Community fundraises for historic harbour repairs

A historic harbour is facing an uncertain future unless money can be raised for urgent repairs.

A £120,000 fundraising drive has started to protect the quay in Gorran Haven, near Mevagissey, Cornwall, after fissures appeared after winter storms.

Chairman of the Gorran Haven Harbour Trust Geoff Fox said repairs would involve fixing steel rods into the end of the quay in a new concrete core.

He said: "Failure to act would be absolutely devastating. The 19th Century quay will be lost forever and the impact on local homes, tourism and fishing will be irreparable."

Michael Bunny, village resident and former Cornwall councillor, said the quay, built in 1886, was "really important because it protects our harbour, beach and village".

He said if the repairs were not carried out "the real heart of our community would be at risk".

He said: "Because we're on the south coast, without the quay it would make it impossible for anyone to fish.

"The Big Cellars, the largest preserved pilchard palace left in Cornwall, the Watch House, the lime kiln and the 16th Century cottages, all of them would be at risk."

Existing funds totalling £40,000 have been ringfenced for the repairs, with a further £51,500 fundraised.

Fox said the repairs would need to begin in October to prevent further winter damage and the trust wanted to protect the village "for decades to come".

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