John Woodward expresses support for decision to retain mining operations.

A DECISION to refuse planning permission for a controversial development in Cornwall has been welcomed by John Woodward.

 In a 98 page document the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) set out the need to protect mining viability in the country’s last tin mine at South Crofty and put infrastructure in place before future developments can go ahead.

Mining company Crofty Developments had submitted plans to build 400 new homes and a heritage centre on part of its South Crofty site, near Pool, Cornwall.

However, on Friday Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for the DCLG, ruled against the company’s appeal for planning permission to be granted. The decision comes just a month after the Camborne Pool Redruth Regeneration (CPR), unveiled ambitious proposals of its own for the 76-acre site.

Those include proposals to transform a large section of land around Dudnance Lane in Pool into a sport, leisure, health and recreation development, while to the east of the site there are also plans for a hotel and conference centre, a strategic car park, and both retail and residential developments.

The decision has been welcomed by John Woodward, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle.

He said: “There are implications for both Crofty Developments and the CPR Regeneration Company but I broadly welcome the Secretary of State’s decision which will allow the possibility for viable mining operations to take place in the future.

“The Secretary of State has placed a great deal of weight on the very things that I support.  I have always maintained that a strong local economy with sustainable and genuine wealth creating jobs is the true test of regeneration. 

“That, together with getting the infrastructure in place before starting major developments are the key messages that have been sent out and this is a sensible approach.”

The proposals put forward by CPR will be put before Kerrier District Council for consideration.

Conservatives fight for vital funding for lifeguards gains “unanimous support”.

A CAMPAIGNER said “common sense had prevailed” after her calls to reinstate vital funding for lifeguard provision in South East Cornwall today received unanimous support from a council panel.

A motion calling for the reinstatement of the vital lifeguard funding was discussed by Caradon Council’s Community Services Panel on Monday, September 17th.

The motion had originally been proposed to the council by Sheryll Murray, the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cornwall, in July, but was referred to the panel for debate.

Prior to the meeting Sheryll, along with a number of her fellow Conservative councillors, met with members of Whitsand Bay Surf Life Saving Club to receive a petition, which was then presented to the panel.

Following the presentation, the panel gave its unanimous support for the motion to restore the vital funding. It will now go before the council’s Cabinet for discussion, before then being referred to the full council.

Speaking after the meeting, Sheryll said: “I am so pleased that common sense has prevailed.

“Whitsand Bay has some of the most dangerous tides in the South West, with the most recent tragedy occurring as recently as Sunday.

“I spoke to the practice nurse who attended the incident and she had so much praise for the lifeguards on duty. She confirmed that vital medical equipment stored in the lifeguard station could have made a vital difference and the loss of lifeguards at Whitsand would mean we could see more fatalities.”

The motion calling for the reinstatement of the vital funding was proposed and seconded by Conservative Councillors Armand Toms and seconded by Councillor Richard Pugh.
During the meeting, the Conservatives were amazed to hear the Liberal Democrat Portfolio holder announce that provision for funding was included in the council’s medium term financial strategy.

The statement by the Liberal Democrat Portfolio holder comes as a bigger surprise given comments from the Lib Dem leader of Caradon District Council, who in July said the funding was ‘not guaranteed’.

Sheryll said: “I sincerely hope the cabinet will now allow this funding to go ahead and that full council will support the reinstatement.

“Hopefully this means a lifeguard service in Whitsand Bay for the 2008 season and locals and tourists will be able to enjoy these beautiful beaches in the knowledge that their welfare is being taken car of.”

Fundraising ball helps secure financial future of Ashburton Pre-School.

ORGANISERS are celebrating after a fundraising ball designed to offer a financial lifeline to a struggling Central Devon pre-school raised more than £2,000.

The black-tie event, which was held in Ashburton Town Hall on Saturday was organised to raise vital funds for Ashburton Pre-School .

The Love Lane school, which takes children aged from 2-5, has been running for 30 years and is staffed by a mixture of dedicated volunteers and paid staff.

In recent years it has struggled with a significant financial deficit, and became in desperate need of funding. In an attempt to bolster the school’s financial situation, a group of local residents formed a fundraising committee, which organised the black-tie event in a bid to raise money for the school.

On Saturday, around 120 revellers gathered for the ball, which featured live music and an auction of promises. With donations still coming in, organisers have said the event has already raised more than £2,000 for the pre-school – which has secured its financial future.

Speaking after the event, Mel Stride said: “The ball was a tremendous success, was magnificent fun for everyone involved and, most importantly, has helped secure the immediate future of the pre-school.”

Fellow committee member, Heatherbelle Bates said: “The fundraisers and staff were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and huge sense of fun of the party goers who threw themselves wholeheartedly into the evening.

“We would also like to thanks Destiny and also Neil Porter for providing the music and disco, and our sponsors J. Searles, Moorland Property Services, Barnes Kitchens, the Victoria Inn , Nick Laity, Smiths Butchers, Tidballs.

“We would also like to thanks John Germon for his support; Sara’s Lavender Box, Howard Douglas and the Victoria Inn for selling the tickets and use of their facilities; and the Ashburton Mayor and Bailiff who superbly hosted the night as auctioneers.”

Such was the success of the ball, organisers are now planning on making it an annual event. For more information, telephone the school on 01364 653404 or 652752.

Timber from historic building to be saved

THE Victorian pitch pine timber frame from one of Cornwall’s most historic buildings has been saved, thanks to the intervention of John Woodward.

Kerrier District Council decided to save the frame of the Old Holman Shed after Mr Woodward, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Camborne Redruth and Hayle, raised concerns over its proposed demolition last month.

Arrangements are now being made for the wood to be re-used within the Robinson’s Shaft Mine site at Pool, sited between Camborne and Redruth.

The Old Holman Shed was originally built for Dolcoath Mine in the 1890’s to house California Stamps – a type of crushing machine.

It was dismantled and moved to it’s present site, in Dudnance Lane, Camborne, in the 1940’s, when as part of the war effort it was used to manufacture Bailey Bridge components, Oerlikon gun mountings and parts for the Mulberry floating Harbour.

In its latter years, it was also owned by South Crofty Mine and Holman’s before being purchased by Kerrier District Council.

In recent years, the remarkable building has fallen into a state of disrepair. Last month, Kerrier District Council put forward plans to dismantle the historic building.

However, it has now undergone a change of direction over the proposals, following extensive behind the scenes negotiations between John Woodward and senior Kerrier Councillors and officers.

John said: “Although I am disappointed that the building could not be re-clad and re-sited, I consider the saving of the timber for future heritage projects to be the next best alternative.

“By reusing this timber, not only is there a financial saving by off-setting the cost of new wood but by incorporating them into new buildings there will be a historical story to tell future generations.”

John’s father (Gordon Woodward) was one of the engineers who helped dismantle and move the building to its present site in the 1940’s.  As part of the war effort it was used to manufacture Bailey Bridge components, Oerlikon gun mountings and parts for the Mulberry floating Harbour. In its latter years, it was also owned by South Crofty Mine and Holman’s before being purchased by Kerrier District Council.

Following the demolition of the Brunel Engine Shed at Truro, this was the last Cornish example of the first generation of large industrial buildings constructed by cladding a pitch pine frame with galvanised iron sheets. The method of construction was very revolutionary in its day.  It was the forerunner of the countless millions of so called ‘large crinkly sheds’ which now dominate the industrial scene worldwide.

More effective action needed on Foot and Mouth crisis: Anne Marie Morris

ANNE MARIE MORRIS has called on the Government to act decisively to ensure the livelihoods of Devon’s farmers, hauliers and retailers are protected in the wake of the latest foot and mouth disease outbreak.

Ms Morris, the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Newton Abbot, made the impassioned call as she pledged her support to the vital industry, which is struggling to come to terms with the latest outbreak of disease.

The outbreak, which comes less than six weeks after the virus was first discovered at a farm near Guildford, in Surrey, and only four days since the last restrictions were finally lifted.

On Sunday, all farmers outside the Surrey restriction zone were given permission to take their animals to slaughter – although livestock can still not be traded or moved for other reasons.

The restrictions still in place are causing misery to farmers across the Westcountry during the autumn ‘livestock harvest’ - when thousands of animals are sold at markets for fattening-up and breeding purposes.

The restrictions have also caused dismay and anger among many in South Devon’s rural industries, which has prompted Anne Marie to request that the Government move quickly to review the following:

* whether the non-prophylactic vaccination of livestock might help to eradicate the virus more quickly;

* whether the correct procedural arrangements are in place to deal with an outbreak, and, in particular, whether it is necessary to restrict the movement of animals where there is little, or no, evidence that the virus has spread beyond any 3 km exclusion zones;

* whether compensation payments for farmers are adequate, and whether all other industries affected by the outbreak should also be compensated for their losses; and

* whether the outbreak can teach us anything in relation to how we treat the rural community more generally.

Anne Marie said: ‘I welcome the speed, once again, with which the Government has acted to try and contain this outbreak, but we are at the stage now where acting quickly is largely futile if what is done does not provide any benefit.

‘It is a critical time of year for farmers in particular, and the Government needs to make sure that all its efforts are geared towards alleviating the difficulties that they, and others, are experiencing.

‘Specifically, I think it is now time that it reviewed its policy of not vaccinating livestock, especially if, by doing so, it might mean that the virus could be eliminated more quickly.

“Obviously, any review would have to take into account what impact any change would have on our exports, as well as on our domestic market. But elimination of the virus is now the top priority, so the question, at least, deserves to be asked.

‘Also, I understand fully that restrictions on the movement of animals might, in some circumstances, be absolutely necessary.

“However, when there is little evidence that the virus has spread beyond where it originated, I am worried that restrictions serve merely to exacerbate existing problems, and to undermine confidence in our rural industries.

I spoke, the other day, to a local pig farmer, who said that, if the movement ban was not lifted within two days, he would be out of business for good. Clearly, this is not a situation that we can afford to be complacent about.

‘In the end, though, whether this crisis continues for a long time or is ended relatively quickly, it is essential that farmers, and other industries that have been affected by the outbreak, are compensated fully for their losses, and I will certainly be pressing for the Government to deal fairly with all of those involved.’

Charles Baughan, the Marketing Director of Westaways, said that the outbreak could not have come at a worse time for his company, or for anyone else in the industry.

He said: “We have worked very hard over the last few years trying to find and develop new export markets for our products, and indeed this year we have been shortlisted for the 2007 New Exporter of the Year award.

“But this latest outbreak makes it extremely difficult for us to hold on to those markets.

‘I suppose if I had one message for the Government it would be for them to make sure that all of us affected by this are compensated fully for what we have lost, because if we are not, there will be great damage done to the rural economy in the area, as well as in the country at large.’

Conservatives listening to businesses in Launceston: Sian Flynn.

SIAN FLYNN accompanied Mark Prisk, the Shadow Minister for Cornwall, to meet members of the Launceston business community and hear their views and concerns about issues that impact business health during a recent visit to the Duchy.

During the visit Mark, who is also the Shadow Minister for Small Business and Enterprise met with representatives of manufacturing, agriculture, and retailing as well as others who work with a wide range of businesses of all sizes in the area.

Speaking after the visit, Mark said: “I was very pleased to hear directly from local businesses about their concerns, and this feedback will help inform the Conservative manifesto.

“We are committed to reducing the burden of regulation – in particular I’m well aware that smaller businesses can be hit disproportionately by ill thought through measures imposed by Government.’

Issues that came to the fore included the cost of employing staff, with the bureaucracy association with employing just one person being a significant barrier to sole traders taking on a worker.

Sian, the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North Cornwall, said: “I have been a sole trader myself, and I know that I would turn down work rather than face the issues that taking on a member of staff would raise.

“This is a significant barrier to business expansion, and I’m very pleased that the Conservatives are going to look at how we can make it easier for small businesses to create jobs – particularly important in North Cornwall’.

Other problems raised with Mark were around planning and affordable housing, transport issues and the power of the supermarkets.  He pledged to take on board these concerns.

Sian said: “Feedback after the meeting was very positive.  I’m extremely grateful to everyone who came along.”

Safer Station scheme arrives in Copplestone

MEL STRIDE (the Conservative Candidate for the new parliamentary seat of Central Devon) and Angela Browning MP visited Copplestone station on Friday to review recent improvements made under the Safer Station Scheme.

At Copplestone this has resulted in the installation of a platform phone and a system which allows passengers to text from a mobile to receive information about when the next train is due to arrive.

The platform also features a push button information-point that provides timetable information. There are plans for this system to be upgraded to allow passengers to speak to an operator in the case of danger.

Joining Mel and Angela were Don Reid of First Great Western Trains and John Phillips, Chairman of The North Devon Rail Users Group.

Commenting on the safety improvements Angela Browning said: “Safety for rail passengers is paramount especially in rural areas and I very much welcome the improvements which I have seen today and those that are planned for the future.”

Mel Stride said: “The Tarka line is one of the most important in Mid Devon and passenger numbers have grown dramatically over recent years hitting around 300,000 in the last twelve months.

“What we need now is an hourly service and an early morning and late evening train. A more comprehensive service will result in a further increase in passenger numbers.

“This can only be good for the line and for the environment as a result of reduced car journeys.”

Shadow Minister for Cornwall visits county success story.

 MARK PRISK, the Shadow Minister for Cornwall, called in on one of North Cornwall’s great success stories during a recent visit to the Duchy.

Accompanied by Sian Flynn, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for North Cornwall, Mark visited the Davidstow creamery during his latest fact-finding tour of the county.

Situated on an old airfield, the creamery is the producer of Cathedral City, the UK’s most popular Cheddar as well as making quality cheeses under the Davidstow brand for some of Britain’s leading chains.

Speaking after the visit, Mark said: “I was very pleased to have the chance to visit this successful plant, and clearly one which is key to the health of dairying in Cornwall and West Devon.”

Davidstow uses 65 per cent Cornish milk in its production, and contracts for over half of all the milk produced in Cornwall.  During the visit, Sian and Mark heard about the success of Davidstow this year in winning Supreme Champion at the Nantwich Cheese Show, the biggest in the world.

They also heard about the changes in product range at the plant, responding to consumer demand, and also the challenges facing the plant in the future.

As the plant is a significant energy user, the team at Davidstow are exploring solutions for reducing energy usage and the reliance on fossil fuels.

Sian said: “It was good to hear that Dairy Crest are looking at a wide range of solutions to their energy problems, and taking responsibility themselves.

“The Conservatives have just produced the most comprehensive discussion document on the environment ever by a political party and that makes it clear that we’ve all got to take responsibility for our use of power – it’s not a problem governments alone can solve, though they can offer incentives for good schemes.

“I’ll look forward to hearing more about how this important business for North Cornwall is taking these issues forward.”

Mark and Sian also saw the highly automated system at Davidstow which makes sure that Cornish milk goes into branded Cornish products, raising the profile of the food business in the county, which now has an excellent reputation for quality products.

Sian Flynn listening to concerns raised within the North Cornwall constituency.

SIAN FLYNN, the Conservative’s Parliamentary candidate in North Cornwall, has been getting out and about in the constituency to listen to the views and concerns of North Cornwall’s voters.

She’s been to public events in St. Breward and Blisland, as well as met many activists and supporters, and has also had the chance to chat to electors in different parts of the constituency.

Sian said: “It has been a real pleasure to meet so many new people in North Cornwall, as well as catch up with friends and colleagues who I’ve known for many years.

“The overwhelming message I have been given is that the people of Cornwall are tired of being at the bottom of the agenda, and are demanding that their concerns are taken seriously be people who can make a difference.”

Sian has been working with colleagues in the rest of the county, and the Shadow Minister for Cornwall, Mark Prisk, to develop an agenda for Cornwall which will set out their responses to the challenges that face the area in the future.

Sian said: “We’re looking forward to taking Cornwall’s issues to the very top, and having the clout in Government to get things done.

“It’s all very well having representatives who are sympathetic, but the time is long overdue for Cornwall to be represented by MPs who can put their plans into action.”

Theresa Villiers hears concerns over transport infrastructure during visit to Bristol.

THERESA VILLIERS has backed a campaigner’s continued calls for the First Bus group to improve its service provision in Bristol.

The Shadow Secretary of State for Transport made the assertion during a fact-finding visit to learn more about the problems associated with the city’s public transport network, on Wednesday evening.

Ms Villiers was accompanied on her visit by Charlotte Leslie, the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bristol North West, who outlined the problem members of the public face when using public transport across the city.

Ms Leslie has vigorously campaigned, on behalf of the public, over transport issues since her selection. Among her campaigns have been a call for a referendum over the introduction of congestion charges, as well as securing an agreement with First Bus to consult with key community groups over potential changes to its service provision.

During her visit, Ms Villiers addressed a number of key local business leaders over many of Bristol’s public transport problems.

She used the speech to not only call for a fresh look at the franchising system and less micromanagement from the Department of Transport, but also that improving bus and First Great Western Train services must be a priority.

Theresa Villiers said: “I believe there could be a role for more tolling and charging in helping to generate much needed additional road capacity.

“However, we should not use charging to price people off the road altogether. Nor must road pricing become simply another stealth tax. And above all, road pricing schemes should have local consent.

“That is why I can understand and sympathise with the campaigners like Charlotte Leslie who are calling for a referendum before road pricing is introduced in Bristol.

“The freedom to travel is a key part of people’s quality of life. Improving the frequency and reliability of bus services should be a priority for any city.
“However, the importance of this goal becomes even greater if we make wider use of road tolling or charging.

“I think Charlotte Leslie is absolutely right to call on First Bus to sharpen up their act and start providing a better service for their customers.

“The key to success is getting the local authorities and bus companies working effectively in partnership with one another. I hope that both First Bus and Bristol City Council can work constructively together to find a way to improve the reliability of bus services in Bristol.”