COULD skiing and snowboarding be coming to the foothills of the Cornish Alps?

Residents are being asked for their views on a proposal to create an ‘alpine leisure centre’ in Par.

The facility would be built alongside a small number of new houses on land owned by the Olford family at East Crinnis Farm.

The idea for an outdoor dry ski and snowboarding slope at Par has provoked a good deal of conversation among local people.

Many welcome the idea of a new leisure facility, but some are concerned about the access for traffic to the site and the affordability of skiing for local people – and some have labelled the idea ‘ridiculous’.

In support of the scheme was Lisa Kelly, who said: ‘Love the idea of a ski centre! Imagine all the business it will bring to the area.. and how the kids will have something to do.. fabulous idea.’

And Carly Jones commented: ‘I think it’s great for the local economy. I grew up in Par and apart from the beach what else does it have to offer? Local businesses will flourish from the increased visitors and trade.’

But Lucy Davey said she would ‘prefer to see a new leisure pool than a ski centre’ - and several people said they wanted to see more investment in schools, roads and health facilities in the area before more housing is built.

Sue Nichols said that while she agreed with the idea she ‘wanted to know what closed-down hospital people will go to with their broken legs’.

And another local person was concerned that any development allowed at the site would ‘break the line’, opening up the land off Par Moor for new housing.

Agent for the scheme is Situ8 Planning, who will be holding a public drop-in meeting on Monday (Feb 26) from 5 – 8pm at Biscovey Academy.