‘I’m sorry for the row I caused, but there was a reason for it’

AS uproar followed suggestions last week that Kimberley Park be ripped up to make way for a supermarket, the man behind the idea has admitted it was nothing but a red herring.

But he denied it was a hoax. It was intended to shock and it worked, said Martin Lock, a local businessman and member of the town's chamber of commerce.

He said he hoped his actions would have the results he wanted...to stir people into action.

He made his suggestions at a meeting of local business people. All were shocked and surprised although some thought the idea was worth looking at.

Yesterday he said: "First and foremost, I apologise to anyone who may have been upset and concerned about my proposal."

There were sound reasons for saying what he did although many did not appreciate his method.

"It has brought to attention to some urgent matters that require the backing and support of the people of Falmouth," said Mr Lock.

He said something had to be done before it was too late to take advantage of the "wonderful" position of the town along the waterfront.

But Kimberley Park would not be involved although the recreation ground would. He wants to see it handed over to the town council and then sold off for a foodstore.

With the money, many improvements could be made to the town, including providing people with a new indoor sports facility, more open space, a new rugby club and bowling club, more car parking, grassing of The Moor and, if popular demand calls, pedestrianisation of Arwenack and Market Streets with a Victorian tram system running daily from Grove Place to The Moor.

Penryn's new head impressed by staff and pupils

COMPUTERS before paint is the immediate plan for Penryn School under its new headteacher Marie Hunter.

She cannot believe how helpful and pleasant the pupils are. "They smile and are friendly and the staff are wonderful. The school seems to be the community," she said.

She has been in her new job since May 1 and is already convinced the school has no serious problems. "My predecessor Ian Jones was quite brilliant," she told the Packet.

Penryn has a three-point action plan based on advice from the schools inspectors, OFSTED, and Ms Hunter intends on putting it into practice.

The aims are to increase literacy, to work with primary schools to encourage more reading and to raise the level of boys' achievement. "We are making a large investment in computers and coasts of paint will have to wait," she said.