Anger over

business rates

ANGER over increased business rates was evident at this month's meeting of the Saltash and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, following demands for rising rates in the past few weeks.

Members were told that these demands had been made despite a previous promise of a 15% rate relief for all businesses in Saltash as a result of traffic disruption caused by bridge works.

The meeting was advised that a 'transitional relief scheme' was involved. The scheme was spread over a five-year period and ensured that increases and decreases in required payments would be at a lesser rate than would otherwise be assessed. In April 2000 most businesses had had their rates revalued downwards and so were already qualifying for this relief.

It was proposed that Alan O'Neil of the valuation office should be invited to address the chamber at its next meeting. It was also suggested that local MP Colin Breed should be urged to seek to change and simplify the business rating system.

New customer

service centre

PAUL Fullicks, the security director for Securitas Europe - one of the world's largest security companies - visited Spinnaker International in Saltash to open its new customer service centre.

The centre will house the company's growing team of service engineers.

Special awards

at festival

SPECIAL awards were presented at the Saltash Music, Speech and Drama Festival concert at Saltash Wesley Church.

The Mona Tomaszewska cup for a competitor up to 18 years in any piano class went to Arthur Bell; the Rodney Pearce trophy to a young musician up to 18 years in any instrumental class went to Bishop Primary school's junk band; the Second Forum Millennium cup for the adult competitor showing the most dedication and commitment to success in music went to Kathryn Bunkum; and the Plymouth Society of Music Millennium cup for the most promising vocalist between 15 and 30 years went to Charlotte Snooks.

Golden jubilee

balloon race

A BALLOON race is being organised to launch the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Saltash. The event will take place on Saturday, February 16, at 10am.

The race will be started by the Mayor Eve Storey. Tickets can be purchased on the day at the former Martin's shop in Saltash main shopping centre.

On February 21, a disco dance with live bands will be held in Saltash Working Men's Club with a 50s and 60s theme.

Tickets are available from Bruce Reid's, Marianne's, Saltash Sports, Saltash Radio and Piglets.