An enthusiastic meeting to discuss the possibilities of a multi million pound scheme to bring an outer harbour to Looe, was held at the invitation of the Harbour Commissioners on Friday, who were delighted with the positive responses from representatives of the main organisations within the town.
It was felt by all present that such a scheme would bring more people to Looe and would create employment and prosperity for the port. On a wider vision, it was said that this would also have a knock on effect for the whole of South East Cornwall, especially within the tourist industry.
It emerged from much discussion that an outer harbour, wherever sited, should also incorporate a marina, which would mean a permanent income, and that a new road, to service such an enterprise would have to be built.
Chairman Robert Newton said that Looe had gone downmarket over the years, with most of its visitors staying in the holiday camps, where they spent their money, and not in the town. 'It would be nice to get Looe back to where it was 25 years ago' he said. 'An outer harbour providing facilities for the yachts which currently sail by in their hundreds would bring more money into the town'.