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Caleb's Crossing

The family and friends of Caleb Hollow who was involved in the road accident at Loggans before Christmas and tragically died as a result of his injuries are determined to create a safer crossing point on the main road. They are waging a determined and positive campaign to bring this about. I fully support their aim and am doing what I can to make it happen. We need to understand that there is an official and legal process to go through after such events but all indications from Cornwall Council are that a clear crossing will be established with a central refuge between the estate and the 'bus stop. I am also confident that the speed limit after the 30mph will be reduced. We need to make this road safer for all and some traffic calming will help to make drivers aware of possible dangers and slow their approach. We are all reminded of the previous accident when Jamie Farrar was also knocked down. Personally I am not sure that any measure could have avoided these terrible accidents but we must do everything possible to make this road as safe as possible. This must happen and as soon as possible.

Hayle Towans.

Over a number of years ponies have grazed on the Towans and had a positive effect in reducing scrubland and maintain Towan. Now a very large area behind Phillack Church has been fenced off so that each winter more horses can graze the area. there are several points here:

• It is land in private ownership - Mrs La Touche- so she can do what she wishes.
• I support the use of horses in this way - it is very good practice
• However we locals are used to the 'right to roam' over this area and many are upset to see it fenced.
• Natural England have all necessary permissions and will ensure that definitive paths are open to all
• BUT - the fencing is barbed wire, dangerous to many and unacceptable to most
• The area is huge - not the small paddocks that we are used to but many many hectares.

I have meeting this week with those responsible and I hope we will be able to minimise the negative effect of these enclosures. To me Barbed Wire is unacceptable.

Carn Brae

Another topic of concern in my 'post bag' has been he developments at the Carn Brae Leisure Centre. This is well used by Hayle people and there is quite a campaign in defence of maintaining the running track. The story is that the Leisure Centre is run by a 'trust'. The centre is in desperate need of refurbishment at least and re building at best. Cornwall Council own the site and are doing a deal to sell it and use the proceeds to replace/improve the Leisure Centre. However the Trust do not want the Track which is a drain on their resources. So the plan is to refurbish the centre with the proceeds of the sale, relocate the track to a new site in the area and use any surplus to support the other leisure Centres across Cornwall. my stance is:

• As much of the proceeds of any sale that are needed should be re-in vested in leisure provision for the area
• The Running track must remain in the area - its the track for West Cornwall and must not be lost.
• Any 'deal' for its relocation must be underwritten and totally secure with a clear agreement on public access BEFORE any deal with any supermarket is agreed.
• Only then, if there is any money left should it be used to support other leisure facilities.

Back Bridge Road/Jubilee Path

I have received a number of comments by concerned residents who have seen the works at the old railway line between King George V Memorial Walk and the Recreation Ground. This is the Town Council's Jubilee Year project and sees the path restored to a proper width. This is a footpath but for a trial period cycles will be allowed along the route. If problems arise then this experiment will cease. I know many have been upset by the cutting back of the hedges along this stretch but they will re grow and soon restore themselves. The next stage is to repair the 1837 Railway Bridge along the path. This was last repaired in the 1980's by Hayle Scouts under the supervision of Dennis Palmer and urgent works are required to protect this scheduled monument. Starting today further works will take place on the 'Black Bridge Road' in preparation for re surfacing by Sustrans and the National Cycle Way. There is no way ( in my opinion) that this road will ever be opened to traffic but an improved surface will now be enjoyed by all.

18.02.13