Town loses vote

on bridge affairs

SALTASH town councillors, at their monthly meeting, criticised the decision by the joint Tamar bridge and ferry committee, to stand down Saltash representative and county councillor, Barbara Spring, as a voting member.

Mrs Spring reported to the council that she was still a member of the committee, but could no longer vote due to reorganisation, and the balance of the political parties.

She also said bridge work had been delayed because welding could not take place during the bad weather.

Stephen Tait said he regretted the decision after Mrs Spring's long serving membership on the joint committee.

He felt that this matter should be above party politics.

Paul Adams suggested writing a letter of complaint and the mayor, Bryan Preston, stressed that there should be a joint committee representative both from Saltash and Torpoint with full voting rights.

Mona Tomaszewska-Honywill agreed.

Hundreds attend

Forder festivities

HUNDREDS packed into the village of Forder near Saltash on December 23 for an annual outdoor carol service, and the switching on of the Christmas lights.

The weather stayed fine for the lights to be switched on by Forder community president, Mona Tomaszewska-Honywill.

The vicar of St Stephen by Saltash parish church, the Rev Alan Butler, officiated at the service with music provided by the Kitt family - Derek and his wife and son and daughter on various instruments.

Father Christmas arrived by a sleigh train to distribute presents to all the children and mulled wine and mince pies were served.

Plan for flats

above shop

A PROPOSAL to construct a first floor above a shop in Saltash, to provide three self-contained residential units, was due to be discussed last night (Thursday).

The application, by Mr R and Mrs A Williams, for a first floor above the Kwik Shop, St Stephens Road, was to be debated by Caradon's planning control committee (east).

Planning officers said the proposal relates to an existing convenience store, comprising a single storey flat roof building set back from the road. The development would provide a second storey to the building, adding a further 4.6 metres with a total height proposed at nearly nine metres with a pitched hipped roof. The building would become three flats at first floor level, with the existing retail unit being retained at ground floor level.

The officers have recommended refusal, and said the development would, if approved, have an unacceptably adverse impact upon the amenities and privacy of those living nearby.

Crime figures

AT the December meeting of Saltash town council PC Eddie Sheil gave a report of the latest crime figures in the area over the last month.

They included 12 thefts from vehicles (down on previous month), two thefts of vehicles, three taken without consent, seven burglaries from sheds and outhouses, four incidences of common assault, and 13 of criminal damage.

The opening times of Saltash Police Station are, Mondays-Fridays 10am-2pm, and 3pm-6pm.

Gritters out

GRITTERS were out on Saltash roads to help motorists last Thursday, Friday and Saturday when a light snowfall fell - the first such fall for many years in the area.