Last week was packed with important engagements that highlighted both opportunities and challenges for our town.

I attended the public consultation for the proposed Hotel Victoria redevelopment. While I welcome the sensitive approach to preserving the building’s historic character, I have concerns about the inclusion of 77 apartments—likely to be unaffordable for local families. Newquay needs housing that meets the needs of our community, and I’ll continue pushing for developments that do just that.

In more positive news, I met with the team from Newquay Health Centre to discuss their plans to expand with additional consultation rooms. While this is a step forward, I’ve offered to work with NHS Cornwall and our MP, Noah Law, to explore even greater improvements. With our growing population, we must future-proof healthcare access for all residents.

Finally, I attended an update on the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme, including the active travel proposals. I understand concerns about losing free parking on Cliff Road, but I was pleased to see progress on a new 85-space car park at the old Coach Park off Tolcarne Road. These spaces will be free after 4pm and before 9am, offering much-needed relief to residents who struggle with parking due to recent restrictions. This was a key campaign issue for me before joining Cornwall Council, and I’m delighted to see it moving forward.

As always, my focus remains on ensuring Newquay grows in a way that benefits everyone. If you have thoughts on these projects, I’d love to hear from you.

Finally, our community showed its best side on Thursday afternoon at Newquay Harbour coming together for the Joe Way Paddle for Life fundraiser. It is testament to the family and our community that the charity has raised almost £200,000 since it was started. Well done to all those that took part and a special well done to my friend Karl Fice-Thomson who spent several hours in the sea as part of the safety team, great job everyone.

After a hot start to the week, slightly cooler now, light winds. It has been a bit busier around the harbour now with few more boat trips. Mackerel seem to have disappeared again, but several pollock have been caught on angling boats. The harbourmaster has now taken a new post at St Ives. There is no band this Saturday at the Rowing Club. Sunday is the under 16s rowing championships.

Thought for the Week: “Most wealth is contentment with little “