Steve Double, Conservative Party Candidate for St Austell and Newquay has called on Cornwall Council to make Newquay a priority when it comes to scheduling repairs to the damage caused by the recent storms.
Newquay has seen significant damage to facilities on some of its most popular beaches. Recent storms have brought high winds, coupled with high tides and have caused significant damage at Fistral Beach and Towan Beach, both popular beaches for tourists. With the start of the tourist season just a few weeks away there are concerns that crucial repair works will not be completed in time for the start of the Easter School Holidays.
Steve Double commented, ‘I recently met with Cornwall Council Leader John Pollard and expressed my concerns that any delay in the repair works in Newquay would have a damaging effect on the tourist industry. I am sure all areas affected by the storms will be making their own case. But for me it is crucial that the repairs to Newquay’s beaches are carried out as soon as possible, not only for the sake of local businesses, but for the tourist industry across Cornwall.’
He continued ‘I appreciate that Cornwall Council has a huge task with so many areas needing repairs following the recent storms. Priorities will have to be made. I am calling on the council to put Newquay at the top of its priority list. Newquay is Cornwall’s prime tourist resort and as such plays a strategic role for the County. Therefore I believe there is a justifiable case to be made for Newquay. I hope that all the Newquay members of Cornwall Council will support my call.’
Steve has followed up his meeting by writing to Cllr Pollard and the new Chief Executive Andrew Kerr to lobby on Newquay’s behalf. He also recently visited Fistral Beach to inspect the damaged caused.