Falmouth state of town criticised by civic society

In an opinion pieces sent to the Packet, society secretary Angela Shields say it particularly worried when so much money, time and effort goes into the many events that it hosts.

In the piece Angela says Falmouth is on show and as usual, a lot is happening in the town, attracting many visitors.

In June there is the Sea Shanty Festival[1] and National Armed Forces Day[2], in August, Falmouth Week and the Tall Ships visiting, and in October, the Oyster Festival.

“The town will be on show, dressed in bunting, flags and placards, and superficially looking good. But underneath there are sights which belie the gloss of the events, and which the town cannot be proud to display to visitors,” she says.

Falmouth Packet: Properties at the bottom of Avenue RoadProperties at the bottom of Avenue Road (Image: FCS)

“Everyone will accept that there are shops closing or changing hands in the current post-Brexit and post-pandemic economic problems.

“But there are issues that need dealing with that are less understandable, and frankly just indicate a disgraceful neglect.

Learn to cook authentic Indian food with top chefs from Falmouth restaurant[3]

She cites Webber Street is one example, but says it is probably worse is at the bottom of Avenue Road, as it is on the route from the rail station to town.

“Neglected houses, rusting vehicles, and then a former B&B with a tip for the front garden, and with broken windows and roof tiles missing.

“It looks as if the owner (it was withdrawn from auction[4] in December 2022) is simply waiting for it to deteriorate to the extent that there is an excuse to apply to demolish it and develop the site. This is not what we want on show to visitors to Falmouth.”

References

  1. ^ Sea Shanty Festival (www.falmouthpacket.co.uk)
  2. ^ National Armed Forces Day (www.falmouthpacket.co.uk)
  3. ^ Learn to cook authentic Indian food with top chefs from Falmouth restaurant (www.falmouthpacket.co.uk)
  4. ^ auction (www.falmouthpacket.co.uk)