Not only is Newquay a fantastic place to live and work in,
it is also one of the county’s most popular holiday destinations. Rightly so it
is often considered the jewel in Cornwall’s tourism crown. Attracting around
100,000 visitors in the summer alone, it is important the town is kept looking
at its best and appropriate funds are ploughed into the area to ensure this
happens.
So with this in mind, I was saddened to be contacted about
the poor state of the area at the top of Tolcarne Beach. Benches, which should
give people the perfect opportunity to enjoy the stunning view from Narrowcliff Road,
have been left to deteriorate to a point where layers of paint are flaking
away, wood is visible and some benches are broken all together. One constituent
even found two screws exposed on one of the seats. This is an accident waiting
to happen and is simply not good enough.
Furthermore, the paint on the blue railings is peeling away
and in some instances, revealing the metal underneath. Weeds are getting out of
control, snaking their way up and across the railings.
To this end, I was encouraged to see the community coming
together at the weekend to stage a public protest against the state of the area
and to raise awareness of the issue. The well attended event gave people the
chance to air their views and discuss a way forward.
While as a Member of Parliament I cannot force
Cornwall Council to take action, I can – and will – back residents in their
calls to see this area improved. I believe historically Cornwall Council has
not served Newquay well and this is evidenced here. The town has some of the
highest car parking charges in the county, yet year after year we fail to see
fair investment back into the town from these funds.
This is an issue affecting several points across the town,
so I am pleased residents are taking the time to stand up and say enough is
enough. I am keen to play a part in getting this put right and will make
representations where appropriate, having already contacted Cornwall Council
about this specific issue, urging them to take immediate action to improve this
area in time for the summer season.
As this develops, I will keep you updated through my
Facebook page ‘Steve Double MP’ and through this newspaper.
As always, my team and I are here to serve the whole constituency
and work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone needing
support. If there is an issue you would like my assistance on then please
contact me on either 01726 829379 or office@stevedouble.org.uk.
Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only, advice surgeries across the
constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
