IN this week's Cornish Times we lead with the village shop in Downderry where the owners have continued with their ’residents only’ policy – one which they began at the start of the pandemic. While locals have voiced their support and agreement, a family visiting from the Tamar Valley who have been coming to Downderry for sixty years said they were flabbergasted not to be let into the shop to buy food - and dismayed at finding the toilets shut too.

Although the shop wouldn’t speak to the Cornish Times, it was announced by the local residents association yesterday that it is changing its policy, and will let ’people from outside the village’ in to make purchases so long as they’re wearing a face covering.

Meanwhile inside the paper, one local councillor explains how getting toilets Covid-safe is placing an unaffordable burden on parish councils, and he’s calling for Government support.

We’re really happy this week to bring news of regeneration, reopening, and new projects in our part of Cornwall. In Looe, a fish wholesalers is branching into live shellfish tanks – something unique for this part of the South West. Plans to reopen a petrol station that’s been closed for 10 years have been approved, and a scheme to turn a former bank into a business on the ground floor and flats above are being discussed.

Another positive event will be happening this evening at the Sterts Theatre, where for the first time in months, a socially distanced audience will be able to see the Youth Theatre perform. We’ve got details of the summer season there which continues with cinema screenings and performances.

In sadder news, a Lions club pays tribute to much-loved and respected member of the Liskeard community Alan Parsons who died recently, and there are some lovely photos of Alan alongside.

We’re supporting businesses and customers with another packed Open for Business section this week, and it includes news, advice and information on the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, property, motoring, antiques, jobs and employment, and a wealth of local traders and businesses providing covid-safe services.

In our fantastic Sports section, editor Nigel Walrond looks back with Liskeard AFC on their season and what lies ahead as they continue in the Premier West league. There’s a round up from Saltash United, Millbrook AFC’s review of the SW Peninsula League season, and exciting times ahead for the club as they showcase their refurbished facilities. We’ve also got the first cricket reports of the season and golfing news from local clubs – and on the Sports back page, find out about ’The return of Macca’ to the manager's role at Millbrook!

This week we’re running a special feature about an anniversary in Liskeard – it’s 100 years since the first motorised bus took passengers around the town, and a local vintage transport enthusiast has created some beautiful paintings to illustrate the occasion.

With all this there’s also news and information in the Farming Section, Ray Roberts’ Nature Watch page and much more besides. Look out for your latest edition of the Cornish Times, out in the shops today!