Big project progresses

THE former district council depot in Marine Drive, Torpoint, has been demolished and foundations have been laid for new business units on the site. This month should see more progress with the erection of steelwork for the units which are due to be completed by around the end of February next year.

The work on the scheme, expected to cost over £770,000, is being carried out by Westframe Construction which is based in Torquay.

A complex of 25 units and a small conference centre are being built through the project which has received more than £300,000 in funding from the European Objective 1 programme. Torpoint Town Council and Caradon District Council, which is providing around 60 percent of the funding, are working in conjunction on the scheme.

Once built, the complex will be managed by the town council.

The units, in a two-storey and single-storey block, will be used not only for hi-tech businesses but also for start-up and small businesses. Meanwhile, the conference centre will be for around 30 people.

Residents living near the development are being kept informed of progress by the site agent.

Lottery boost for CHAT

ONE of the main community groups in Torpoint has been boosted by a grant from the National Lottery.

CHAT (Community Health Around Torpoint), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, has gained £1,835, in the latest round of the Awards for All lottery scheme.

The charity, which runs a variety of groups and meetings, as well at the CHATLink one-stop information centre in Macey Street, will be using the funding to train volunteers and to publish and distribute publicity material.

CHAT has been running a volunteer bureau in the Torpoint and Rame area since early 1992.

The lottery grants are aimed at local groups who involve people in the community, extend access and participation, increase skills and creativity and improve the quality of life.

Under the scheme, the Freathy Youth and Social Club has received £3,185. This will be used to install an oil-fired central heating system in their hall as well as to refurbish the floor so skittles can take place.

Celtic celebration

A CELTIC Celebration is to take place in Torpoint as part of the Caradon Festival of Arts and Culture.

The town's library will be staging the celebration throughout the day on Friday, October 19.

Library manager Kate Wilton said: "It will be an encapsulation of the five different Celtic nations - Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland and Wales - through art, crafts, music, food, drink and displays of Celtic books.

"There will be pottery, jewellery made from tin from the South Crofty Collection, Celtic preserves, music including Jill Brown on the accordion, Breton food, Scottish whisky and Irish Guinness.

"The Celtic books include art and knotwork and books about the Celts.

"The day begins at 10am and is free of charge. Items will be for sale."

Informal hearing

AN informal hearing is to be held on December 5 following appeals submitted by Mr S Hemmings regarding land at The Chalet, Tregonhawke, Millbrook.

The appeals were submitted following refusal of planning permission by Caradon council. The informal hearing will be held at the Caradon Enterprise Centre at l0am.

Illustrated talk

THE Friends of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park on the Rame Peninsula will be casting an eye across the River Tamar this weekend.

The Friends have invited artist, historian and broadcaster Chris Robinson to give an illustrated talk entitled Plymouth - As Time Draws On.

The talk will take place at Mount Egdcumbe House on Sunday (October 14) at 2pm.

Tickets for the talk are available from Margaret Tindsley from Millbrook on 01752 822850. They cost £3 for members of the Friends and £4 for non-members.

There will be free parking at the house for ticket holders and refreshments will be available.

Thanks for support

THE Torpoint Cancer Research fundraising team have thanked their supporters for the generosity shown at the Classic Car Rally, held at Mount Edgcumbe.

This raised £453 while the Torpoint Carnival raised £180.

The team said this support from Torpoint and the surrounding area helps finance the work by scientists in researching cancer's cause and cure.

Their Christmas coffee morning is to be held on December l at Cornerstone Church in Fore Street.