Community consultation over harbour plans

HUNDREDS of shoppers and students have had the chance to find out more about proposals for the development of Penzance Harbour.

Community consultations have been held at Causewayhead and Penwith College in a bid to give local people a say on the options that are paving the way for a major overhaul of the harbour.

Youth worker Jenny Manning chats with Nigel Pearce at the consultation stall.
Suzy Messenger, Community Development Officer PCDT, chats with Don Kirk.
From left, Jeni McFadden, Suzy Messenger and Simon Cook look over the plans.

The events came ahead of the exhibition and community consultation on the major scheme, due to be held at PZ Gallery today.

"We were providing information to ensure that we have as many views as possible, to be all inclusive," said Suzy Messenger, a member of the communities team of Penwith Community Development Trust (PCDT) who manned the consultation stall at Causewayhead last weekend.

The organisation was brought in by the Penzance Harbour Scheme Management Board (PHSMB) to help spread the consultation message throughout the area.

"People were interested. I think the general consensus was that something has to change. Everyone is in fear at the moment about the high street and the implications of the heliport going and people were expressing major concerns. They said a decision has got to be made." PHSMB have put forward two ideas for the public to comment on.

They focus on the north and south arms of the main pier and include a covered walkway and passenger terminal along with improved freight storage.

The popular Albert Pier option has been ruled out after coming in at more than twice the £8 million budget but the details will still be on show for people to view.

Dick Cliffe, chairman of Penzance Chamber of Commerce said thousands of leaflets detailing the harbour options had been posted into doors across the town ahead of today's consultation.

"Neither of the two options will be selected as they are so we want to know what people like and don't like about them," he said.

"We want to put forward the one that has the most support."

The exhibition and community consultation is due to be held today, Thursday February 9, from 11am-9pm at PZ Gallery, Coinagehall Street.

Ms Messenger also added that any elderly people wanting travel support should call her on 07772300741.

For more information about the harbour scheme visit www.pzharbourfutures.org.