Countdown to big switch on

THE Torpoint Chamber of Commerce will be responsible again this year for the erection of the Christmas illuminations in Torpoint. They will be switched on, on Saturday (November 24) at 6pm.

The lights are funded by donations from local businesses, charities and organisations, including the town council.

Tomorrow, the day of the switch on, Fore Street will be pedestrianised from about 2.00pm. Many stalls, attractions and children's rides will be available, followed by a visit from Santa just after the lights have been turned on.

Plymouth Hospital Radio will be present with their outside broadcast unit and will host the proceedings.

The lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Torpoint, Stan Martin.

A collection towards the cost of the lights will be made in the afternoon and donations can also be handed in to the Hospital Radio caravan.

There is a window competition which will be judged in the evening.

Anyone wishing to book a pitch for the afternoon/evening should contact Mike Briggs on 01752 814202.

Police target

speeding bikers

SPEEDING motorcyclists are being targeted by the police on the main road from Torpoint to Trerulefoot.

The problem of bikers speeding along the A374 was highlighted at a meeting of Torpoint Town Council by Councillor John Chadwick.

Mr Chadwick told members that the road which passes through Antony, Sheviock and Polbathic had been recommended on a website as a good route with bends and straights for motorcyclists.

Following a discussion, the town council, acting on a suggestion from local policeman PC John Riggal, decided to write to police traffic officers at Bodmin requesting increased surveillance on the road.

The traffic police have responded by confirming to the council that speeding motorcyclists are being targeted and that resources are being made available to ensure the problem is contained.

Torpoint town councillors voted to pass on the information to the parishes through which the A374 passes.

Town's new complex in the spotlight

A MAJOR Torpoint scheme has been highlighted in the latest review of the Objective One programme in Cornwall.

The quarterly review is being widely distributed across the county and carries a picture of the official start of work on the Marine Drive business units in Torpoint.

The review says that providing the workspace that small business needs can play a big part in taking the brakes off the economy.

A complex of 25 units and a small conference centre are being built for the Marine Drive scheme which is costing over £770,000. More than £300,000 has been put towards the scheme by the European Objective One programme which aims to regenerate the Cornish economy.

It is anticipated the buildings will be open for business in March or April next year. Torpoint Town Council, which will be managing the complex, has been receiving enquiries from businesses interested in renting units.

Mal plans fun

Christmas

charity quiz

A Christmas fun charity quiz will be held at the Comrades Club in Torpoint on Friday, December 7, at 7.30pm.

Teams of up to four people will be charged an entry fee of £5, and all entry money will be returned to the three winning teams (60%, 30% and 10%) for their nominated charity.

In addition there will be a raffle for another local good cause.

The questions will be varied and interesting with some being amusing. The quiz is an opportunity for an enjoyable social evening with the chance to make a contribution to charity.

For further information contact Mal Girling on 01752 812179.

Rachel wins

dog food

Rachel Finch from Torpoint has won a year's supply of pet food after voting for the canine species from the children's film Cats and Dogs.

To coincide with the launch of the film, Warner Brothers joined forces with the Co-op, asking anyone who was 10 years or older to vote on whether they preferred cats or dogs.

It was a difficult decision for Rachel, whose family has three cats, Mylo, Tigger and Misty, and a dog, Scampi, a cross between a Jack Russell and a Shih-tzu, but she decided to vote for man's best friend to win. She was one of five lucky runners-up in the promotion.

Planning

appeals

AN appeal has been made to the Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs against Caradon District Council's decision to issue an enforcement notice regarding land at The Chalet, Tregonhawke, Millbrook.

In additional an appeal has also been submitted against the refusal of a planning application for the retention of a toilet/bathroom/utility extension.

The Planning Inspectorate have now decided to link these two appeals and deal with them jointly.

The appeals will be heard by way of an informal hearing on December 4 at Caradon Enterprise Centre, 1 Holman Road, Liskeard.

Library opening

times review

A REVIEW of the opening times of Torpoint Library is being undertaken.

A period of public consultation on the issue closed earlier this month and the ideas put forward are now being considered.

Library manager Kate Wilton said: "Lots of people want earlier opening at 9.30am instead of 10am plus one late night when the library would stay open until 7pm."

Town councillors have suggested as part of the consultation that the library should stay open later on a Friday evening.

Bridge works

TRAFFIC lights are in operation 24 hours a day on the A387 at Carcawn Farm near Polbathic while CORMAC carries out bridge works.