADE
SUNDAY 5TH NOVEMBER, 2006
The Parade will assemble at 2.15 p.m. in the Portreath sea front car park, and will march to St. Mary's Church to lay the wreaths at 2.30 p.m. This will be followed by a Service in the Church and then parade back to the sea front car park.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regeneration Update
Parish councillors had the chance to view a first draft of the proposed changes to Beach Road due to take place this winter in line with the Mineral Tramways schedule. The main work that is to be carried out is a narrowing of Beach road with build outs on the junctions similar to the construction at Greenfield Terrace. There will also be a pavement on the Southern side of Beach Road.
The village Square is also due to be altered to slow traffic and make it more "pedestrian friendly" The Minerals Tramway team have asked for suggestions for an "iconic" centrepiece that represents the village. Some early suggestions are an anchor, an ore tram, village clock, tide predictor, bronze surfboard! Any suggestions to the Tram care of the Post Office please.
The Greenfield Gardens project has now been passed over to the PIC, bringing to an end a very successful project for the Parish Council. Our final task was to spend the remaining funding on stainless steel benches, these are now in the procurement process and will be in place for the proposed spring grand opening. A big thank you to Jean Oates for keeping track of the funding to Nigel Mathews for overseeing the project and Sara Clasper for her constant work and attention to detail.
The harbour moves on despite the lack of Lottery funding. The new harbour steering committee is chaired by the very capable Doug Coates and a first stage feasibility study is in the process of commission. In the next edition of the Tram I hope to publish the results.
Chris Watts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Primary School
School Harvest Festival at St Mary's Church at 2pm on Wednesday 4
October 2006.
Breakfast club is starting after half term 30 October 2006 from 8am -
8.40am every day - offers of help welcomed or ideas for activities or
just come along for breakfast!
We are also in the process of making a school garden. Any hints or
help from gardeners in the village would be much appreciated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Harbour Fun day. Sunday 20th Aug 2006
The day dawned grey as we worked away,
all feeling unsure , what would happen today.
Not long to go now , we look to the sky,
its looking much better I hope it stays dry.
Well all we can do has now been done,
with minutes to go," HERE COMES THE SUN".
Grey clouds draw back the blue curtain appears,
just in time to allay way all our fears .
We planned all year with nothing overlooked,
the I's had been dotted & checked all was booked.
OH, what a great day full of action and fun,
the team worked so hard to raise a good sum.
Now tired hands to the job, lets pack away,
it will all happen again, another year another day.
Thanks are not enough for what everybody has done,
The rewards we have gained are friends working as one.
This is dedicated to Richard who without his support I could not have
done it,
The committee =Fiona, Shirley, Beverly, Duncan, Callum, Roselyne, John &
Doris .
Friends =
Alex, Radar, Elise, James, Mat, Sue, Di, Colin, Shane, Ben, Scott, Kate, Sarah
Lisa, The Tonkins, The Williams, The Ruddocks, Richard our celebrity,
Paul & Cilla.
Doug & the harbour assoc ,for all their co operation & boat trips. The
Last note Singers.
The Retreat for scrummy cakes, David Nicholas for trailer & use of
field, Thai Quando club
Portreath Surf life Saving Club ,Our D.J Mark Stephens who brought
the event together .
Our Sponsors =
Cornish Fixings, Cornish coffee co, Philip Whear, Gwel an mor,
Skinners, Kehelland garden centre.
& everyone who helped make this day a great success .
My Sincere thanks Pamela Christ ( Chairman )
P.S it's not too soon to enrol for next year
P.P.S We are still waiting for final payments to be made but we
expect our profit to be in excess
of £1,000 which will be allocated to Local organisations and Clubs.
A,G,M Meeting, 1st November ,The Portreath
Institute 7.30 p.m. All Welcome.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Artist
Catherine Dennis
Is Exhibiting at Helston Museum
A Selection of
Painting
Drawing
Printmaking
Sat 14th Oct – Fri 27th Oct
14th – 20th : 10am – 1pm
21st – 27th : 10am – 4pm
Closed Sunday 01326 564027
Free Entry to Kerrier Residents
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parish Council Report
Footpaths
All the footpaths within the Parish have now been trimmed and cleaned including the removal of fallen trees at the entrance to Footpath No. 7 at Bridge.
Greenfield Gardens
The newly provided grassed areas in Greenfield Gardens have now received the first cut and the temporary fencing should be removed by the time this article goes to press. These areas will continue to be cut by Kerrier District Council Staff but responsibility for the Gardens will shortly be taken over by the Portreath Improvements Committee.
Most of the planting has been carried out but, later in the season, several hundred daffodil bulbs will be planted which should make a wonderful display in the Spring when it is hoped that an Official Re-opening Ceremony will be carried out.
Orders have been placed for the supply of seats and litter bins which will be installed during the
Autumn/Winter period.
Highway Matters
The strengthening of Sunnyvale Road at the rear of Rose Villa Farm has been carried out by the County Council and a short length of fencing erected along this length.
Designated Public Place Order
The Designated Public Place (Portreath) Order 2006 came into effect on 31st August and covers the following areas:-
The Harbour; Kingsley Terrace; The Pier; The Novelty Golf Course
and adjacent area of sand; the Seafront Car Park and Promenade;
Car Park in front of the Waterfront Inn; the area adjacent to and
Surrounding the Rescue Post, The Surf Life Saving Club and Speranza;
Beach Road between Tregea Hill and the junction with Chynance
Firework Display
Members of the Council resolved to fund the attendance of the St. Johns Ambulance personnel at the Bonfire and Firework Display to be held on Sunday 5th November.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Millennium Community Hall
presents
An evening of Classical Guitar Music
An evening of wine, cheese and classical guitar music will be held at the Portreath Millennium Community Hall on Friday 10th November 2006.
The music will be provided by Douglas McClure who will be playing a selection of romantic pieces for classical guitar. Douglas, an American who has lived in Portreath since 1999, studied classical guitar under the world famous Japanese guitarist Masakazu Ito. Douglas has chosen a programme for the evening which includes works by Llobet, Pio Barrios, Villa Lobos, Bach and Giulani.
The Millennium Hall Committee hope this special evening will be the first in a series of live musical events at the Hall.
The tickets cost £5.00, which will include two glasses of wine and cheese. Other refreshments will also be available. The doors open at 7.30 p.m.
We very much hope you will come and enjoy the music over a glass of wine with friends as a way of supporting your Community Hall.
Tickets will be available from:
The Post Office, Cost Cutters, the Square, Portreath
Jeremy Benjamin, Camberly, Penberthy Road, Portreath
Or by ringing Mrs. Jan Sowden on 01209 842960
Tickets will also be available on the door
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HELP REQUIRED WITH THE PORTREATH BROWNIES
If anyone would like to act as a Helper with the Brownies, I would be very pleased to hear from you. We meet for 1.5 hours on Mondays at 5.00 p.m. and your involvement would mean being there to help run games, assist the children with any badge work or projects (for example they are currently planning to put on a pantomime around Christmas time) and generally help keep watch over the children's various activities. Whether you would like to help every week, or every now and then, we can cater for all circumstances. This is a really enjoyable time and working with girls between the age of 7 and 11 certainly brings perspective to life !
Please ring Shena Watts, Guider for the Unit on 01209 843873
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HARBOUR LODGE
Living alone when life becomes something of a struggle can be a stressful business for the best of us, particularly as we grow older, and we begin to wonder if the time is coming when we might need to give up our home. Sometimes the options available don't seem to be exactly right for us. We don't feel ready for a care home, but living alone has become a daily struggle.
Local people now have an additional solution. Harbour House Care Home is opening a 'supported living' (sometimes called 'independent' living) bungalow, similar to the shared homes operated by charities such as 'Abbeyfield', but on a smaller scale. Just imagine not having to be worried by maintenance, gardening and utilities.
Harbour Lodge, situated in the grounds of the care home and opening this autumn, will be what the government calls an extra-care housing facility. It will become home for four individuals who by reason of age or frail health are finding it harder and harder to cope alone – or perhaps for those who just want more freedom from worry and chores. It has four lockable en-suite bed-sitting rooms, and shared use of the large lounge, kitchen-diner, gardens and laundry room.
An inclusive charge covers all rent, light and heating costs, council tax, water rates, maintenance, cleaning of the shared areas, and a daily main meal along with some basic provisions to help promote independence for breakfast and light snacks. Emergency call is available 24 hours a day, and a part-time housekeeper visits daily. A range of other support services, tailored to meet individual needs, can be arranged. It is even possible to participate in organised trips, activities or entertainment offered within the care home.
Should you eventually need care, we offer help in arranging this (if you wish it) and this care can be provided to you within the bungalow in the same way as if you were in your own home. We don't set out to take over, but to 'enable'.
Within this supportive environment residents are free to pursue their own independent lives and interests as they choose, from behind their own front door. This is not a care home but a private housing solution specifically set up to meet the needs of four independently minded people. You can be as independent as you like, or buy further support from a 'menu' of services available from the neighbouring care home such as hairdressing or help with a bath, or housekeeping assistance which might include laundry or cleaning of your own room, or additional pre-prepared snacks.
Enquiries should be directed, in the first instance, to Mrs Sarah Eustice, Manager at Harbour House, who will be happy to show you around and to discuss your personal situation in confidence. Please telephone Sarah on 01209 843276 for an informal discussion or to arrange an appointment.
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Greenfield Gardens
September....the new gardener has got to grips with the weeds, bark
chippings have arrived from Kehelland and Peter is mulching around
all the plants .Hopefully by now two new stainless steel seats and
one litter bin have been ordered and will be in place by early
spring.
We are planning to have an official opening around March/
April. The bowls club have kindly donated 100 bulbs for the park, I
have approached the school and together with classes 4/5 we will
plant them in October. Hopefully the grass has been cut by the time
this is printed, Kerrier have agreed to maintain the grass and litter
bin.
New signs for the park are on their way, we have decided to stick
with the old style of sign of which there are two signing the park
still [ green and white ].
Since writing this article for the last Parish Tram I have had generous
offers of help to keep the park looking nice, a few people have chosen
special areas they helped plant and regularly go and weed.
A popular idea for one of the round areas is to plant a specimen tree
in the centre and have seats around the tree, it could provide shade
in the summer .....hopefully this will go ahead as soon as we can agree
on what type of tree!
I do hope that everyone has visited the new park , the fences are
down and the paths are waiting to be walked on. The P.I.C. would be
pleased to hear any more ideas you have for the park, it is for us
all to enjoy and I think it looks great, my little boy especially
likes running along the sunken seating. I believe the garden will
grow over the years and become a real asset to our village.
Sara Clasper member PIC
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Did Portreath Harbour win the Lottery?
Don't we all dream of 'Lady Luck' bringing us home a cool Lotto million? By a stroke of good fortune Portreath was plunged into a massive 25 million pound bid by the County Council for money from the Big Lottery Fund in their Living Landmarks programme.
Cornwall Enterprise put together the plans for the regeneration of five Cornish harbours. We lined up alongside Falmouth, Newquay, Newlyn and Looe in an impressive appeal for half the cost of the countywide programme. From thousands of applicants throughout the UK we made it through the first selection and the Lottery panel of experts came here on a two-day review. We showed them Portreath and shared with them our vision to bring the harbour back to life and regenerate it as a living and working asset for the local community.
Our hopes were high even though the lottery lady boss told us they don't hand out 25 million quid lightly. Alas her words were a prophetic caution and - just like the lottery – that day our numbers didn't come up; though Cornwall did have success with two other bids. The Heartland Project for a regeneration programme in Pool has been selected to go through to compete in the next stage of their Living Landmarks Lottery funding bid and Eden's bid for 50 million is also through to the second selection, so congratulations to both of them.
Well Portreath didn't win the lottery and that certainly is not good news but I don't believe it should be seen as an end but rather the beginning. Now we have the panacea out of the way we can look at the assets available and come up with a revised, and probably better solution.
Being part of that bid was in its self an asset. The experience of working alongside the other multi-million pound harbour development programmes helped us refine our objectives. It gave us a platform. We were able to show the whole county our historic inheritance, this much overlooked port that had once been the trade lifeline to the copper and tin industry that in bygone years had raised Redruth & Camborne to be among the richest towns – not just in Britain but in the whole world – Portreath is now back in the spotlight.
Our community programme to own what must be our greatest asset and to make it better for all is firmly placed on the agenda before Kerrier District Council & the County. Now with World Heritage Site status time is right to take action on all of the suggestions put to us by the village at the open day earlier this year.
With a very modest budget the Parish Council's Regeneration committee have commissioned a feasibility study to examine the sustainable viability of the harbour development plan. Consultants will report on the business potential for more leisure boats in the harbour & evaluate the advantages of a larger and better-serviced fishing fleet. Planners will assess the effect a more vibrant village will have on all of us and our visitors. Environmental experts will consider global warming and flood risk issues and look at ways to deal with the pollution problems.
Still a lot to do and finding another five million certainly will not be as easy as winning the lottery but our little village has a rugged history of fighting and winning, and we will win this one.
Doug Coates, Chairman Harbour Steering Committee.
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Portreath Improvements Committee
Christmas Lights 2006
Orders now being taken
The PIC are pleased to continue our Christmas Lights project.
There are 6 wall brackets in stock for new users but we can get more if needed and as usual newcomers to the scheme also get a set of lights and a tree for no charge. Indoor window lights are available as an alternative (one set per household)
For previous users the trees will be at cost price.
To apply for your Christmas tree and lights please phone Elaine or Nigel Sillence on 843515 before Friday 1st December.
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Carers Group
We are a group of carers from Portreath who meet regularly for fun and relaxation. We have been running for almost two years and are always looking for new members.
We have just finalised our program for the next six months;
October 3rd- Pitch and Putt, Hayle
November 29th- "That'll Be The Day" Hall for Cornwall
December 12th- Carnon Downs Café and Garden Centre
January 18th- Tate Gallery St Ives, Tour and Lunch (to be confirmed)
February 10th- Ten Pin Bowling, Truro
March 22nd- Penventon Hotel. Swim, Sauna and lunch
If you are a carer and would be interested in any of the above please contact;
Cath 842797 or Janet 842658 for more details.
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Annual Bonfire and Firework Display
Will be held on Sunday 5th November
Bonfire 6:30
Fireworks 7:15
Please encourage visiting family and friends to use the FREE Park and Ride scheme to and from The Treasure Park (Gold Centre) New Portreath Road. Running from 5:30 to 8:30
Beach Café open The Shore Shop open
Please give realistic donations to this unique seafront event. Insurance premiums rise every year and monies collected on the night have to cover all costs. The more the donations, the better the next years display.
Please bring light sticks rather than sparklers.
Offers of timber and combustibles are NOT required this year.
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VILLAGE CAROL SERVICE
WEDNESDAY 20TH DECEMBER, 2006
PORTREATH ARMS CAR PARK
7.00 P.M.
The Illogan Sparnon Silver Band will be playing both traditional and modern carols for the festive season and everyone is invited to attend.
Children from the MishMash Club and the Brownies are making lanterns especially for the event and the lantern procession will leave St. Mary's Church Hall at 6.50 p.m., walking down Sunnyvale Road to the Portreath Arms car park.
Mulled wine and mince pies will be provided to help keep us warm and in good voice !
We look forward to seeing you there.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
NERVE GAS IS FOUND AT FORMER WEAPONS SITE
11:00 - 24 August 2006
Traces of a deadly nerve gas have been found by specialists clearing dump sites at a former chemical weapons factory on the Westcountry coast. The secret Chemical Defence Establishment at Nancekuke, near Redruth, manufactured about 20 tons of the nerve agent Sarin between 1954 and 1956 before the Government abandoned its offensive chemical capability. Now known as RAF Portreath, the facility was decommissioned and closed in 1977.
Seven years ago the Ministry of Defence (MoD) began investigating five sites - labelled A, B, C, D and E - which were used as dumping grounds during the break-up of the plant. They are known to contain asbestos, decontaminated plant, and small quantities of chemicals.
Remediation work started in May this year and the MoD has now revealed that traces of Sarin have been found in two of the pits after laboratory analysis.
It said a few parts per million had been found of methyl phosphonic acid (MPA) and isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA) - which were no more toxic than many household insecticides.
Dr Richard Soilleux, of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), said: "A similar minute quantity of MPA was found within a glass flask during investigations at dumpsite C in 2003.
"At that time, it was explained that MPA is a relatively harmless chemical and was a breakdown product from the decontamination processes that took place on all equipment before it was buried in the dumpsites.
"On this occasion the two chemicals found were also extremely diluted, and while MPA could be a skin and eye irritant for staff working within the vapour containment system, if they were not wearing appropriate protection. It is no more toxic than many insecticides approved for home use.
"IMPA is five times less toxic than MPA and is not even an irritant."
The laboratory's analysis of samples from the first six trial pits at dumpsite B, which has been fitted with a vapour containment system, has shown these samples are clear of chemical warfare agents.
At dumpsite C, work to temporarily relocate the heather covering this site is well under way and a water management system has been installed for irrigation.
By September, Defence Estates expects to have excavated about 100 cubic metres of waste and completed studies at four other sites.
Project manager Garth Weaver said: "The assessment study involves trial pits being dug at regular intervals across the sites to allow the team to collect soil and water samples.
"This has already started at dumpsite B and will enable us to obtain the best possible data to better inform the Environment Agency and other statutory regulators about what has been buried.
"The information collected will also enable the appropriate remediation work to be undertaken in agreement with the Environment Agency, in line with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
"It is highly unlikely that any chemical warfare agents were dumped when Nancekuke was decommissioned, but we are adopting a safety-first approach with trial pit digging work at dumpsites A, B and C. This is why people using the North Cornwall coastal path may have seen a large tent-like structure, which was erected in May over dumpsite B. All work takes place within this structure, which is the vapour containment system."
Work has also started at the former mine workings in the Kerriack Valley, with a local mining contractor carrying out works before the physical inspection of the mine later this year. It will provide information about the nature and extent of the waste in dumpsites D and E which are both mine shafts.
Traces of a deadly nerve gas have been found by specialists clearing dump sites at a former chemical weapons factory on the Westcountry coast. The secret Chemical Defence Establishment at Nancekuke, near Redruth, manufactured about 20 tons of the nerve agent Sarin between 1954 and 1956 before the Government abandoned its offensive chemical capability. Now known as RAF Portreath, the facility was decommissioned and closed in 1977.
Seven years ago the Ministry of Defence (MoD) began investigating five sites - labelled A, B, C, D and E - which were used as dumping grounds during the break-up of the plant. They are known to contain asbestos, decontaminated plant, and small quantities of chemicals.
Remediation work started in May this year and the MoD has now revealed that traces of Sarin have been found in two of the pits after laboratory analysis.
It said a few parts per million had been found of methyl phosphonic acid (MPA) and isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA) - which were no more toxic than many household insecticides.
Dr Richard Soilleux, of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), said: "A similar minute quantity of MPA was found within a glass flask during investigations at dumpsite C in 2003.
"At that time, it was explained that MPA is a relatively harmless chemical and was a breakdown product from the decontamination processes that took place on all equipment before it was buried in the dumpsites.
"On this occasion the two chemicals found were also extremely diluted, and while MPA could be a skin and eye irritant for staff working within the vapour containment system, if they were not wearing appropriate protection. It is no more toxic than many insecticides approved for home use.
"IMPA is five times less toxic than MPA and is not even an irritant."
The laboratory's analysis of samples from the first six trial pits at dumpsite B, which has been fitted with a vapour containment system, has shown these samples are clear of chemical warfare agents.
At dumpsite C, work to temporarily relocate the heather covering this site is well under way and a water management system has been installed for irrigation.
By September, Defence Estates expects to have excavated about 100 cubic metres of waste and completed studies at four other sites.
Project manager Garth Weaver said: "The assessment study involves trial pits being dug at regular intervals across the sites to allow the team to collect soil and water samples.
"This has already started at dumpsite B and will enable us to obtain the best possible data to better inform the Environment Agency and other statutory regulators about what has been buried.
"The information collected will also enable the appropriate remediation work to be undertaken in agreement with the Environment Agency, in line with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
"It is highly unlikely that any chemical warfare agents were dumped when Nancekuke was decommissioned, but we are adopting a safety-first approach with trial pit digging work at dumpsites A, B and C. This is why people using the North Cornwall coastal path may have seen a large tent-like structure, which was erected in May over dumpsite B. All work takes place within this structure, which is the vapour containment system."
Work has also started at the former mine workings in the Kerriack Valley, with a local mining contractor carrying out works before the physical inspection of the mine later this year. It will provide information about the nature and extent of the waste in dumpsites D and E which are both mine shafts.
PORTREATH 'TOMBSTONERS' LEAPING 200FT INTO THE SEA
09:00 - 24 August 2006
Police and lifeguards warned this week that children are risking life and limb by hurling themselves into the sea from a 200ft-high cliff at Portreath. They said it was "only a matter of time" before a youngster suffered a serious injury, or was killed.
The craze of jumping into the harbour entrance, which is known as tombstoning, has been popular at the seaside resort for years.
But police warned that children were putting themselves in serious jeopardy by leaping from greater heights this summer.
Acting Sgt Tim Roberts, the neighbourhood beat manager for Portreath, said: "Officers from the Redruth neighbourhood police team have had occasion to speak to children following complaints from the public.
"Basically, the individuals have shrugged off the officers' advice and just laughed. I would appeal to parents whose children are going to Portreath to check with them what they are doing there.
"With the heights involved, common sense says it is only a matter of time before someone is injured, or worse."
On Sunday afternoon, the West Briton pictured a 15-year-old boy jumping into the harbour entrance from an 80ft-high cliff ledge. After his father gave him permission to talk to our reporter, Tom Wilkins said: "I've been doing it for a month.
"It's a feeling of fear, but when you've done it, you can't believe it."
Asked if he thought he was putting himself at risk, Tom said: "I only do it when it's safe. "The weather needs to be clear and the sea quite calm."
Coastguards said they had received a number of 999 calls this summer from eyewitnesses worried about the safety of children leaping into the sea at Portreath. "The really keen ones are jumping 200ft into the mouth of the harbour," said Mark Roberts, the coastguard station officer in the village.
"They are running the risk of death or serious injury. We're only here to preserve life and safe life. It is a dangerous pursuit and we strongly advise them not to do it, but they won't listen to you."
The 200ft stretch of cliff that has become a popular jumping spot is known locally as "pepper pot", while the 80ft drop is labelled "high cliffs".
Cllr Ken Bowden, a member of Portreath Council and a former chairman of Kerrier Council, said: "They call it tombstoning. I think it's dangerous but they only do it when there's no surf. I don't know what the answer is - you cannot patrol the cliffs all the time."
Police and lifeguards warned this week that children are risking life and limb by hurling themselves into the sea from a 200ft-high cliff at Portreath. They said it was "only a matter of time" before a youngster suffered a serious injury, or was killed.
The craze of jumping into the harbour entrance, which is known as tombstoning, has been popular at the seaside resort for years.
But police warned that children were putting themselves in serious jeopardy by leaping from greater heights this summer.
Acting Sgt Tim Roberts, the neighbourhood beat manager for Portreath, said: "Officers from the Redruth neighbourhood police team have had occasion to speak to children following complaints from the public.
"Basically, the individuals have shrugged off the officers' advice and just laughed. I would appeal to parents whose children are going to Portreath to check with them what they are doing there.
"With the heights involved, common sense says it is only a matter of time before someone is injured, or worse."
On Sunday afternoon, the West Briton pictured a 15-year-old boy jumping into the harbour entrance from an 80ft-high cliff ledge. After his father gave him permission to talk to our reporter, Tom Wilkins said: "I've been doing it for a month.
"It's a feeling of fear, but when you've done it, you can't believe it."
Asked if he thought he was putting himself at risk, Tom said: "I only do it when it's safe. "The weather needs to be clear and the sea quite calm."
Coastguards said they had received a number of 999 calls this summer from eyewitnesses worried about the safety of children leaping into the sea at Portreath. "The really keen ones are jumping 200ft into the mouth of the harbour," said Mark Roberts, the coastguard station officer in the village.
"They are running the risk of death or serious injury. We're only here to preserve life and safe life. It is a dangerous pursuit and we strongly advise them not to do it, but they won't listen to you."
The 200ft stretch of cliff that has become a popular jumping spot is known locally as "pepper pot", while the 80ft drop is labelled "high cliffs".
Cllr Ken Bowden, a member of Portreath Council and a former chairman of Kerrier Council, said: "They call it tombstoning. I think it's dangerous but they only do it when there's no surf. I don't know what the answer is - you cannot patrol the cliffs all the time."
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