Plea for patience as grants system overloads

The county council has issued an urgent message to all students in Cornwall who are waiting to hear about an education maintenance allowance, grant or student loan.

Education chiefs say that due to a series of factors beyond their control they are experiencing a greater number of queries than ever before. This has resulted in both the switchboards at County Hall reception and in the student services section becoming inundated.

A county spokesperson urged: 'Don't phone County Hall or student services unless your enquiry is absolutely urgent.'

Extra staff have already been bought in to begin easing the situation.

Tamar Bridge traffic news

Closures on the Tamar Bridge will take place during three overnight periods next month, with traffic being diverted via Gunnislake or Torpoint and with the ferry operating an increased service, which will be free.

The bridge will be closed between 10.00pm and 6.00am overnight on Saturday, October 2/Sunday, October 3; Saturday October 9/Sunday, October 10, and Saturday, October 16/Sunday, October 17. There will be two further closure before Christmas, with dates to be confirmed nearer the date.

A telephone hotline, 01752 365426, has been set up to deal with all bridge traffic enquiries. This is staffed during office hours, with an answerphone service operating at other times.

Amanda is to take a jump

Saltashj Leo club's newest member is to carry out a sponsored parachute jump - weather permitting - at the Devon and Somerset parachute site. Amanda Wells will be raising money for Cornwall Air Ambulance and the Leo club.

Members are also planning a basketball game played from wheelchairs, and are to cycle on an exercise bike at Somerfields to raise money - asking people to guess the number of 'miles' they travel. Anyone wishing to join the Leo club should contact president, Kevin Stephens, on 01752 846597.

Theme park at Mount Edgcumbe?

Cornwall and Plymouth City councillors on Mount Edgcumbe Country Park joint committee are seeking money-spinning ideas to finance its running. With visitor levels to the house remaining static and maintenance costs rising, they are prepared to consider anything - even a theme park - which would bring in more revenue and extend the season.

Liskeard-Looe canal

The findings of a feasibility study by British Waterways to see if the 200 year old Liskeard to Looe Union Canal which runs alongside the Looe Valley railway line, can be re-vitalised, is to be the subject of public exhibitions. The canal fell into disuse after the railway was opened and was abandoned in 1910.

They are to be held at Stuart House, Liskeard from September 27-30, St Keyne Village Hall October 1-2, the Guildhall, East Looe October 4-6, and at the Discovery Centre, Millpool, West Looe, October 7-11.