A NEWQUAY headland and car park were devolved to a heritage trust for £1 on Monday (August 11).

Cornwall Heritage Trust, which aims to “preserve and strengthen” Cornwall’s rich and distinct heritage, has formally taken the ownership of East Pentire headland and car park from Cornwall Council.

The car park will be managed by the external parking management company, NPC.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Heritage Trust said: “We are thrilled our small, independent charity has taken on the ownership of East Pentire Headland. The historic clifftop site is situated on the southern edge of Newquay between the famous surfing beaches of Fistral and Crantock.

“It has been transferred to our charity from Cornwall Council.The headland has evidence of human activity dating back over 8,000 years and contains a number of archaeological remains, including Bronze Age barrows.

“It is a popular spot for marine wildlife watching, with whales, seals and dolphins often visiting the nearby shoreline, and is designated a “County Wildlife Site” renowned for its wide variety of mosses and bird life.

“It is home to a large number of skylarks, which are a red list species of conservation concern due to significant population decline.

“Kestrels, stonechat, ravens and peregrine falcons are also routinely observed on the site. The site has huge archaeological and ecological significance, as well as being an important space for the local community to come together, so it’s such an honour for our charity to now be its custodian and ensure everyone can continue to enjoy it.

“Founded in 1985, our charity protects historic places across Cornwall, hosts a wide-reaching programme of wellbeing, education and community workshops, activities and events at these heritage sites and provides grants enabling visits to museums and historic monuments across Cornwall.”

Pentire and Newquay Central Cornwall councillor Joanna Kenny said: “I was a bit startled to see their first move was to remove all the litter bins.

“I understand that they believe that without the bins, the public will take their litter and their doggy poo bags away with them. Of course, visitors and locals alike should do that but will they?

“They will be introducing camera control over the car park. They've assured me that will be backed up by a physical presence as we know from Little Fistral that cameras alone has problems.

“I would have thought mid-August a bad time to make massive changes.”

Cornwall Council has also devolved Castle an Dinas in Ludgvan, Penzance, land at Warbstow Bury in Launceston as well as Prince of Wales and Houseman’s Engine House at Minions to Cornwall Heritage Trust for £1 as part of the package.

Newquay Town Council made an expression of interest in the Pentire Headland and car park during the consultation process, but the heritage trust has been deemed as the “preferred partner.”