THE mayor in Newquay has waded into the controversy surrounding Cornwall Council’s plans to build a care home in a car park.

Newquay Trenance Cornwall councillor Drew Creek believes alternative sites need to be considered before the unitary authority goes ahead with a proposal to relocate Penberthy Care Home on Mount Wise to Tregunnel Hill car park.

It follows the businesses community and residents criticising the plan due to concerns losing car park spaces would damage trade in the town.

Cllr Creek said: “As both the ward councillor for Newquay Trenance and mayor, I find myself holding two very real and pressing concerns simultaneously, and I don't think they are necessarily in conflict.

“Newquay has lost a significant number of care home spaces in recent years, and what provision remains is not where it needs to be.

“Our elderly residents deserve quality, local care and Cornwall Council has a responsibility to address that. So, the intention behind this proposal is one I understand and broadly support.

“At the same time, I hear the concerns from businesses and residents about the impact on parking, particularly during our busy visitor season. Those concerns are legitimate and deserve to be taken seriously in any decision-making process.

“What I would caution against is allowing this to become unnecessarily divisive.

“Newquay is a town that works best when we pull together, and I would encourage everyone with a view on this to engage constructively rather than amplifying division on social media.

“As local member and mayor, I am already in active conversations with Cornwall Council officers across both parking and care services, as well as with the relevant cabinet member and senior council leadership.

“I have already been asking officers to provide rationale behind the choice of this site, and to set out what alternative locations across Newquay have been considered and why.

“As part of that, I have specifically requested a review of alternative sites across the town, including the potential to utilise derelict or underused buildings such as the Sutherland, which represent an opportunity to deliver much needed care facilities whilst also bringing long-neglected properties back into productive use for the benefit of our community.

“That is a reasonable and necessary step before any decision of this significance moves forward, and I expect a thorough response.

“My role is to ensure that the full picture is properly represented at the decision-making table, the urgent need for care provision, the impact on businesses, the parking infrastructure challenges, and the views of local residents.

“I would also use this moment to reinforce my call on Cornwall Council to get serious about transport infrastructure for Newquay.

“A robust park-and-train scheme, not the weak park-and-ride provision we have seen fall short in the past, is long overdue.

“Increasing the availability and accessibility of parking for Newquay residents, businesses and visitors must be a priority, and real investment in the right infrastructure is how we achieve that.

“I encourage residents who has views on this proposal to get in touch with me directly.”