'Loo' vandals

strike again

ANOTHER fire, in a long line of such attacks, occurred at the ladies toilets by the Guildhall in East Looe on Monday.

Damage amounting to about £300 was caused after vandals stuffed two conveniences with paper and set it alight, burning through two toilet seats.

Town Clerk Colin Easterbrook, says fortunately the small fires went out on their own, but had they took hold there would have been far more serious damage. 'These attacks on toilets all over the town is costing the council hundreds of pounds' he said. At their last meeting councillors voted to have photographs taken and displayed of the damage being caused, so that local taxpayers could see what their money is having to be spent on. The council, which took over the toilet agency from Caradon in April 2000, had hoped to refurbish the loos but have so far had to use the money on repairs.

Boats in and

prices high

THE continuing poor weather has seen most of the Looe fishing fleet tied up in port for almost a fortnight, with no let up forecast, making it a lean period for the skippers and crews.

Steve Farrar at the Blue Sailfish Company has reported some small markets, but the atrocious weather has led to a shortage of fish generally which has pushed prices up very high .

He says about six boats ventured out on Wednesday leading to a small market on Thursday morning with mainly mixed white fish and scallops.

David Pengelly retires

from lifeboat service

FRIENDS and crew of Looe Inshsore Lifeboat made a special presentation on Saturday to David Pengelly, to thank him for his hard work and support over the last 10 years and to wish him well on his retirement from active service with the RNLI.

David had been a volunteer Launching Authority (DLA) with the Looe lifeboat since its re-establishment 10 years ago, a position which meant he carried a pager at all times and in an emergency had the responsibility of liaising with HM Coastguard and instructing the launch of the lifeboat.

Station hon sec Jonathan Brice, in paying tribute to David, said he was always one of the first on the scene in a 'shout' and it was thanks to his dedication and other members of the crew that Looe lifeboat is able to boast one of the fastest launch times in the country - three to four minutes.

Chairman Ray Thornton, presented David, on behalf of the crew, with a print of the Looe lifeboat, 'Spirit of the RAOC', painted by local artist Mervyn Beaver.

He was also presented with a 'Golden Pager' by his good friend and President, Craig Rich.

David comes from a long line of Looe fishermen, his grandfather, the late Alfred John Pengelly, being probably one of the most famous Cornish fishermen of the last century.

Although now retired from active service with the RNLI he will continue to run his restaurant business, Dave's Diner, on the quayside, and will be spending time with his two small grand daughters, Paris and Annabel.