Backing for move to reduce

speed limit outside base

TOWN councillors in Torpoint are backing a move to reduce the speed limit outside the HMS Raleigh naval base.

In a discussion on various county council matters in Torpoint, the councillors agreed to support a reduction in the speed limit on Trevol Road as far out of the town as the Pennycross crossroads.

Councillors heard that the current speed limit of 40mph outside the naval base is considered too high with the increase in ratings and other employees there.

Town council members agreed as well to support the positioning of a crossing at the entrance to HMS Raleigh to allow trainees to cross the road to catch buses or taxis.

They also supported plans for a crossing and a softer surface compound to reduce noise levels near the proposed new fire station, and a speed restriction on the Torpoint to Antony road.

Meanwhile, the intended increase in the price of concessionary ticket books from £10 to £20 for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry caused some concern.

The idea behind the price increase is that drivers will not have to stop so often to buy new books at the Tamar Bridge toll booths thus reducing queues. The tickets will still cost 50p each but there will be more in each book.

Deputy Mayor Diane Curran and Councillor Steve Martin both spoke of the potential hardship the price increase may cause to some people in the local community. They suggested that £10 books are still retained and made available through the Torpoint Ferry offices and other outlets.

Twinners celebrate 15 years

of link with French town

TWINNERS in Torpoint and the surrounding villages are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their link with Benodet in France.

Around 60 members of the Torpoint and District Twinning Association will be heading for the seaside town in Brittany at the end of May for a special weekend.

To raise funds for the association, a coffee morning is being held at Cornerstone Church in Fore Street, Torpoint, on Saturday (May 4) from 10 o'clock to noon.

The event will feature a cake stall, bric-a-brac and plants.

The association is also keen to welcome new members, especially younger people.

Membership secretary Christine Martin will be at the coffee morning and would be pleased to welcome new members.

The Torpoint twinners generally visit Benodet once every two years with their French counterparts paying return visits during alternate years. Other visits are also arranged.

The twinners hold several events during the year in the Torpoint district. These include Sunday lunches and candlelit suppers.