Campaigners stage poo protest against controversial housing plans

CAMPAIGNERS staged a poo protest in Penzance after accusing the council of going back against its promises to deliver affordable homes.

The ‘Random Act of Art’ theatrical protest saw a group of artists from Newlyn drag a huge poo emoji from Newlyn Green to Cornwall Council’s development site in Coinagehall Street on bank holiday Monday following concerns the earmarked 11 affordable properties will no longer be built.

Protesters staged the poo pulling stunt to show how unhappy they are with the revised plans for the area and South West Water pumping sewage into the sea. Performers dressed as flies swarmed alongside play the kazoo, as the giant turd was moved across the promenade to the amusement of the onlookers.

Event organisers said: “The protest is over what can be built on the site above St Anthony Gardens where Treveth, a company 99 per cent owned by Cornwall Council, have spent £3.6 million on making the garden step-free. The second phase of the proposed development promised 11 affordable homes alongside market-value ones, but then went back on that promise though retaining the premium penthouses.

“A lot of local resistance and campaigning has already been worked on so we decided that it’s time to do something different, a theatrical and spectacular happening to bring more attention to this mess.”

The council and its construction company, Treveth, argue that the affordable properties will still be built but via a different funding mechanism.

Cornwall Council cabinet members have previously criticised 'misinformation' in the run-up to the protest.

Cllr Tim Dwelly, member for economic regeneration and investment, said: “Cornwall Council will not allow this site to be developed without affordable housing in the mix as set out.

“This site will have no holiday homes or second homes. It will all be homes for local people.”