Saga of Perranzabuloe repairs to beach steps is 'scandalous'
PERRANZABULOE Parish Council's handling of its repairs to steps leading to Perranporth beach have been described as scandalous.
Many locals were dismayed last week when the West Briton revealed Tamblyn Way steps remained closed for nearly two years despite remedial work costing more than £3,000 and several assessments of the structure.
The story led to Councillor Dave Webster apologising on the Please Listen Perranzabuloe Parish Council Facebook page over the length of time it has taken to deal with the 30-year-old wooden structure, saying he was "frustrated and disappointed".
The council had discussed the steps behind closed doors at its meetings.
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Writing on the Facebook site, resident Ian Hampton said: "As this matter is only discussed below the line [behind closed doors] at council meetings it's nice to see that someone has broken ranks and spoken to the press.
"This situation is nothing short of scandalous that almost £4,000 has been paid to a contractor who has messed it up. Either the contractor should be made to rectify his mistake or the money returned and someone else brought in to do the job properly."
Fellow resident Chris Gardner added: "It is certainly a pity that it was closed for the whole season, making access harder for visitors, especially when the economy is poor."
Responding to the criticism, Mr Webster posted a statement, also on Facebook, saying the council has voted to "instruct (building engineers) Derek Gray Associates to undertake a full and detailed inspection and engineering survey of Tamblyn Way".
The report would set out options and priorities to enable the council to budget for all the work.
He said the issue had been discussed below the line because it related to contracts, finances and legal issues.
The parish council, he wrote, had been "pragmatic", adding: "I am personally frustrated and disappointed. Way back in July I said that we were going to try to open the steps. With what we knew at the time that looked likely.
"That turned out to be wrong. Tamblyn Way steps is a key part of how this town works and as a parish councillor I apologise to you that this has taken so long."
Comments
by josdave
Monday, October 22 2012, 11:51AM
“Why didn't Cornwall Council, always banging on about the benefits of tourism, do something about this? They're quite happy to meddle in other affairs of parish councils.”