In last week's Cornishman, Mr Gilbert McCabe, chairman of Newlyn Harbour Commissioners, is reported as saying the catalogue of disaster surrounding their recent activities is of interest to "only six or seven individuals".
Not only does this insult the intelligence of the community in Newlyn, but it is totally untrue.Just 18 months ago, after years of decline, Newlyn seemed at last to be on the threshold of progress with a new board of commissioners, and approval in principal for re-development funding for the fish market and other infrastructure: but, to the dismay of many, hopes have been dashed and the town is now faced not just with the demoralising stagnation of recent years, but appears to be actually going backwards.
The promised funding, amounting to several million pounds has never been withdrawn. Many in Newlyn are also bewildered and extremely concerned by the expulsion of three commissioners at the meeting on May 31, and the resignation in protest of a fourth.The ousted members seemed to be those who were the most representative of the wider community and who had been the more active in seeking constructive progress for the port for the benefit of all, including the fishing industry.
Although some of these individual have been since reinstated, this seems to be a temporary measure and Mr McCabe is again demanding their resignation.The existing commission should be disbanded immediately and reconstituted from scratch by the Government minister who is responsible for port and harbours.
Finally Mr R Tovey, vice-chairman of the board, is also Cornwall Council's Cabinet member responsible for '"localism". It would be interesting to know if he agrees with Mr McCabe 's claim that only a tiny number of individuals are concerned about these developments because it would demonstrate that his grasp of local issues is tenuous, to say the least.
G Hewitt
Newlyn
(originally published as letter to the Cornishman)