Torpoint

ferry

passengers

stranded

A TORPOINT ferry, with 40 vehicles on board, shut down mid-river on Wednesday afternoon after a heavy power cable caught in its chain.

The 'Plym' was stationary in the river for 40 minutes before being reversed back to Torpoint. Passengers then changed their vehicles to another ferry for their delayed journey across the Tamar to Plymouth.

The incident occurred after the Royal Navy destroyer, HMS Gloucester, suffered engine failure and had to drop anchor. The anchor then dislodged the cable as it dragged along the riverbed. The ferry operators had been warned in advance of the danger and the site was approached very carefully. Eventually salvage equipment was used to lift the cable from the water and take it ashore.

for income

AN income league table, grading counties from the richest to the poorest, has placed Cornwall in 56th position, holding up the table.

The average income for Cornwall is placed at £17,700, while that for Surrey, which heads the league, is £33,400. Devon is placed 49th with an average income of £19,000, and Dorset joint 27th at £24,000.

Richard and Judy's

homefront plans

CARADON planners were set to recommend approval at their planning west committee meeting last night to a plan put forward by the agents of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan for extensions and alterations to their home at Talland Bay near Polperro.

The proposal relates to a large detached dwelling set within extensive grounds. The application seeks permission for a large fully glazed conservatory which would come off the south elevation over two storeys. There was some concern from officers over the size of the proposal but it is understood the agents will be submitting more acceptable revisions in due course. It has been suggested the plan be scaled down with the part introduction of additional slate which would match with the existing slate roof of the main house, and reduce the amount of glazing area being proposed. The house is in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and on the heritage coastline.

An offering from

the Vicar of Dibley...

The Rector, Rev Brian McQuillen, reports that Miss Dawn French, alias the famous Vicar of Dibley, has made a generous donation to St Martin's and St Nicholas Churches in Looe. Miss French, with her husband comedian Lenny Henry, and their young family, are regular visitors to West Looe, where her mother has resided for some time.

Disabled man

is attacked

A DISABLED man on an invalid scooter was attacked in Liskeard on Sunday January 7 when he tried to aid people involved in a domestic incident.

Police are now seeking witnesses to the assault, which led to the disabled person being pushed and kicked and falling from his scooter. He suffered superficial injuries, but was very shocked.

WPC Worley, at Liskeard police station, would like to hear from anyone who saw the incident, which began in Barn Street around l0.30pm, and spilled over into Barras Street. Liskeard police station can be contacted by dialling 0990 777 444.