PLANS are underway to ensure derelict buildings in Newquay do not put people off from visiting the town.

Newquay Town Council has voted to establish a working party to deal with the issue, which will include Cornwall Council.

Cornwall Council’s derelict build team previously encouraged developers who left buildings in a dilapidated state for years to either get planning permission for redevelopment schemes or to knock them down.

Councillors have raised concerns buildings such as the Hotel Bristol complex should not be allowed to become an eyesore.

Fears have also been raised about people entering derelict buildings and the properties becoming dangerous during storms as slates can be blown off.

The issue was discussed at Newquay Town Council’s recent meeting.

Cllr Joanna Kenny said: “We used to have in 2015 a plague of derelict buildings led by the Fistral Bay Hotel and Cornwall Council set up a special team. This was to concentrate on the derelict buildings. Basically, they were following up with the town, writing letters and were working quite hard.

“They worked towards a working party that got adopted. That was the original idea that got.

“Cornwall Council does not have the same resources now but if the town council made a request for this sort of support, then it would be taken to senior management to suggest they did something.

“We raised it at Newquay Safe and Helen Toms who runs that showed an interest in being involved.

“Newquay Town Council should set up a meeting with interested people, which would include Cornwall Council representatives to progress with a view to setting up some sort of organisation where we could handle the derelict buildings.

“Incidentally. It is not derelict yet, but the Fistral Bay replacement they have just withdrawn their planning application to turn it into an aparthotel. So, heaven knows what is going to happen there.

“The key buildings we are looking at is the Hotel Bristol complex and Skerryvore at Island Crescent where they took the roof off. I was a bit anti this when they did it but actually under the circumstances it was a good thing.

“Set up a meeting with interested parties to prepare an action plan, which may require a team from Cornwall Council to meet us.”

Newquay MP Noah Law has been invited to join the working working.

Councillor Steve Slade said: “I totally support the idea. We need to be getting some sort of organisation together. In addition to Cornwall Council can we include the MP in this?

“We need his input in this. In his constituency Newquay is the major tourist spot. We rely on our reputation and when people drive into ton and there are burnt out buildings it is completely unacceptable.

“So, if we can get him involved to apply pressure, we should add him to the list.”

Cllr Kenny said: “I would like to get this up and running by the end of August so if we could get it approved and picked up quickly.”