Positive news

I have included my most recent town council report because i would like to share some of the work i have beed doing over some considerable time to regenerate the town.   The first major problem in the town is making the community sustainable with a development that gives something to the town as a economic regeneration and gives jobs for local people.   This will also help the local fishing fleet as that has been in decline over the last ten years as bigger boats have drifted to Plymouth to work because of the tidal nature of the harbour.   These are early stages but the town will need to get behind this and deliver a scheme of the greatest benefit for all.   Secondly the works in the Health Centre Car park will cause some disruption to the working of the centre for a period but this can be managed to a minimum with all the partners working together.    The bonus of this scheme is that the towns bathing water quality will be affected less by spills which is very good news for the town.  Let me know if you have any questions  Regards Armand

LOOE TOWN COUNCIL REPORT

ARMAND TOMS LOOE EAST AND ST MARTINS

1.          FLOODING ISSUES

On the 19^th of February, 2013 members from 3 of the towns organisations met with Nick Ely and Councillor Phil Parsons regarding the problems faced by the town with regard to flooding.    I was disappointed that West Looe Town Trust did not attend but I have since spoken to the Chairman and they have agreed to attend the next meeting.    Over the last 18 month to 2 years I have been working on a solution to the long standing problem in Looe of flooding and this I hope is the first of many meetings.   I called this meeting to bring together the towns organisation so that a bottom up approach can be taken to the problem as the plans in the 90s from the EA were rejected by the town at great cost.   So the need to bring together the town to find a solution in necessary as any scheme needs their full support.  

There were three strands to the discussion, one being flooding by wave and tidal surge, two the protection of properties and thirdly a flood plan for the town.   The first strand was discussed at length and I have suggested that any sea defences should also consider the economic benefits that would also be available.   If a breakwater was built for protection of the harbour then moorings for visiting boats should also be made available with the addition of a all states of the tide mooring to give access to the town.  It was agreed that the delivery of this first project would bring economic benefit and solve the need for protection of property in the long term, but work needs to be done in the short term to help the protection of property. 

Lastly there is a need for a flood plan for the town and during the recent meeting with the EA and others regarding bathing water quality I was able to get a copy of the procedure.   I would ask that the town council leads on this and request that there is an involvement of the community with flood leaders and wardens etc.   Can this be sent to the relevant committee for consideration.

2.          SEWAGE SCHEME AT DOCTORS SURGERY AND PATIENTS CAR PARK

Last Friday the Mayor and myself met with the health surgery manager, doctor and SWW regarding works to alleviate spills from the holding tanks under the doctors car park.    The idea is that SWW increase the size of the holding tank under the doctors car park and expand it into an area under the patients car park.    These works will be carried out as soon as possible to help with the spillages which affect the bathing water quality.  It was agreed that these works are necessary to help the town and it is hoped that plans will be available in the near future and there will be a need to consult with the town.   I was able to get an officer from the council to attend and asked questions regarding the use of the riverside car park.   When I have the full details I will share them.

3.          COUNCIL TAX

The council tax for Cornwall has been set at a zero percent increase which will have a detrimental effect on the services provided and there will be job losses.    I worry about the cuts in money to both childrens and adults social care bank and relief staff will not be available.  This will also cut services such as times for library and one stop shop opening as well as call centre staff.   Having voiced my concerns but they were not heard.