Liberal Democrats pledge aid for Falmouth Dock expansion

1.00.00pm GMT Mon 2nd Mar 2009

Following a meeting with managing director Peter Child and a tour of the docks on Friday, Cornwall's MEP Graham Watson and spokespersons Terrye Teverson (Westminster) and Kay Barnard (Europe) have pledged to add their weight to plans for an upgrading of the docks to permit access for large cruise liners and an upgrading of facilities for pleasure craft in the town.

"An injection of funding from EU and national government budgets could provide the seed capital for an upgrading of port facilities which would bring money not only into Falmouth but also into the wider economy of Cornwall", said Graham Watson MEP. "I will be pleased to campaign for such a much-needed boost to the area".

Parliamentary Candidate for Truro and Falmouth Terrye Teverson added:

"The Docks truly is the heart of Falmouth and the plans for investment into a passenger terminal would give a major boost to tourism which is good for many other parts of Cornwall. We really need a decision to be made so that this project can help springboard new jobs as soon as possible. I will be pushing all the Cornish MP's to give any support they can to this project to make sure it happens. The boost this project would give will be felt throughout Cornwall. It is vital a decision is made soon."

Editors note:-

The Falmouth area has seen large amounts of European investment in recent years. The National Maritime Museum received £3m of Objective One funds to improve its visibility and access for visitors.

The Ponsharden Maritime Project was part funded by the EU to the tune of £1.6m. The project provided new boat lay-up facilities to ease the burden at Port Pendennis, storage for the Maritime Museum and a park and ride system.

Pendennis Castle was revitalised with the help of £540,000 from Europe. The refurbished Barrack Block provided a new interactive exhibition for tourists and educational facilities to enable local children to learn about their local area.

Finally, the town of Falmouth has been given a 'facelift' by the Falmouth Heritage and Economic Regeneration Scheme supported by £300,000 of European investment. The project has improved 20 buildings, brought 8 into use and refitted 8 shop fronts. It is believed £2.5m of extra sales have resulted from the scheme.