AS the sunny weather sets in and the eyes of Cornwall turn to the sea, Falmouth is setting course for a strong maritime future.

After years of to-and-fro-ing over dredging, as plans went from pillar to post between councils, the harbour commissioners and the government, could we finally be heading for the final stretch?

Environmental concerns may have threatened to blow the proposals off course, but Falmouth Harbour Commissioners now seem certain that they have found a workable way of dredging a deep water channel to the port without upsetting the wide variety of sea creatures that lurk in the waters off our shores. 

Perhaps finally Falmouth will be able to gain from the twin benefits of a vibrant marine ecosystem and a viable deep water port: bringing tourists in while simultaneously providing them with plenty to see (or sea).

Meanwhile, upriver, the future of Falmouth Wharves appears to have been secured as former tenant Keynvor MorLift has bought the site, removing fears of a hotel developing and guaranteeing the wharves’ marine heritage will continue.

And on the other side of town Gyllyngvase Beach has retained its Blue Flag, meaning visiting sunbathers could swelter away the bank holiday on one of the nation’s cleanest waterfronts.

From the Packet ships of yore to the town’s current status as one of the most desirable destinations in the UK, Falmouth has always looked to the sea to ensure its prosperity.

With this latest raft of developments, we have shown once again that a maritime-industrial heritage can live side-by-side with tourism.

It may not be all plain sailing from here, but for now there appear to be no clouds on our horizon.