AN ACTION group is being formed to stop the sale of land at Higher Wharf in Bude and ensure the land is retained for community use, as opposed to what a spokesperson calls "inappropriate development."

Named the Higher Wharf Action Group (HiWAG), members comprise of the Bude Canal and Harbour Society, Bude Canoe Club, Bude Pilot Gig Club and the Westcountry Branch of the Inland Waterways Association.

The heritage site has been the home of the Bude Scouts and Town Band since around 1970, and previous to this time was crucial to Bude's ship based economy – finally ending up as the industrious Stapleton's Shipyard.

A spokesperson for the group said: "At present we understand Cornwall Council is bound by a previous decision made by North Cornwall District Council, but we would strongly urge that this decision should be reconsidered and overturned for the following reasons: to preserve this land for continued community use; in due course for the land to be redeveloped for community, environmental and educational purposes; this is the only viable remaining public site for a slipway access onto the canal which would be vital to ensure the canal would flourish; currently there are no facilities or shelter available for local clubs, all preparation and changing for youth and adult groups has to take place in full view in a public car park – Higher Wharf could be sympathetically developed to provide facilities in a safe and convenient environment.

"We believe Higher Wharf is a vital community asset, enjoyed by many people over the years and should be preserved in public ownership for the benefit of current and future generations of Bude residents.

"The group has no argument with re-settling of the Bude Scouts and Bude Town Band but would ask that Cornwall Council fund these moves from their reserves, and not from the sale of this important community site."

He added: "We would like to highlight this important issue to the local community before it is too late and would welcome people's views and any support you may be able to offer.

"If you share our concerns and would like to lobby Cornwall Council then please contact Tom Flanagan at [email protected]">[email protected] or Steven Davenport at [email protected]">[email protected]."