"ACT NOW OR MISS OUT" WARNS CANDIDATE

4.20.52pm GMT Thu 6th Dec 2007

At last night's Newquay Town Council meeting, Conservative Councillors stopped Lib Dem Cllr Joanna Kenny from presenting a report on the process that could help attract millions of pounds of European funding for the redevelopment of the town's harbour.

Cllr Kenny, who represents the Gannel ward, had prepared to give a presentation to the Council on how it could help get much needed European funding to help regenerate the harbour - a vital first step in opening Newquay to visiting cruise liners.

Cllr Kenny said, "I was ready and willing to give a presentation to the Town Council, but the Conservatives didn't seem to want to listen. Across Cornwall projects seeking to benefit from European money are working hard on their businesses case, and I feel disappointed the Town Council wasn't even willing to listen to a report on the opportunities for Newquay."

During the public question time at the Town Council meeting, Stephen Gilbert, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Newquay, asked the Town Council if they realised the high level of competition in Cornwall for convergence funding and the need for the Council to work quickly and take a lead in promoting schemes, like the regeneration of the harbour, which would benefit Newquay.

Stephen Gilbert said: "There will be fierce competition from projects across Cornwall for the next round of European aid, so-called 'convergence funding'. Unless Newquay gets it act together I'm afraid it could miss out."

Stephen added, "Regenerating the harbour is one idea that could attract Euro funding, but there are others, like a Park & Ride scheme. What is sad is that this seems to have become a political issue. To get the investment everyone needs to work together and I will be writing to all the Town Councillors asking them to look at the issue as soon as possible in the New Year."