Andrew George MP released the following text on his website on 20 Aug 10.  It has been confirmed asauthentic:

 

20.08.2010      

Commenting on the news that the Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities, Rt. Hon Eric Pickles MP, has decided not to ‘call-in’ Cornwall Council’s application for Listed Building Consent for Penzance Harbour, local MP, Andrew George, said:

“Whether the scheme goes forward as currently envisaged, or in some other form, it is most important that the future of the ferry link is reinforced, improved and developed; for both passenger and freight handling.

“It is, perhaps, telling that those who believe that the only alternative is to run a fantasy ferry from Falmouth also happen to be the main proponents of what the Secretary of State has now said he will not call-in for review.

“‘Option A’ – as it is known – is the most expensive, is the most damaging to Penzance’s heritage and does the most to undermine the economic regeneration of the Harbour area.

“During the seven years of this project the Steamship Company has strengthened its commercial position and, I suspect, would continue to run a ferry service between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly whatever happens to this scheme.

“It is a pity that those who have sought to achieve their ends through bullying and intimidation are, perhaps, unintentionally bolstered by the Secretary of State’s decision.

“English Heritage has come out of this badly. They have managed to convey a message to any developer who might harm our local heritage that English Heritage’s protestations can be largely ignored. English Heritage has shown that it will back down when put under ultimate pressure. This undermines its standing and gives rise, no doubt, to thoughts that Cornwall might be better off protecting its own heritage in its own way.”
 

Editors Comments

 

Those following the controversy will be intrigued by the MP’s statement above given his calls in the past for the issues to be handled in a “calm and rational manner”. 

 

Supporters had expected the MP to at last get ‘off the fence’ and support the project for the greater good of his constituents so his statement comes as a surprise and a disappointment. 

 

The are a number of claims made in his statement which are not justified by the facts;  for example “‘Option A’ – as it is known – is the most expensive, is the most damaging” .  We shall be posting a rebuttal on  this web site in the next few days.