Early May was gentle and slow in Polzeath, but the bumper heat wave half term made up for that with many of the businesses reporting record takings.
It was great to see so many visitors to the area, and it certainly put systems and local resources under pressure. The RNLI Lifeguards were kept busy with multiple rescues and constant proactivity due to the conditions. Biffa and Cormac met expectations within their service level agreements.
There were pictures in social media about the overflowing bins at the beach. This happened on one occasion due to an evening shift driver for Biffa reporting sick last minute. In the last 12 months this has been rare, and I don’t consider it to be a cause for concern.
I have discussed with Cormac and Biffa the provision of cardboard recycling. Arrangements are now under way to have a bin in place, although it’s unclear (and unlikely) this will be specific for pizza boxes.
Part of the clean up in the mornings included scolding firepits left by people enjoying fires the night before.
I agreed with the landowners a few years ago that fires would be banned, but it is not currently a PSPO offence. This is something we could consider going forward, but Cornwall Council would need to conduct a Public Consultation first.
Informal signage has already been placed around the area, but there is no budget to have evening patrols currently. The fire-sites are dangerous and unsightly.
The action to reduce business deliveries and vehicles parking on the beach has been rolled out, and all the landowners and businesses have signed a voluntary policy. Additional signage has been produced and there has been a marked improvement.
There will naturally be the odd anomaly, but I am happy and confident with the early progress, and the signed policies will provide an element of ‘defence’ should a Blue Flag Inspector highlight any concerns.
The Blue Flag was presented to us by Keep Britain Tidy through Cormac, and is now proudly raised daily together with the RNLI flag.
There were two incidents of dogs in hot cars over the half term.
On both occasions the dogs had been left in the car for over 90 minutes with plenty of time still left on the parking ticket.
Improved access to the cars was gained with physical force, with evidence being gathered as to the condition of the animal to stay within the bounds of the law. Water was provided and the windows were covered so the car was shaded. The owners were located with the assistance of CCTV footage from local shops and the lifeguard public address systems.
I have sourced and placed additional signs regarding the seasonal dog ban in New Polzeath and ‘Stinky Bay’, which is where people often drop on to the beach after a walk to the headland. We have noticed far fewer issues with the new signs in place, although there will always be people who never see the signs no matter how many are in place!
The Civil Enforcement Team have been visiting most days and conducting occasional early starts for overnight campers.
Please continue to encourage Parishioners to use the Cornwall Council online portal to report parking issues. The Enforcement Team prioritises reported problems.
Please see the adjoining ‘Report a Problem’ poster that has been created to help people make reports quickly and efficiently.
Please feel free to print or share the poster to promote local improvements.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any issues or concerns.
Andy Stewart
Beach Ranger
e.
