Sheryll Murray, MP for South East Cornwall, visited the beach at Whitsand Bay to get an update on the situation regarding RNLI life guards and the access to the Whitsand Bay Surf Lifesaving Club premises.
Currently the RNLI cannot access the life guard watch station and the Club cannot access the equipment stored below.
Sheryll said, “It is most distressing to see young people and adults using this beach without the cover we are accustomed to seeing on this beach. The RNLI need access to the watch station as this is a particularly dangerous beach which has already seen a couple of rescues this year from rip tides.
“I am keen to get this situation sorted out. As I understand it the main sticking point is insurance. I am writing to the Tregonhawke Cliff Chalet Owners Association who own the site, the RNLI, Whitsand Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and Cornwall Council to convene a meeting where any problems can be resolved.
“This is an important community building and I am also writing to St John Parish Council and Cornwall Council to suggest this is added to the list of assets of community value. Then, if the building comes up for sale, the community will be able to trigger a pause for up to six months under the Localism Act, in order to raise capital and bid to purchase the asset before it goes on the open market.
“I am determined that we resolve this issue to enhance safety on what is a very popular beach and one that I have used since being a very young girl.”
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Pictured: Sheryll with some of the Whitsand Bay Surf Lifesaving Club in front of the equipment store and life guard hut.
Contact: Sheryll Murray MP’s office on 01579 344428