LIB DEMS WORK TO BRING CRUISE LINERS TO NEWQUAY

11.36.51am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 5th Oct 2007

Newquay Liberal Democrats tabled a motion at this week's Town Council meeting to back the process of transferring control of the harbour from Restormel Borough Council to a panel of Harbour Commissioners - a vital step in helping to pave the way for cruise liners to visit the town.

Stephen Gilbert, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Newquay has given his full support to the project that could see a huge boost for local businesses.

Stephen said: "It would be fantastic if we can open Newquay harbour to visiting cruise ships. It is a long term project that could take up to three years - it involves changing the management structure and investing in new facilities - but it would pay huge dividends for local businesses and it's a project I am determined to pursue."

Stephen added: "The first step is transferring control of the harbour away from Restormel and establishing a proper board of Harbour Commissioners."

The motion, tabled by Newquay Town and Restormel Borough Councillor Joanna Kenny, who represents the Gannel area, asked the Town Council to write to Restormel to record their support for the project and ask that, as local government in Cornwall prepares for the new Unitary Council, the project is not mothballed.

Cllr Joanna Kenny said: "We have a real opportunity now of transferring the management of the harbour back to local control in Newquay - that will be an essential building block for the provision of cruise boat facilities."

This weeks motion follows one tabled at last month's Town Council by Councillor George Edwards, which secured in principle agreement for the Town Council to help fund promotion of Newquay as a possible destination port for cruise liners.