MP to press for quicker response to coastline damage restoration

West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, will meet campaigners from Penzance and Newlyn at Newlyn Green today (Friday 11th April) regarding a petition which is being raised urging the Government to speed up its response to the damage sustained to the coast in the Newlyn and Penzance Promenade area.

Mr George will be accompanied by local Councillor, Cllr Jim McKenna, and will meet local representatives including Ben Tunnicliffe of the Tolcarne Inn and Marcia Bell at 3.30pm this afternoon.

Mr George has raised issues with the Flooding Minister in DEFRA, Dan Rogerson MP, the Deputy Prime Minister, Cornwall Council and others.

He recently heard from the Environment Director at Cornwall Council, Peter Marsh, who confirmed that officers from the Council have been meeting Cormac Solutions Ltd to progress repair works along the coastal frontage from Newlyn Green to Penzance Promenade. He explained that a temporary footpath is to be constructed from the Fisherman’s monument to Bolitho Gardens (the path will run parallel to the damaged areas) to allow public access to be reinstated until the permanent works can be progressed. He also explained that it remains unclear when the permanent works to repair the damaged sections of coastal defences will be undertaken as the apportionment of costs has not been agreed between the Government and the Council.

Mr George said: “After the Prime Minister effectively promised that ‘money is no object’ in respect of the storm damage, I am disappointed that a number of Government Departments have been engaged in a ‘passing the buck’ exercise leaving Cornwall Council with an at least £21.5 million shortfall to restore the damage in many locations, especially that around Mount’s Bay, at Coverack and other locations in this constituency. This is simply not good enough and all concerned must get round the table soon and find a way forward.”

 

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