Bins reinstated at East Pentire Headland after public concerns

The charity that has taken over the management of East Pentire Headland in Newquay says it has reinstated litter bins for the summer.

Cornwall Heritage Trust has responded to concerns raised since taking over ownership of the headland and car park earlier this week. People have voiced concerns about the introduction of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras and a parking management company, NPC, at the site.

In a statement, the charity reiterated that parking charges will remain the same as they were under Cornwall Council’s ownership, and that incorrect signage at the site will be updated and corrected. It says that until the new signage is in place, the evening charges will stand, but it hopes this will be amended as soon as possible.

The trust has also confirmed that there will be no charge for parking during the winter months – from 1st November to 31st March.

Cornwall Councillor Joanna Kenny told Radio Newquay she was "horrified" when she found out bins had been removed, but praised the charity’s plans for managing the headland. She raised concerns that dog owners would not be able to dispose of dog waste. (PRESS PLAY below to hear more)

In a statement posted online, the charity said:

"Like many organisations, we have a no-litter-bin policy on our sites. However, we are aware that there is an issue with the removal of the bins at East Pentire during the summer period. The bin contract will be reinstated while we explore options for the future. Emptying the bins will be a substantial cost each year and this arrangement will be kept under review. In the meantime, we would be very grateful if people would take their litter home and dispose of it sensibly. We will replace the bins as soon as possible."

They are also planning a public consultation event, inviting “all interested parties to attend” - with the date to be announced shortly.

Councillor Kenny has suggested that the trust offer free parking for the first 20 minutes to allow “local people to pop up” and use the space to watch sunsets and take a quick dog walk. (PRESS PLAY below to hear more)

The trust added:

"The income from the car park will support the 18 historic sites in our care, enabling them to be freely accessible to the general public all year round. This includes funding the Ranger team who work so hard to maintain our green spaces and who have been so successful in addressing their needs. At East Pentire, this will include maintaining the barrows, which are at risk from coastal erosion.
We thank you for your understanding during our teething problems this week and look forward to talking to you at the consultation."

Radio Newquay has invited the charity to be interviewed. 

PRESS PLAY to hear more from Joanna Kenny, Cornwall Councillor for Newquay Central and Pentire...
Note: This interview was recorded before the revised statement from Cornwall Heritage Trust