Speak with one voice to secure Penzance seafront regeneration

The West Cornwall MP who has called on Ministers to get behind plans for better coastal protection and regeneration for Penzance seafront is urging the local community to “speak with one voice” when seeking the support of Government.

Mr George called together a group of over 30 local stakeholders in January to advance the case for an offshore breakwater as the first phase in the redevelopment of Penzance Harbour and seafront and following recent storms, has called all parties back together again for a meeting in Penzance on Friday 28th March.

Last week, Mr George has secured a high level meeting with Government Ministers and officials in the coming weeks after he raised the issue in the House at Prime Minister’s Questions.

However, Mr George is determined that Penzance must speak with one voice and get behind the case for the kind of £multimillion regeneration bid which he and many others favour.

Mr George said: “Penzance deserves Government support to protect its seafront. More work is necessary to protect the harbour on St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly. £multimillions are rightly being spent to restore and protect the severed rail line at Dawlish but the lifeline link to the Isles of Scilly cannot be ignored by Government Ministers.

“Whilst we have secured a £multimillion package of improvements and developments to Penzance and St Mary’s, I believe that more could be achieved if those who care about the town came together and spoke with one voice and stood shoulder to shoulder in support of the town – unfortunately this is not something all have done in recent years.

“I have long argued that an offshore breakwater is a vital first step to securing the coastal defence and regeneration opportunities which Penzance needs. If the dark clouds which have hung over Penzance following the storms are to have the silver lining that the town and its economy deserve then everyone must come together and speak with one voice.”

At the private meeting which Mr George called and chaired in January, 35 representatives from Cornwall Council, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, Penzance Town Council, Penzance Harbour Users, the Business Improvement District, Chamber of Commerce and others were present and were advised by the Cornwall Harbour Master, Captain Andy Brigden and others. The next meeting will take place on Friday 28th March at 2 pm.

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