Photos and action from Cornwall housing crisis protest in Truro

Large numbers of people joined a rally in Truro this lunchtime (Saturday) highlighting the effects that second homes, AirBnB and what has been described as "over-tourism" are having on Cornwall.

The event was organised by 21-year-old Bella Smith from Newquay, whose opening words were sometimes drowned out by cheers and clapping.

Speakers then followed and addressed the crowds, with representatives from Mebyon Kernow, the Cornwall Green Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrat Party, the 'Kernow Matters' group and 'Yes Kernow' team, who have been visible on Cornwall's roundabouts and bridges over the past few weeks.

Loveday Jenkin, from Mebyon Kernow (right), speaks to the crowds Picture: Kernow Matters

They were joined by a number of people facing homelessness because of the current situation.

One speaker suggested that second homes be occupied by the homeless, while others spoke of living in garden sheds, condemned caravans and boats, as well as 'sofa surfing' with friends.

Another, who asked to remain anonymous, said that she was a primary school teacher facing homelessness and had turned to her local food bank for help.

Cases of people in their 70s and even 80s being made homeless were flagged.

A reminder about year-round homes Picture: Kernow Matters

Tourism was described as "the best estate agent there is", and several in the crowd spoke of how they felt their communities had been taken from them by a mix of holiday homes and too many tourists. Concerns about rising Covid rates occurring in towns popular with tourists were mentioned more than once.

One onlooker pointed out: "If you have nothing else to lose, what are you meant to do? You take the law in to your own hands."

A spokesperson from Kernow Matters said: "The level of anger was plainly evident and we can only hope that this will be conveyed to elected politicians."

The reason for the rally summed up on a banner Picture: Kernow Matters

An email seen by the Packet shows that five out of six of Cornwall's MPs were invited to attend the rally, via an email sent just before 12.30pm yesterday (Friday), but it is understood none were able to make it within the time frame. The email address for George Eustice appears to have been inadvertently missed off the list, although the email introduction addresses him among his colleagues. Also invited was a long list of Cornwall councillors.

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More demonstrations and marches are now being planned, as well as other forms of protest and direct action.

Kernow Matters has stressed the need for all protests to remain peaceful, adding that it had been "totally overwhelmed" by appeals for help.

A symbolic cardboard box Picture: Kernow Matters

A petition, signed by more than 45,700 people, has been set up up at www.change.org/p/cornwall-is-facing-a-homelessness-crisis-help-us-to-put-pressure-on-linda-taylor-and-the-new-cornwall-council-to-cap-local-rents-raise-tax-on-second-homes-save-cornwall-s-precious-coastal-communities

It calls on the new Cornwall Council to levy a higher tax on second homes, close the loophole that allows them to be classed as 'businesses' in some cases avoid paying council tax, cap local rents in keeping with local incomes so that local families are not left homeless, and use any funds from taxing second homes into building only affordable homes for local families.

The 'Kernow Matters' (KMTU) group at the protest Picture: Kernow Matters