In an exchange of emails (attached) on Tue 26 Jan our MP Andrew George took up unsubstantiated complaints from FOPH that signatures in support of Option A were sought on the basis that otherwise Penzance railway line would become “a branch line”   He said “I know how Penzance has responded to this nonsense, but would you like to report that to the people of Redruth, of Camborne, of Hayle, of St Erth and of St Ives?”

 He went on to tell Mike Waters “ I’m aware of your activities at the Wharfside. I must caution you that the manner in which you have gone about that task does not aid your case”.

Our MP when to state “ pursuing just Option A and Falmouth is not a rational response”

Both emails are attached so readers can make their own minds up about what was said.

True Friends Editorial

It appears that our MP, who perhaps understandably sat on the fence on this controversial issue for a long time, has now rather obviously ‘jumped off’ onto the wrong side just when the mood of the Town has markedly changed.  His response concerning the project  is at odds with the facts published about the project by the Council and discussed in detail at the Special Cabinet Meeting on Monday 25 Jan 10 at County Hall (both True Friends and FOPZ observed the proceedings from the public gallery).

 What is of concern to the True Friends of Penzance & Isles of Scilly is that the petition has always been accompanied by an explanation of what Option A entails.  Many shoppers have appreciated the opportunity to look at the plans and ask questions whether they signed our petition in the end or not.  Our MP’s intervention has (probably unintentionally) has the effect of stifling this effort. 

 We shall be encouraging members to write to our MP asking him to consult a representative cross section of his electorate to gauge opinion and also to be more circumspect in accepting inputs from FOPH as “Kosher”