New Year decision

on superstore

A factual report of the site meeting, attended by about 100 people, over the Nuthurst outline application for a retail development on the Millpool, came before Caradon's planning committee West yesterday (Thursday).

However, no decision will be reached over the controversial plan, opposed by the town council, bar Councillor Les Young, until the committee meeting on January 18.

Mayor Ron Overd stated at the meeting that the council were in favour of a supermarket but felt the Millpool was the wrong site, their concerns including loss of car parking spaces, safety of pedestrians and cyclists, build up of traffic on the main road, an adverse effect in the conservation area and development on the flood plain.

Chairman of the Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Edwina Arkell, said members were split in favour and against a supermarket application, although on balance she felt the Millpool to be the wrong site.

Looe's County Councillor Sid Gardner said he had carefully studied the applicant's report and had had several meetings with the principal planning officer, but he had not yet made up his mind as to whether to support the plan. He said it was important to be satisfied that the site proposed was the right one, but he felt sure there was a risk Looe might lose out totally if it were not careful. He said jobs were needed but asked whether a supermarket on the Millpool would be the right way to secure them.

Members of the public expressed their views, which were both for and against the application, but the mayor, and councillor Dave Bryan, said they would be in favour of the public referendum over the supermarket issue, which Councillor Jimmy Dingle had offered to sponsor.

Christmas concert

EAST Looe Town Trust's popular annual Christmas concert takes place this Sunday, December 17, in the Council Chamber at the Guildhall at 3pm. The event, including mince pies and cream afterwards, is entirely free, and the staff and Trustees are looking forward to giving everyone a warm welcome. Entertainment is provided by the town's own award-winning choir, the Looe Valley Singers, with Elizabeth Loeppert as soloist, and Emma Skoyles and Richard Patt will be the accompanists. Musical director is Danny Gill. Also on the programme will be community carol singing.

Festive morning

THE Looe branch of the South East Cornwall Conservative Association held their annual coffee morning with mince pies and Christmas fayre at the Barbican Inn, East Looe.

Chairman Roy Hogg welcomed everyone and praised all at the inn for the beautiful decorations which were much appreciated.

The festive morning was much enjoyed by all and substantial funds were raised for the association.

Public meeting to

save Looe's blooms

LOOE Mayor Ron Overd is appealing for as many willing and able people as possible to attend the public meeting to save Looe In Bloom, which lost most of its members at their recent annual meeting, due to various reasons.

The meeting is organised for Wednesday, January 10, at the Council Chamber in the Guildhall at 7pm.

'It has been a joy to drive into town and be greeted by the arrays of flowers in the boxes and boats' said the mayor, 'and I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard in the past, bringing the town many awards.'

However, he says the crunch has come and if next year's displays are to continue the planning and planting needs to be in motion by mid-January.

He said: 'We need help and we want people who are willing to get their hands into the bran tub, to form the steering committee, and to help organise, but most importantly we need willing helpers for the planting, maintenance and watering.

'I look hopefully look forward to a good attendance.'

Fashion for

Youth Action

THE Looe Youth Action group is holding a fashion show on March 2 and 3, 2001, in order to raise funds for its building project.

The group's main objective is to purchase land within Looe with the aim of building a youth centre and a multi-purpose hard court area, to provide a base for activities for the young people of the town and its surrounding area.

The group has been kindly loaned the facilities of Looe Bay Holiday Park and several fashion outlets within the town have agreed to participate.

The show will appeal to the more mature, showing clothes suitable for evenings, special occasions, formal and casual events, bridal fashions, 'mother of the bride' outfits and beachwear. There will also be the opportunity to purchase fashions at the show.

The show will start at 7 pm and finish at 9 pm, and the ticket price will include a glass of wine and a programme.

Tickets, priced £4, are available from Marianne Fashions, Terry's Fashions, Taylor's Trading and Gibson's Opticians.

Fishermen's choir

candlelight concert

POLPERRO Methodist Church will be beautifully decorated for the annual Christmas carol concert by candlelight, by the Fishermen's Choir, on Wednesday next, December 20, at 7.30pm.

The choir have been rehearsing for one of their favourite events of the year, and will be including some traditional Cornish carols in the programme.

There will also be the chance for the expected large congregation to join in with the singing of favourite carols. A festive supper will follow.