TRADE in Helston town centre is undoubtedly affected by the charging of car parks. If all the shops opened on a Sunday, and closed perhaps on a Saturday, I think trade could possibly be boosted. Alternatively, maybe just open additionally one Sunday a month. I shopped in Helston this Sunday and found the Factory Shop, Londis, bakers, Peacocks, etc all open, and of course the pubs are available for meals. The car park is free of charge on a Sunday so I was not limited to time and nor was I clock watching.

I think it a shame some of the Helston section 106 money of approximately £800,000 was not spent addressing the in town parking issues on a long-term basis. However, in whatever way they spend the money, I feel over the last few years far too much of the section 106 money has been spent on what seems like an endless list of employees. The continued employment of a BID officer for months on end, when Helston still does not have Business Improvement District status, I think is questionable. The public realm project seems to be so long in materialising, that no doubt an extension of employment will be needed for the public realm project regeneration officer. Two town managers both seemed to disappear, and an assistant seems to change job titles accordingly.

In a noticeable antithesis, most other towns and villages manage a sensible amount of well fixed benches, a bus stop or two, a guide book and signage, without the aid of £800,000. Admittedly, unlike Helston, they do not indulge in badges for town and parish councillors that enable everyone to know who is a councillor that they elected in the first place.

Looking on the bright side, there will no doubt be a euphoric atmosphere in Helston when everyone sees the transmogrification of the Monument area. Of course this will be when the public realm project finally comes to fruition.

Gill Zella Martin