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Ship ahoy! Falmouth Town Council works in partnership to maximise maritime view

It might have taken since Lord Nelson was a lad to enable people to enjoy one of Falmouth’s most spectacular views across the Carrick Roads but Falmouth Town Council has managed to bring about this welcome change following a lengthy period of negotiation and hard work.
Seven locally made wrought-iron benches have now been installed in Cornwall Council’s Church Street car park so that visitors and residents alike might pause awhile and turn their gaze seaward for the first time in many years. Substantial strengthening and maintenance of the historic 75m waterfront wall that supports the car park, a new footpath and the re-lining of the parking bays have also contributed to the improved dynamic of this busy town centre facility.
“The town’s long-held ambition to transform Church Street car park – which has one of the most magnificent views across the world’s third deepest natural harbour – into an area that people can enjoy and not just turn their backs on as they park their vehicles is a step closer,” explained Mayor of Falmouth, Grenville Chappel. “It has taken a while and there have been a number of hurdles to overcome, but by working in partnership with CORMAC, Cornwall Council and local blacksmith, Kevin Gerry, we have begun the process of making so much more of our maritime environment.”
“It is the norm across the country for councils to be cutting back on local services not going out of their way to provide them and once again, Falmouth is an exception to the rule,” added Town Manager, Richard Gates. “Even though budgets are tight, our councillors found a way of finding the funding for these seven, locally produced benches along our water frontage, which are already making a positive difference to people’s experience of the town. We thank everyone involved in making this happen.”
"One of the asks that local people made last year in the Neighbourhood Plan consultation was for more places to sit and enjoy our fantastic harbour vista,” concluded Falmouth and Cornwall councillor, Candy Atherton. “As the local Cornwall councillor, I was pleased that everyone worked together to realise this ambition. I am sure that locals and visitors alike will enjoy the view for many years to come.”