News Archive

Beaches unfit for bathing

BATHERS taking a dip at two beaches along the St Austell area coastline could become sick.
Par Beach and Crinnis Golf Links Beach have failed the mandatory standard for water quality in The Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide — and could be closed to bathers under new European standards due to be enforced in 2015.
The organisation, which is dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife, conducted the bathing water tests in summer 2009 as part of its campaign for clean seas and beaches.
It is a big drop for Crinnis as the beach was awarded the highest water quality standard last year. Par Beach has failed the test for the second year running.

[ View Story ]

Dog saves young mum from fire

A young mum who leapt for her life from blazing inferno says she owes her life to her pet dog Lady.
A fire swept through Alyshia Bennett's mid terrace cottage in Holmbush Road in the early hours of last Wednesday. As she settled for the night, her young Staffordshire Cross became increasingly agitated and refused to let her sleep.  That  act of devotion probably saved her life as Alyshia, 20, describes the horror that she faced.
"Lady, my dog, was going nuts,” she said. “This wasn't like her at all. To be honest, I was getting fed up with her disturbing me and shut her in the bedroom with me so that I could get some sleep. I only had a baby 14 weeks ago, and my mum had kindly arranged to look after him for the night so that I could have a break.
"However, she kept jumping up at me and it was then that I noticed how hot it was getting. I opened the bedroom door and was faced with flames half way up the stairs and a roomful of smoke.

[ View Story ]

Neew store opens in July

The Voice can confirm that TK Maxx will be opening a new store in White River Place on July 17, creating 50 new jobs, writes Jenny Stanton.
The new TK Maxx store will feature designer bargains for St Austell shoppers, in a two-storey, over 20,000 sq ft, shop on the corner of Aylmer square.  The second Cornish TK Maxx shop will have famous label fashion for women, men and kids as well as gifts, accessories, home and toys.
Helen Gunter, TK Maxx spokesman, said: “We are very excited to be opening up a new store and bringing St Austell's shoppers savings of up to 60 per cent off the recommended retail price on great brands and labels for all the family under one roof."

[ View Story ]

Pastors on the streets

STREET PASTORS headed out into St Austell for the first time on Saturday night, with the aim of being a calming influence on the streets.
The 13 pastors attended a special ceremony at the St Austell Baptist Church to receive their uniforms before taking to the streets.
The Christian Initiative involves Church members and leaders, and the pastors will work collaboratively with the Police and the local authority, going into the town on a Friday night fortnightly between 10pm and about 3pm.
They will give a listening ear to the lonely, frightened, intoxicated, vulnerable and intimidated and will offer genuine, non-judgemental support to anyone who requests it help.

[ View Story ]

New surgery opens

The Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall unveiled a plaque at the opening of an impressive new doctors surgery last week, built to replace the old surgery on Belmont Road.
The Wheal Northey Centre, off Trenowah Road, St Austell, was opened last Thursday, marking the completion of a major design and build project which started in early April 2009 and was completed in less than a year by Midas Construction.
Lady Mary Holborow officially opened the surgery before Professor Anthony Pinching, of the Peninsula college of Medicine and Dentistry, cut the ribbon on the medical training facilities.

[ View Story ]

Work begins on Children's Hospice

THE DREAM of building a St Austell children's hospice became a reality on Tuesday when work got underway to construct the £5m facility.
Heavy machinery rolled on to the Higher Porthpean site to commence digging the foundations for the Children's Hospice South West's Little Harbour project.
Staff, volunteers and families who use the charity's services gathered to watch the landmark occasion. Guest of honour was Finn Way, the younger brother of the late Joe Way, who has inspired a fundraising effort toward the hospice.

[ View Story ]

Police target beach vandals

POLICE are taking action to stop late night revellers using Porthpean Beach in St Austell for unruly late night parties causing noise, nuisance and dangerous litter.
Local residents have made complaints about the party-goers and have also reported that trees have been damaged and items have been stolen from their gardens and subsequently burnt on bonfires.
Smashed bottles, burnt remains and other dangerous litter have been left strewn across the beach.

[ View Story ]

Council asks for mast move

COUNCIL bosses are looking to persuade a mobile phone giant to erect its controversial Charlestown mast away from school children and residents.
Cornwall Council will be having discussions with Vodafone following the backlash that has occurred after the company was permitted on appeal to construct the 10 metre high structure on land at Church Road.
Health fears have been raised about building the facility so close to Charlestown Primary School and nearby housing.

[ View Story ]

Alternatives put forward to incinerator

THE FORMAL objectors of the proposed St Dennis incinerator are proud after finishing giving their evidence at the public inquiry.
Consultancy firm the Power of Cornwall completed the evidence put forward at the appeal hearing being staged at Kingsley Village in Fraddon against the facility earmarked to be built at Parkendillick. The company called witnesses to demonstrate the wrong method was chosen by Sita and Cornwall County Council to treat the county’s residual waste.
The Power of Cornwall also showcased an alternative solution to incineration that could be operational within two years, which would prevent penalties being imposed on the county by the Government for not fulfilling landfill directive requirements.

[ View Story ]

Inquiry hears of sexed-up incinerator report

OPPONENTS of the proposed incinerator in St Dennis are claiming a successful week at the public inquiry in their battle to get the planning application refused.
Representatives from the Transition Cornwall Network, which supports groups throughout the county moving toward a low carbon future, gave evidence at the appeal hearing staged at Kingsley Village in Fraddon. They detailed information on the council’s waste strategy and possible alternatives to a mass incinerator.

[ View Story ]