Art students 'fear attack by thugs'

By Stephen Ivall

STUDENTS at Falmouth College of Arts are being advised not to go out on their own and to report any incident to police which involves harassment or attack by the town's louts.

Posters are going up at the college warning students of the dangers. And the local police chief has offered to talk to students and tutors at the college to allay fears.

The move follows a claim by one student's father that "yobs and nutters" in Falmouth were picking on art school students.

But police have discounted his "student bashing" claims and say they have received no such complaints.

But a number of unprovoked attacks by thugs on art students have taken place in Falmouth. Until now students have rarely reported such incidents.

Chief Inspector Charlie Batten, in charge at Penryn police station, said if students had a problem he would do his best to sort matters out.

If necessary he would go tot he college and talk to students and course leaders.

'Kill the bill' march attracts 300

ORGANISERS claimed 300 people joined their march through the streets of Falmouth on Saturday to demonstrate against the Criminal Justice Bill.

The march was organised by Martin Perks, a student of Falmouth College of Arts, and a leading member in London for the Campaign Against Militarism. "It was very successful," he said.

Students, local residents and new age travellers from Ponsanooth had joined in, he said. Word had spread about the protest via leaflets and word of mouth.

They were joined by local Labour Party member George Greene.

"We had about 300 people and I spoke to them in The Dell car park," he added.

It was not only problems at home which should be changed but international matters as well, said Mr Perks, citing problems recently experienced in Haiti.

He said the new Criminal Justice Bill was nothing but "a policy to sweep problems under the carpet".

Public views sought to protect 'jewel in the crown'

By Stephen Ivall

RESIDENTS of Carrick are being invited to have their say on a major new plan for the district which includes safeguarding many areas of Falmouth.

It covers a period up to the year 2001 and will provide planning guidance in eight crucial areas - environment, transportation, housing, shopping, employment, recreation, tourism, education, health and community facilities.

A spokesman said the district's environment was its "jewel in the crown."

Few districts combined such breath-taking beauty. No-one would argue its importance and everyone would want to retain and protect it while at the same time ensuring its future development is accommodated in appropriate locations.

The district plan will be an amalgamation of the Truro, Falmouth and Penryn, North Coast and Roseland local plans which have already been the subject of public consultations.

Once adopted, it will be the prime consideration when planning applications are determined.

Carrick Council now want to know what people think about the suggestion.