Emergency operation stops pollution

A combined emergency operation launched by the Environmental Agency and local fire crews who worked flat out through the evening and night of Wednesday and for most of Thursday, has saved the Rivers Lerryn and Fowey from massive pollution threatened by 30,000 gallons of leaking farm slurry.

The seven mile long Lerryn, a tributary of the tidal Fowey was dammed in three places to stop the slurry, with recorded elevated levels of ammonia, which is poisonous to fish, from travelling downstream. The fire crews have been pumping out the slurry and are now engaged on emptying the store itself, situated on a farm at Fairy Cross, which will complete the emergency operation.

Fire station consultation

Cornwall council has approached Caradon council regarding a plan for a fire station on the site of a former filling station in Torpoint.

The site, on the junction of Trevol Road and Antony Road, forms an area of unmown grassland adjoining the sports field at Carbeile school.

There is currently a bus stop lay-by used by school pupils to the front of the site, that will be incorporated into the fire station access. It was recommended by Caradon officers that concern is expressed about means of access to the site, and relocation of the bus stop which may require loss of school playing fields.

High winds delay launch

Howling winds and a fast-flowing river led to the postponement, on Tuesday, of the launch of yachtsman Pete Goss' impressive racing boat.

Team Philips, the £4 million catamaran in which the 38-year-old will attempt to break the Jules Verne 71 day round-the-world speed record, will hopefully be launched tomorrow instead.

With weather forecasts bright for the afternoon, it is planned that the vessel will be launched from the yard at Totnes before making a 12 mile journey to Dartmouth. There its two £2 million masts, which are 135' high, will be fitted.

MP in Shrove Tuesday race

South East Cornwall MP, Colin Breed, is to lead a team of MPs tossing pancakes next Tuesday, in a bid to compete for the parliamentary pancake trophy, put up by the charity Rehab UK.

The MPs will be celebrating Shrove Tuesday by donning tall chef's hats and traditional whites, and tossing pancakes in the air in a race against a team from the House of Lords.

Liberal Democrat Mr Breed was chosen as captain because of his expertise with eggs, flour and milk as the Lib Dem shadow minister for agriculture. The noblemen in opposition will be led by Lord Graham of Edmonton. The event will take place on the green opposite the Houses of Parliament at 11am.

Closure cancelled

The Tamar Bridge will not be closed this weekend, as had been planned as part of the bridge strengthening and widening programme.

The next overnight closures of the Bridge will be needed for the removal of the yellow tower-top platforms. The dates of closure will be made public two months in advance.