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Members of the newly formed Newlyn watchdog group 'Friends of the Bay'
are urging local people to attend this week's public exhibition on the
regeneration proposals for the port.
Marcia Webb, group spokesperson, said that the exhibition, which is being
held at the Fisherman's Mission, has not been widely publicised - and
that the group itself was not officially informed about the two-day event.
"We are hoping that as many people as possible will go to the exhibition
and have their say on the proposals," she said.
"Friends of The Bay has been formed by a group of Newlyn residents
after a number of us became increasingly concerned about some of the proposals
and felt local people's voices were not being heard."
She said that the group was not so much a pressure group, but more a
liaison team aided by South West Planning Aid.
"We are trying to obtain more detailed information about the proposed
developments around Penzance, Newlyn and Penlee Quarry," she said.
"We hope to pass on this information to all groups of people especially
those who do not have access to a computer.
"Whilst we are not against change and are fully aware of the needs
of the fishing and tourism industry, we do not want to lose the essence
of our beautiful bay and the culture of this area.
"We would like to highlight the need for better advertising of public
consultation meetings, hopefully resulting in an improved attendance and
a better knowledge of public feeling."
Marcia said the group would like to promote the idea that the planners
of the main projects could work together and take a 'holistic' view of
Mounts Bay and not work in separation.
"By doing ground work now, with guidance from South West Planning
Aid, we hope to have established an unbiased platform for the public to
be heard when the draft plans are publicised," said Marcia.
"What we are urging people to do now is attend the public consultation
of all the proposals and meet with the various regeneration teams and
developers at the Mission for Deep Sea Fisherman, Newlyn on July 2 and
3.
"This is going to be a two day drop in for people to air their views.
"As of yet we have not seen this advertised anywhere, but we are
sure the intention is not to avoid a public enquiry."
Tony Woodhams, chairman of the Mission's local advisory committee, said
that the exhibition and consultations have been well advertised.
"I have given posters to the Gwavas groups to ensure that they are
fully informed and have put up 32 through out Newlyn and the surrounding
area," he said.
"Additionally the detail will be made available in the current newsletter
which is free of charge from this office, an announcement was made on
Radio Cornwall in the Newlyn coastal round up and the Consultation process
will be included in The Cornishman this week.
"We also hope to be able to engage with West Country television
either Thursday or Friday to ensure further that an even wider audience
is reached."
article copyright © THE CORNISHMAN
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