Mariners Garden

Enhancements Underway at Mariners’ Garden in Looe

Work is underway to enhance Mariners’ Garden in Looe, creating an even more welcoming space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Led by Looe Town Council and thanks to funding from the GWR Customer and Community Improvement Fund, new planters have been installed and filled with a variety of fruit and vegetable plants, helping to bring colour, interest and opportunities for community growing to the garden. New picnic benches have also been added, including an accessible bench suitable for wheelchair users, ensuring the space can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

Thanks to the support of Looe in Bloom, a beautiful boat planter has been installed and filled with vibrant summer flowers, adding further character to the garden.

There is more to come in the months ahead, including a bespoke train and wagon planter being designed and built by Looe Shedders. These additions will continue to enhance the space and tell the story of how the railway contributed to Looe’s history.

As the garden develops, it is becoming an attractive place to relax, meet with others and enjoy a moment outdoors in the heart of the town.

 

Tourist Information

A Fresh New Look for Looe Library & Community Hub

Looe Town Council recently completed a refurbishment of the front desk area at Looe Library & Community Hub, creating a brighter, more open and welcoming entrance for library users and visitors.

The improvements have enhanced the use of space and accessibility, making it easier for people to access the services and information available within the Library.

As part of the changes, the Tourist Information Point has been relocated inside the Library. This enables people to browse leaflets, discover local attractions and events, and receive information and advice all in one convenient location.

The Library continues to play an important role at the heart of the community, offering free membership with no identification required to join. Alongside its wide range of books and resources, it provides access to digital services, local information and community activities, ensuring there is something for everyone. In the colder months, it’s also a welcoming warm space.

The refurbishment reflects the Library’s ongoing commitment to providing a welcoming, accessible and multi-purpose space for residents and visitors alike.

Polvellan

Polvellan Manor Public Consultation

Members of the public are invited to attend a public consultation regarding Polvellan Manor.
📍 Millpool Centre
📅 Wednesday 22 July
🕑 2.00pm – 7.00pm
This is an opportunity to find out more and share your views. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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Dowr Glan campaign and motion of no confidence in South West Water

You may have heard of the Dowr Glan campaign which is asking Town and Parish councils across Cornwall to pass a motion of no confidence in South West Water. So far, around 43 councils have passed the motion, with more set to vote on it in July, including Looe Town Council. Councils which have passed the motion include Falmouth, Newquay, Penzance, Hayle and Truro.

We want to make sure our residents’ views are heard on this important matter so we would like to ask you for your thoughts so your Councillors can go into the meeting on 28th July having heard your voices.
The motion they will be discussing is:
“1.    “This Council notes with grave concern the systemic failure of South West Water to manage the sewage system in Cornwall. Despite record bills and government intervention, raw sewage continues to impact our environment and public health. Therefore, this Council resolves:

2.    To formally declare a Vote of No Confidence in South West Water.

3.    To sign the collective letter to the Secretary of State demanding the removal of South West Water’s management through a Special Administration Order.

More information on the campaign can be found at Dowr Glan.

The text of the motion and collective letter to the Secretary of State can be read here: Dowr Glan letter and motion

A response from Alan Burrows, Head of Local Government Affairs at South West Water can be read here: Parish_Town_Councils_South_West_Water_24_June_2026

We are asking our residents what they think and whether they believe Looe Town Council should pass the motion of no confidence. You can have your say by completing our short survey here.

 

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Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony

Two representatives from Looe Town Council were honoured to attend the Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Cornwall Council’s Civic Office in Truro this week, at the kind invitation of the Chairman of Cornwall Council, Councillor Rob Nolan.
Deputy Mayor & Councillor Michala Powell and Councillor Chris Harwood, a former Royal Navy serviceman with 34 years of dedicated service, proudly represented Looe.
They joined representatives from councils across Cornwall, along with senior Royal Navy personnel and Armed Forces veterans. The ceremony was led by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE.
The occasion was further enhanced by a wonderful performance from the Military Wives Choir of Culdrose and St Mawgan.
Councillor Chris Harwood said, ” It was a true honour to pay our respects and show our appreciation for the dedication and service of our nation’s Armed Forces.”
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June – July Looe Community News

The June – July 2026 edition of Looe Community News, produced by Looe Development Trust is now live & available to read or download on our website.

You can find it here: LCN 152 June-July 2026 comp v2

Town Walk

Welcome to Events & Communications Officer, Claire, to Looe Town Council Team

Looe Town Council is pleased to welcome Claire as our new Events & Communications Officer.

Living locally, Claire already has a strong connection to Looe and enjoys spending time in the town with her family. She brings enthusiasm for the community and a passion for showcasing everything Looe has to offer.

Reflecting on her first week in the role, Claire said:

“It’s been a very enjoyable first week as Events & Communications Officer. I really enjoyed following the heritage trail and seeing the town through fresh eyes. I love digital marketing, and it’s been brilliant getting familiar with both the Town Council and Visit Looe social media channels and websites. I’m really excited about the opportunities we have to grow these and highlight what’s happening across the town.”

Claire looks forward to working with the community to promote everything Looe has to offer.

If you have any content you would like to be considered for sharing, please do get in touch at marketing@looetowncouncil.gov.uk.

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Looe Raft Race Returns This Sunday!

Get ready for one of Looe’s most exciting and colourful events of the summer, the Looe Raft Race 2026 is back this Sunday 21st June from 11:30am!

Organised in support of the RNLI, this much-loved community event promises plenty of fun, creativity, and a bit of competitive spirit as teams take to the water in their homemade rafts.

What to Expect

Expect a fantastic atmosphere along the river as teams of all ages paddle their way through the course, showcasing imaginative raft designs, fancy dress, and plenty of determination. Whether they’re racing for glory or just for laughs, it’s always a brilliant event for spectators.

With crowds lining the riverside and cheering on participants, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday in Looe.

Supporting a Great Cause

The raft race proudly supports the RNLI Lifeboats, helping raise vital funds for the lifesaving work they do along our coastline.

Plan Your Visit

Don’t Miss It!

Whether you’re entering a team, supporting friends and family, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Looe Raft Race is always a highlight of the town’s events calendar.

Come along, cheer on the crews, and enjoy a fun-filled day by the water!

food fest 26

Another Successful Looe Food & Drink Festival

The weather couldn’t have been better for Sunday’s Looe Food & Drink Festival.  After the disappointment of the storm-hit cancellation in 2025, it was a joy to see the festival return—bigger, brighter, and basking in sunshine all day long.

With 27 stalls offering everything from fudge, cakes and artisan cheeses to biltong and local honey, there was no shortage of treats to tempt visitors. For those who couldn’t wait until they got home, loaded fries, crepes, curries and tacos were on hand to enjoy right there and then.

On such a warm day, refreshments were in high demand, and festival‑goers were well catered for with Looe Valley Vineyard wines, local cider, fresh lemonade, and even a proper cup of Cornish Tea to keep thirst at bay.

The large marquee on Buller Quay hosted an impressive line‑up of chef demonstrations throughout the day, kicking off with Ben Palmer and James Strawbridge.  Ben spoke about how fortunate we are in Cornwall to have such exceptional fresh produce on our doorstep—including the seafood he watches come in on the boats from his window before cooking it the very same day at The Sardine Factory.

Adding to the atmosphere, St Pinnock’s Band performed beautifully in the Mariners’ Garden, providing the perfect soundtrack to a relaxed summer afternoon.

Band

Looe Town Council was delighted to support the Looe Food & Drink Festival once again. Congratulations to all the organisers and marshals for delivering such a fantastic event.

LOOE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 2026

The much-anticipated Looe Food and Drink Festival this Sunday the 14th June is the culinary event of Looe’s year, opening at 10am until 5pm.

Featuring the  very best of South West produce, it’s a foodie’s perfect day out. Come along and browse the artisan stalls of food and beverages, watch live demonstrations from professional chefs and soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying scenic Buller Quay.

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This year there is an extensive programme of demonstrations, starting at 11am which will be hosted by Ed Hughes and Sam Lyne:

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Chef Line up: 

11.00 am :Ben Palmer and James Strawbridge

11.50 am: Jude Kereama and Andi Tuck

12.40 pm: Chris Eden and Guy Owen

13.30 pm: Charlie Walters and Paul Welburn

14.20 pm: Fred Alsop and Ayesha Kalaji

15.10 pm: Stephane Delourme and Nikos Oikonomopoulos

16.00 pm: Ben Palmer and Tom Lodge

Which of the chefs’ demonstrations are you most excited to see?

 

Artisan traders who will be attending include:

Edwards’s Fudge Kitchen, Cornish Biltong, Cold n Rolled, Cornish Garlic Company, Sarahs Cake shop, Fish Smith, Martins Dairy, Mor foods, Cornish Gouda, Looe Valley Vinyard, Marbelle foods, Big Pan Parties, Cornish Chillis, home farm, Cornish sea salt, Looe Valley Vinyard, Crepe Cornwall, Cornish Chocolate, Unleashed Pizza, Simply the Zest, The Cornish Cheese Company, Smashems, Beetlejuice, Looe Arb, Cornish Tea, Biteme Street Food, Ripe Cider and Boddingtons.

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If you missed enjoying the best of Cornish produce due to the cancellation of the Royal Cornwall Show last Saturday, you could find it in Looe instead!