BUDE Chamber of Commerce has put its weight behind calls for a vital community asset in the town to be retained.

Following the story in last week's 'Post' which indicated that an action group has been formed to ensure the land at Higher Wharf is kept for community use and not sold off and used for a possible development for the elderly, the Chamber has spoken out. (See Letters to the 'Post' on page four).

Chamber chairman Mr Peter La Broy says in an open letter to Mr Tom Flanagan, the corporate director for environment at Cornwall Council: "We ask that Cornwall Council reconsider this plan as it would have a significant impact on the future vitality and prosperity of the immediate area and of the Town Centre itself.

"The recent regeneration project of the Canal has been most welcome and adds to the attraction of Bude. However, it has been pointed out to us that the project could be seen as a 'work in progress' or to be slightly negative; 'unfinished.'

He explained that The area at Higher Wharf was one of historic value, as it was once the site of Stapletons' Shipyard where many of Bude's 19th century ketches and schooners were built whose historic names still occur around the town.

Streets, shops and houses have been named after these vessels such as 'Ceres,' 'Acland,' 'Wild Pigeon,' 'Agnes' 'Traly.'

"It has also accommodated several generations of Bude folk at the Scout Hut and Band Hall — I myself enjoyed being a Cub Scout in the 1970's here. We believe that there are enough developments in Bude for the elderly such as McCarthy and Stone's Hanover House and the sheltered housing at Bulleid Way.

"Surely, it is time to look after our youth and provide facilities for them. This could also attract a younger sporting clientele to our water based sports resort, which provides excellent surfing, boating, canoeing and fishing.

"The overwhelming feeling in Bude is that this land should be retained for public use. To lose this site to a commercial development of housing (possibly of retirement age use) would not contribute in the most effective way to the economic sustainability of the town.

If the land could be sympathetically developed with a slipway, along with a suitable building for scout­ing/band use and other waterway users, we feel that many local people and visitors would have great benefit.

"The benefits would not only be of social value, but also economic value. Increased visitors to the town, fees and licences, the possibility of further commercial usages such as boat trips and floating café's and restaurants would all add to the viability of the locale...

"The long term potential benefit of this land for Bude, compared to the short term minor financial gain to Cornwall Council is a comparison that seems to be imbalanced. Therefore we strongly request that this land is retained for the use of Bude and its populace.

What do you think? Write to The 'Post,' Tindle House, Westgate Street, Launceston, e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]