Business body rallies opposition to Tregunnel Hill care home proposal

A Newquay business group has stepped up its campaign against proposals which could see part of a town centre car park redeveloped as a new care home.

Cornwall Council is looking for a replacement site for Penberthy Care Home, saying the current building, while providing a high standard of care, is no longer fit for purpose.

Part of Tregunnel Hill Car Park is one of the sites being considered, although the authority has stressed that other potential locations are also being assessed before any decision is made.

Last week, Newquay BID manager Mark Warren welcomed assurances that alternative sites would be examined, but urged Cornwall Council to remove Tregunnel Hill Car Park from consideration altogether.

Now the organisation is encouraging residents to attend a television interview on Wednesday afternoon as it continues its campaign.

In a post on social media, Mr Warren said ITV would be interviewing Newquay BID at the car park at 4pm about the proposal.

He wrote: "Whether you're for or against the proposal, this is an opportunity to show that our community cares about the future of this important town centre car park.

"Everyone is welcome, and we'd love to see as many people there as possible.

"From Newquay BID's perspective, we will continue to do everything we can to oppose the loss of parking spaces at Tregunnel Hill Car Park, recognising how vital they are for our businesses, residents and visitors."

Mr Warren also encouraged supporters to "bring banners" and "make it clear we don't want to lose our car park spaces in Newquay".

Newquay BID says its online petition opposing the proposal has now attracted more than 850 signatures.

Cornwall Council has previously said no decision has been made on the location of a replacement care home and that work to identify the most suitable site is ongoing.