Council leader brands MP 'irresponsible' over harbour
THE LEADER of Cornwall Council has accused West Cornwall MP Andrew George of acting in an "irresponsible and divisive" manner over the plans for Penzance Harbour.
The letter from Tory council leader Alec Robertson to the Liberal Democrat MP comes just days before the second Strategic Planning Committee meeting on Monday to decide on the listed building consent application for Option A.
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Last week the Penzance Business Network, led by Mr George, unveiled details of an alternative scheme, known as Option PZ.
The project involved developing a mixed use terminal on the current site of the Waterside meadery and Penwith Marine Services. Both businesses confirmed they were willing to relocate, but owners of the Meadery have since reaffirmed their support for Option A in the first instance.
Compensation
Mr George has since stated that any reports suggesting the businesses had been offered compensation were inaccurate – he was not in a position to offer compensation and the plans were not at that stage.
Mr Robertson wrote to Mr George saying his claims unfairly raised expectations and undermined the council's position. He wrote: "You seem single minded in trying to undermine the hard work the Council has done to retain the sea link in Penzance. You have as recently as February 10, 2010 been advised by the Strategic Leaders' Board of the risks of losing the project funding, but you continue in misleading the public and unrealistically raising expectations. You have been briefed before on the time required to develop ideas into full business cases for the Department for Transport to consider and accept. This project does not have the time to start from scratch on a new idea."
In a three-page letter, he also demanded Mr George amend his statements and urged him to reconsider the timing of his public meeting, due to be held last night.
He added: "Option A or Falmouth, as the fall-back option, are the only options the Council feels are deliverable within the funding time scales.
"By promoting undeveloped ideas to 'scupper Option A' you are dividing the Penzance community and running the risk that Penzance will lose funding for any harbour project."
But Mr George hit back at the letter, describing the way the council had managed the project as "political point scoring" and "pandering to irresponsible populism".
He slammed Mr Robertson for relying on quotes from a new campaign group, A Future for Penzance, which was set up in support of Option A and has gained 3,500 Facebook "fans".
He said: "You are the leader of the pre-eminent authority in Cornwall. Yet you rely on quoting hyperbole from a campaign group using a social networking site and on what you know is selective quotations and inaccurate reports. Your actions diminish the council on which you serve.
"I urge you to rethink; to change direction from the disastrous course on which you are currently heading."
He invited Mr Robertson to repeat his views at the public meeting being held at the Methodist church in Chapel Street last night.
"Come down and work constructively with local businesses in the local community who are desperately worried about the future of this vital link; and find a way forward which does not run the risk of the project failing.
"Your portfolio holder is confident that the majority of people in Penzance oppose what I have been doing and support your council." Cornwall Council declined an invitation to present the plans for Option A at last night's public meeting, where Option PZ was also being discussed further.
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by TimV, Pz
Monday, March 08 2010, 1:33PM
“I think the point is, and only a fool would deny it, that the south arm of the harbour stands or falls on its completeness and integrity as an historic structure. To knock huge holes in it and submerge it in concrete, would be a desecration and an insult to every cultural sensibility. The fact that the proposed development is architecturally low grade adds insult to injury. Further its location and role, marks a clear delineation between the man made commercial activity and the natural and leisure functions of the bay. To compromise this divide would be an aesthetic disaster for all time. From "Holy Head" to "Unholy Mess" in only one step! Only total Philistines could have come up with such a proposal, an assumption that has been sadly confirmed many times by the outpourings of it principal proponents. That such people should be in a position to influence Cornwall's future development, is deeply disconcerting.”
by Mark, London
Friday, March 05 2010, 11:15AM
“Agree that there may be a hidden agenda behind Option A.
I really don't understand why they haven't considered a facility jutting out eastwards from the railway station”
by Alan, Penzance
Friday, March 05 2010, 10:39AM
“Just who is Alec Robertson representing at Cornwall Council? This contempt for the people of Penzance displayed by people like him and Graeme Hicks is just what we feared when the Unitary Authority was created. Perhaps they have another, more secretive agenda - I think we should be told.”
by Disappointed Resident, Penzance
Thursday, March 04 2010, 4:05PM
“Well Dick Cliffe Penzance another example of your open mindedness.
It may have escaped your notice but this was a genuine example of local people trying to find a way forward because like it or not option ¿A¿ has not got total support and it has many very influential and knowledgeable objectors that will not just melt away regardless of the second strategic planning vote. Yes you can bang on and on and on that Option ¿A¿ is the greatest if you wish but what you can no longer say is that there is not a less destructive and workable alternative.
This is your dilemma either find a compromise or plough on right up to ministerial level. To plough on could well take years with no guarantee of success. The other option is for you to open your mind and help refine this less destructive option.
It¿s clearly up to you and your associates but I would have a large bet with you, that it will be you that will eventually be judged as the ones that held things up if you choose the ploughing on option.”
by Dick Cliffe, Penzance
Thursday, March 04 2010, 3:15PM
“Long Rocker obviously knows little about Option Pz. Option Pz is Option A with the freight and passenger building built on the dock front instead of infill behind a new sea wall. The pier extension and the rock armour all go ahead. The presenter Keith Bell side stepped the issue of alternative sea defences for Barbican saying they would take advice about best practice from English Heritage - we know the answer - its rock armour on Battery Rocks beach but he could not say that to an audience of FoPH supporters.
Having sat through the entire presentation it becomes clear why the Council went for Option A (or rather why Option B was not pursued). There will be desparate problems with congestions (road is narrowed), vehicle manoeuvring and access to South Pier - look up the plans - they should be on the organizations web site.
Supports of Option A labelled it a pipedream befor the briefing and a nightmare afterwards. The town will violently object to it in its current form - it is truly hideous. Look for yourself.”