Boost for street

market hopes

A STREET market for Saltash was given the go-ahead by the town council's industry, commerce and transportation committee this week.

The plan for the market still needs to go before the full council and if it gets the green light, it is hoped to be held on a Saturday morning.

No date or time has yet been finalised.

At the meeting on Tuesday at Saltash Guildhall, chairman Bryan Preston, heard from member of Saltash chamber of commerce, Jim Virgo.

He said that the market would not be held at Belle Vue car park as previously thought but instead outside the shops in the Regal Court area. It is hoped that at least ten stalls will be used to start off with and the industry, commerce and transport committee will look at costings.

Joyce Mepsted, Deputy Mayor of Saltash, said she she was 'absolutely delighted' with the move forward in the plans.

'Through working with the town council and with Saltash Partnership, I can see that we are all working in our own ways to help regenerate Saltash and improve the shopping in the town,' she said.

'We have had this idea in the pipeline for ages. We have obviously looked at the markets in other towns and seen how successful they are.'

She added: 'We would like the market to be near the shops and the car park for access and see the stalls stocked with local foods and crafts.'

Chairman of Saltash Chamber of Commerce, Roger Dymond, said that all the members of the chamber were supporting the scheme which he hoped would change the decline of shopping in Saltash.

'All our members are behind the scheme and are happy to support it. We think this is an excellent development for Saltash,' he said. 'I hope this adds some vitality to the town, otherwise our streets will start dying off.'

The next town council meeting is on March 21

Police crackdown

on underage drinking

POLICE in Saltash are stepping up their assault on underage drinking in the town after a 15-year-old boy was taken to Derriford hospital over the weekend.

The boy had drunk half a litre of vodka and spent one night in the hospital.

PC Kevin Horsham from Saltash police said that traditional drinking habits of lager and cider were being changed for the more dangerous spirits. 'Underage drinking is very dangerous and soon could cause a death in the town,' he said.

'We will be stepping up patrols in certain areas and cracking down on anywhere which sells to underage drinkers. Those who also buy alcohol with the idea to supply it to a younger friend also face the risk of being prosecuted.' He added that the police are hoping for support from local business to help identify any trouble.

If you have any information related to underage drinking, contact PC Horsham at Saltash police.

All crime reduction targets in the town are on track with a reduction of 23.9% on recorded crime, domestic burglary down by 16.1%, thefts from vehicles down by 31.3%, theft of a vehicle reduced by 48.1% and violent crime down by 33.1%.

The only increase in type of crime was 'Other' burglaries, such as sheds, which has seen the 17 extra crimes, a 27.4% increase.