Unity over Harbour Works demonstrated to Minister.

Representatives of Cornwall Council, Isles of Scilly Council and Penzance Town Council met Norman Baker, MP, Transport Minister on 11^th July in London at a meeting arranged by Andrew George MP.

During Thursday’s meeting with the Minister Mr George and the three Councillors emphasised the agreement on the scheme between their three authorities. This assurance was welcomed by Mr Baker.

Andrew George MP, who arranged the meeting, emphasised the need to act in time to meet the deadlines for EU Convergence funding.  This was noted by Mr Baker.

Cornwall Council Press Release dated 12 July 2013 here  .
Scilly Today 16 July 2013 here  .

Comment.

The impasse over harbour works was broken earlier in the month when Penzance Town Council decided on 17 June not to object to limited rock armour on Penzance South Pier if it was deemed essential.  The Council did not support full rock armouring of South Pier at a cost of £6 million but with no all year around ferry in prospect in the future it was unlikely this option would have been funded by the DfT.

For works to benefit from the current round of ERDF funding, contracts have to be let before the end of December 2013.  

Cllr Chris Thomas, Chair, IOS Transport Committee, told Scilly Today (see link) that a decision on funding for harbour works was expected by 12 Sep 2013 at the latest.