Thirty-five years may have passed, but it appears that some issues just never go away and are destined to be debated time after time.

A quick scan of a handful of Falmouth Packet’s dating back to the late 1970s reveal eerily familiar headlines which have re-emerged over the years. It may be different people voicing their views, but the central topics are often the same, or very similar.

One example of this centres around the desire to create a multi-storey car park within Falmouth’s town centre. Back in January 1978, the then Carrick District Council’s decision to designate Fish Strand Hill for the development of a car park was met with a storm of protest.

A Packet reporter stated the issue looked set to become the town’s most controversial issue for years. Little did he or she realise at the time, but it was a debate that was to continue over the years, right into the 21st Century.

Back then, the fight was to save the Grand Cinema, but of course that did eventually close, but the car park has yet to materialise despite several renewed efforts by developers.

In March, 1978, it was Penryn traders making the headlines as they hit out at roadworks which were impacting on trade and causing problems for local residents. The “gas and water boards” were carrying out repairs along Broad Street and Commercial Road.

Only last year a similar story was carried in the Packet when South West Water imposed traffic restrictions at the junction of Commercial Road and Church Road, which were blamed for a fall in trade at nearby businesses.

The same 1978 paper carried another story with a familiar ring – “council investigate harbour road scheme.” Admittedly, this is slightly different to what is currently being talked about, but is close enough to make the comparison.

Back then, the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce was hoping to revive plans for a harbour road along the town’s waterfront. This would have a three-fold purpose of providing a service road for shops, a diversion from the main road and act as a pedestrian promenade.

The latest scheme currently being developed is for a pedestrian walkway linking Prince of Wales Pier and Church Street car park.

Finally, and on a lighter note, proof that some things are destined never to change. A page one photo story features a man who was to go down in the town’s history as the man who was mayor – time and time again. Geoffrey Evans, who holds the title today, was seen at the official launch of Greenbank Falmouth Rowing Club’s new boat. Only two weeks ago he was featured on page three, throwing a ceremonial pebble into Swanpool.