The communities of St Minver Highlands and Lowlands Parishes are fortunate to have one of the most beautiful stretches of coast on their doorstep, including Polzeath Beach.
Polzeath Beach spans both Parishes and recognising its importance to residents, landowners, local businesses, visitors and voluntary organisations, the Parish Councils established the Polzeath Beach Management Group over a decade ago.
This group, made up of local councillors and members of the community has worked collectively to support the needs of Polzeath.
5 years ago, to further support this, the group collaborated with Local Councils and Cornwall Council to establish the Polzeath Beach Ranger Service. This initiative has played a key role in maintaining and improving the beach facilities, ensuring Polzeath continues to thrive.
In the summer of 2024, the Polzeath Beach Management Group asked one of its members, Ben Harbour to set up a Community Interest Company (CIC) in order to:
- address the impending withdrawal of funding from Cornwall Council for the Polzeath Beach Ranger Service
- be able to apply to Cornwall Council to return Coronation Gardens to the people of Polzeath as part of a devolution of assets to the community
- be able to apply for funds from Making Space for Sands and other grant making bodies to invest in the protection of the facilities and natural spaces of Polzeath
With the recent experience of being part of a small group that worked successfully to save Wadebridge Leisure Centre, Ben Harbour accepted the challenge of setting up and chairing what has become known as “Polzeath Village CIC”. The CIC is comprised of the following members:
- Ben Harbour – Chair
- Tina Robinson – Treasurer
- Dan Hutley – Director
- Jane Evans – Director
- Julian Webb – Director
The group brings a wealth of applicable skills with members having business, environmental and leadership backgrounds. They are all firmly embedded in their community, running local businesses, being present or past elected members of the local council, chairing the Polzeath Surf Life Saving Club and running the Polzeath Marine Conservation Group.
The CIC seeks to work closely with all members of the local community. It recognises the economic importance of the beach and will collaborate with local businesses, residents, landowners, visitors and voluntary organisations to better understand their needs.
Polzeath Village CIC is all about community. Community run and community driven.
It will seek to identify the needs of community and help guide it forward in a sustainable, economically successful and socially responsible manner for all to enjoy into the future.
Our clear aim is the safeguarding the future of the beach and surrounding natural spaces for the benefit of all in the local community, for the visitors who return year after year, and for future generations who are counting on us.
