Fire brings 'deathtrap' warning

By Hugh Cadman

CARS parked on both sides of the street could make whole rows of houses into giant deathtraps if fire breaks out, warn Falmouth firemen.

The warning comes after two fire appliances were almost unable to reach a blazing house in Norfolk Road on Sunday because of residents' cars parked on both sides of the street.

The fire broke out at 3am in a first floor bedroom at 19 Norfolk Road. The two appliances from Falmouth, led by Station Officer Chris Ruberry, found they had only an inch to spare as they approached the fire. "It delayed us slightly and we might have had to run the last 150 metres if we had been an inch and a half wider. It was also very tight manoeuvring outside the house," he said.

When they reached the house they found an elderly woman outside and smoke pouring from the upper storey. She had been rescued by her son who had only arrived from London an hour before.

There was a severe fire in the spare bedroom which was tackled by firemen wearing breathing apparatus. Hosereels were used and firemen were able to leave the scene at 4.35am.

The elderly woman was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure.

Town says 'No' to sex shop

By Stephen Ivall

MEMBERS of a church in Penryn have expressed disgust and shock at any suggestion that a sex aid shop could be opened in the town.

A letter from the Highway Church, and signed by many residents in the town, was sent to the town council, whose clerk Derek Kitto brought it to this week's meeting.

The church said a sex shop was not good for the area and would have a bad effect on the town and its people.

There was also a chance of under-aged people finding their way into such a shop, the letter added. The strong links between crime and pornography and offences against women should also be considered.

"We believe this to be wrong," said the church. "The effect would be obvious."

The church urged that any applications for sex shops in Penryn be refused now and in the future.

Deputy mayor Harry Grant said eh was "wholeheartedly" behind the church. He, too, felt the idea wrong. "I agree with every word in this letter."

Members were told that any planning issue was a matter for the district council and no applications had been received to date.

Docks tourist links may get cash aid

FINANCIAL support for the development of tourism links with Falmouth Docks and the county come under discussion today by Cornwall Tourist Board members.

In June it was decided a report be drawn up on the feasibility of providing support with the idea of promoting Cornwall as a tourist destination.

The board already continues to be represented on the Falmouth Cruise Call committee, which has set up a framework for handling cruise calls which is already proving successful.

Local agents arrange passenger visits to other localities and details of Cornwall's attractions are made available by a publication produced by the board and the docks for all visitors.

The tourist board also assists with the cruise calls by providing information before and during visits in association with the cruise calls by providing information before and during visits in association with Carrick Council.

A temporary tourist information centre was tried but proved to be of limited benefit.

The board can, if requested, provide special welcoming bands or choirs to provide a dockside atmosphere and such visits by cruise ships encourages future business.