At the monthly meeting of the Chamber on the 1st September we had hoped to have our local M.P. in attendance but she cried off due to the need to be in Westminster. However, there was much healthy discussion on various matters.
One of the first was raised by Hilary Frank who had had an e-mail from the Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder re. parking. He was asking for opinions as to what was needed in all car parks in Cornwall with each councillor responding with respect to their particular areas. M/s Frank asked for opinions of members and it was agreed that the Chairman would write to all members asking for any particular thoughts. Matters raised in the room included improved white lining, a different cost regime, covered parking with solar panels and free parking on the days of the Christmas Festival and Mayfair. Steve Miller was able to update on the start of work to improve the junction at Stoketon Cross re. the development of Treledan. The idea of a residents card was raised to allow the people of PL12 to be able to get a further discount on the bridge and to have a reduced car parking charge.
Updates were given on the Christmas Festival, the Christmas lights switchon/late night shopping and the proposal for CCTV in
Saltash which included Fore Street. With respect to the work of Town Team, the Chairman told members that one of the thoughts emanating
therefrom was the possibility of spreading the market stalls throughout Fore Street rather than consolidating in one location. This would provide the opportunity to avoid having the cost of closing Belle Vue Road within the costing. It was noted that the markets to December were being funded by the Town Regeneration Investment Programme (TRIP) which had also agreed to fund a feasibility into an alternative way to fund future ideas for the town centre. Members were then advised by Lindsay Endean of Saltash Studios as to the popularity of her Visit Saltash social media. This was now getting thousands of hits and discussion then was around how this could be utilised to further promote Saltash. Hilary Frank then gave the members heads up on a proposed dinner on the 28th February 2026 at the China Fleet Club which it was hoped would raise funds for Mayfair, Regatta and Christmas Festival in 2026.
Finally, the Chairman raised the fact that our next meeting would include the AGM and asked members to consider whether there should be any specific matters raised thereat. He was then asked if he would be prepared to continue as Chairman to which he responded in the affirmative if there were no other nominations. The Treasurer, Doug Bond, also said the same.
