Could Fortress Falmouth’s history as a key strategic stronghold help in defending the modern town from the incursions of overdevelopment?

It could if a recent rediscovery of an old military bunker under Ocean Bowl has anything to do with it, as one plucky resident aims to have it protected from construction work.

In a shot across the bows of student developers, this lady has applied for listed status for the bunker which, after it fell into disuse, apparently became a bit of a playground for the area’s youngsters.

What a shame then that the old arsenal - or whatever it may have been - appears to have been filled in with rubble some time in the last few years. A shame not just for history, but for Mrs Irvine’s hopes and for today’s youth of Falmouth.

While this military antique appears to have been well designed, heaven knows how much work it wold take to make it accessible to the public once again. And without any such access, or hopes of restoration or upkeep, what are the chances of its being listed for future generations.

I hope I am wrong, and that maybe future generations will also be able to scamper under Bar Road, surrounded by Victorian brickwork ringing with history.

Maybe - we can but hope - historic England will see sense and preserve this site, fortifying once more our town’s proud associations with this nation’s rich history.