Open-air cafes idea

LOOE could be taking on a Continental feel, with tables and chairs out in the streets and along the quaysides, if local councillors agree with the idea which is gathering in popularity with a number of the town's residents.

The idea was first mooted at the last meeting of the Town Forum, when Mr Peter King, who was among about 40 other members of the public in attendance, put forward the idea. He said it was a very pleasant experience in other Cornish seaside towns such as St Ives and Padstow, to be able to sit outside on warm days, and to be able to enjoy a glass of wine or a coffee, and watch the world go by.

'It would be so nice if local people could enjoy their town and its heritage in this way, and be able to take in some of the breathtaking scenery' he said. 'There are plenty of businesses which could facilitate this,' he said. He also suggested that during the summer the area of Fore Street could close for one day each week, with lorries being requested to make their deliveries before 9am as in other areas.

Comments from the floor of the meeting and from the Forum committee itself appeared to show a general agreement for the idea, although a councillor pointed out that the town council had been involved in the provision of legislation that disallowed drinking in public in certain areas.

Members of the public present asked if they could be permitted to take a vote themselves, and 99 per cent voted in favour, with enthusiasm. The Town Forum were of the opinion that 'people power' had had an opportunity to make its feelings felt and appointed two committee members, along with six residents present, to investigate the request and to put forward their ideas to local councillors.

A Forum spokesperson said: 'We have a myriad of involvements in Looe's future, and as always we are willing to listen to and act upon the will of the people'.

Pupils perform The Exam

'THE Exam', a play by Andy Hamilton, is being presented at Looe Community School on Wednesday next, March 20 at 7.30pm, by 13 students from Years 10 and 11.

The play was commissioned by the National Theatre of Great Britain as part of the International Connections Scheme which offers new writing for young people between the ages of 11 and 19 . The Lions Club of Looe is sponsoring the production.

Tickets are available from reception at £2.

GCSE Year 11 drama students, with the support of students from Year 10 are showing a range of their work submitted for assessment, at a public performance at Looe School on Thursday next, March 21 at 7pm.

Tickets are available from the school and are £1.50.

Fun night out

A laughter-filled fun night out for all the family is being held at Killigarth Manor, Polperro, this Saturday, March 16, from 7pm - 11pm in aid of a good cause, the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). Tickets are available on the door which opens at 6.30pm and are adults £2.50, children £1.50 and no charge for under 2s. Details from 01503 273088.

Picture sale

A painting of West Looe by George Hammond Steel (1900-1950) will be included in a sale of Modern British Art and Continental Paintings, to be held at Sotheby's, Olympia, in London, on March 21.

New market venue

THE new venue for Looe Produce Market is the Community School at the Barbican, East Looe. The next market is on Saturday, March 23, from 9am-1pm.

Fish figures

FIGURES for Looe Fish Market from Monday March 11 (weights in kilos) were: cuttle 600, lemons 2200, plaice 1000, whiting 600, ling 500, cod 300, pollack 2300, scallops 100 doz; Tues - cuttle 60, lemons 1600, plaice 250, whiting 500, pollack 800, ling 320, cod 120, dovers 70; Wed - lemons 1700, whiting 650, plaice 450, cod 200, pollack 2000, ling 700. Supplied by Looe Fish Selling.