The Celtic League Cornish branch say the recent tragic fire in which several people died is a sad vindication of the concerns expressed by the branch and others, including the Fire Brigades Union, about the amount of funding invested in Fire Protection infrastructure in Cornwall.
In the aftermath of the Newquay hotel tragedy Celtic League branch secretary, Mike Chappell, says there is a need "for an open and transparent public enquiry into the Westminster and Local authorities responsible for the chronic under funding of the fire service and for elected politicians to be called to account for their actions."
The full text of his correspondence sent to MPs and the media is set out below:
"Honorary Secretary: Michael John Tremayne Chappell Kessenyans, Little Water, Goonhavern, TRURO, Kernow TR4 9QG tel/fax: 01872 540516 e-mail: michael.chappell@...
The Western Morning News The West Briton Newspaper series All radio stations in Cornwall Cornwall's Westminster MP's Cornwall Council
20 August, 2007
Dear Sir
20 August, 2007
PENHALLOW HOTEL FIRE, NEWQUAY, KERNOW
In writing this letter, clearly all our thoughts are with the families of the guests who tragically died in the massive fire at the Penhallow Hotel, Newquay, and with the families of those who are worrying for missing loved ones and all others affected by this tragedy including the fire and other emergency services.
The Cornish Branch of the International Celtic League (An Kesunyans Keltek Scoren Kernewek) has been campaigning along with many others, including creditably, the local press, for in excess of six months for the provision of a well equipped and manned fire service in Cornwall.
During this campaign, we have written to all of our Members of Parliament in Cornwall, to the Cornwall Council and to the Fire Brigades Union.
We believe that our fire-fighters deserve better support than at present afforded by current political leadership responsible for the proper provision of this essential public service at both Westminster and Cornwall levels and have maintained from the outset that cutbacks in the Cornwall Fire Brigade will be intolerable and result in tragedy.
With the unfettered mass tourism encouraged by the Council and other unelected quangos, which is causing untold damage to the very fabric and nature of the Duchy as well as untold inconvenience to the local populace, a properly funded infrastructure is required to deal with massive population increases, not only in respect of the fire service but also the health service and other essential public services.
It is wrong to expect the indigenous population to bear further costs upon their council tax for this provision and we call for Government funding and a local tourist tax.
We also call for an open and transparent public enquiry into the Westminster and Local authorities responsible for the chronic under funding of the fire service and for elected politicians to be called to account for their actions.
This letter has been circulated to our members of Parliament and to Cornwall Council.
Yours faithfully
M.J.T. Chappell Secretary An Kesunyans Keltek Scoren Kernewek"
See also Celtic News article at:
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
21/08/07
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