In response to growing local concerns about the implications of the proposed Beach development, last week CarlyonBayWatch held an Information and Awareness day at Charlestown Church Hall to provide the community with an opportunity to question key local figures about the implications of the project.
Members of the group had created a variety of posters and displays on a range of subjects from the complex Planning History through the crucial Environmental issues to the impact on our infrastructure. The aim was to highlight what the group had achieved so far, as well as raising questions about how the Beach development will impact on the St Austell Bay area.
The event was deemed a resounding success. Councillor Richard Stewart said "what a superbly organised meeting, which held the residents who attended in rapt attention to the end".
During the day, a steady stream of concerned locals came to view the displays. Feedback was overwhelmingly supportive of the position that local people want something done about the Coliseum, but not something of the size and impact of this project.
The majority of visitors congratulated CBW on efforts to raise the profile of the call for a public enquiry. That evening Mr Ray Trethewey from County Highways, passed on the news that the Secretary of State's decision on whether the public enquiry is to be held or not will be announced before Christmas.
Over a hundred members of the community attended the evening discussion session in which Mr Frazer, as Chair, led a lively and interesting exchange of views on an agenda themed as follows; 1. Planning Status 2. Environment and Public Access 3. Flood Risk and Sea Wall 4. Infrastructure including traffic and roads.
Traffic and its impact on the infrastructure was the topic which posed most concern. Mr Trethewey, stated, in reference to the time when the Beach development may be complete, "We have to deal with what is in front of us and in front of us is a problem."
Chairman of CarlyonBayWatch, Mark Frazer, says, "These are chilling words, echoed by the fact that after hearing all the knowledgeable comments and expertise from those on the panel, in my summary at the end of the meeting, I was forced to comment that the conclusions were still unresolved and unclear.
He adds, " It would appear that there are so many complex issues and questions still to be addressed that this matter should be called in by the First Secretary of State for a full and independent public enquiry. Judging by the applause, this view appeared to be shared by the majority of those present."
For further information, please look at our web site www.carlyonbaywatch.co.uk
Editors Notes
Information and Awareness Day 27th November Venue: Charlestown Church Hall
Members of the public were invited to pop in and have a look at the displays from 10 - 1pm and again from 5pm - 7pm.
Volunteers from CBW provided information, acted as a conduit for any concerns, took queries to put forward at the ongoing Focus Groups and explored some of the implications of the project.
At 7pm - 9pm there was an open forum, with a 'Question Time' type format, where key figures with expert knowledge were available to answer questions.
The Panel were;
Mr Mark Frazer - Chair
Cllr Richard Stewart - Representing Crinnis Ward
Mr Antony Lee, Planning Officer for Restormel Borough Council
Mr Ray Trethewy, County Highways Department
Mr Julian Payne, The Environment Agency
Mr Richard Marsh, Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Mr Peter Browning, Mrs Gloria Price and Mr Peter Price for CarlyonBayWatch.
An invitation was extended to the Ampersand Group for a representative to also sit on the panel but this was not taken up. However, public relations personnel were present in the audience and Ampersand had arranged for a professional team to film the event.
CBW also filmed the event and copies can be made available to journalists on request.
Ray Trethewey's quotation was taken in full directly from the film footage.
Councillor Stewarts quotation was taken from an email he sent to the group after the event and he has given us permission to use it.
There were other important planning meetings going on in the town at the same time - which makes the turn out exceptionally good.
As well as extending our thanks to all those who attended, we are delighted to announce that funds of £212 were raised to support future CBW activities.
CarlyonBayWatch was formed as an umbrella group covering various residents associations in the area, in response to concerns about the holiday development to be built across Crinnis, Polgaver and Shorthorn beaches. A selection of members have been meeting regularly with representatives of the development company, Ampersand, since Spring 2003.