News – Page 9 – Looe Town Council

Flood Warning Issued: South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head

Tuesday September 9th, 2025/in Important Updates, News /by Tegan

The Environment Agency have issued the following flood alert.

Flood Alert in force: South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head.

Flooding is possible for: Gribbin Head to Rame Head including Fowey, Golant, Lostwithiel, Lerryn, Polruan, Polperro, Looe and the Looe Rivers and Seaton. Flooding is possible over the high tides on Tuesday evening and Wednesday.

High water at Plymouth on Tuesday is at 19:53 and Wednesday at 08:15. Flooding is possible an hour either side of high tide. Times of high water will vary along the coast.

Locations particularly at risk include low lying areas of Fowey including Fore Street, Town Quay, Albert Quay and Caffa Mill Car park, Lostwithiel including Quay Street and the Recreation ground, East Looe and West Looe, Millendreath, Polperro Harbour, and the B3247 at Seaton.

Do not walk or drive through flood water or waves.
Coastal conditions will worsen again for both high tides on Wednesday, bringing a further risk of flooding. A flood warning is also in force.

Detailed tidal information; The forecast high tide level at Plymouth on Tuesday is 2.95 mAOD. Expect tide levels to be around 0.3m above tide table level. Force 5 southerly winds and offshore wave heights of over 2.7m are forecast over the high tide.

To check the latest information for your area

Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/target-area/114WACT1T1CA00

Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 211002 .

Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.

Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.

What you should consider doing now:

Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.
Get ready to act on your flood plan if you have one.
Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.
Prepare a flood kit of essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, insurance documents, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need.
Businesses should inform staff and customers about the situation.
Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.
In rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood.
Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet.
Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with it.

A Flood Alert has been issued for high tide on Monday evening.

Monday September 8th, 2025/in Important Updates, News /by Schanine Bonney

A Flood Alert has been issued by the Environment Agency.

Flood Alert in force: South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head.

Flooding is possible for: Gribbin Head to Rame Head including Fowey, Golant, Lostwithiel, Lerryn, Polruan, Polperro, Looe and the Looe Rivers and Seaton.

Be prepared.

Flooding is possible over the high tide on Monday evening. High water at Plymouth is at 19:13, times of high water will vary along the coast. High water levels are forecast to cause flooding between 18:00 and 20:00.

Locations particularly at risk include low lying areas including Fore Street, Town Quay, Albert Quay and Caffa Mill Car park at Fowey, Quay Street and Recreation ground at Lostwithiel, Polperro Harbour, Quay Road and The Quay at Looe and the B3247 at Seaton Do not walk or drive through flood water or waves.

Coastal conditions should ease for Tuesday morning’s high tide, however, conditions are forecast to worsen from Tuesday evenings tide, bringing a further risk of flooding. Flood alerts and warnings will be issued if required.

We are monitoring the situation and will update this information by midday on Tuesday, or if the situation changes.

Detailed tidal information: The forecast high tide at Plymouth is 2.67 mAOD. Expect tide levels to be around 0.1m above tide table level. Force 4 SW winds and offshore wave heights of over 1.4m are forecast over the high tide.

To check the latest information for your area

——————————————————-

* Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/target-area/114WACT1T1CA00

* Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 211002.

* Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.

* Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.

What you should consider doing now

———————————————

* Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.

* Get ready to act on your flood plan if you have one.

* Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.

* Prepare a flood kit of essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, insurance documents, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need.

* Businesses should inform staff and customers about the situation.

* Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.

* In rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood.

* Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet.

* Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with it.

Expressions of Interest – Illustrator/Designer Wanted

Wednesday September 3rd, 2025/in News /by Tegan

Looe Town Council is seeking a talented local illustrator or designer to develop a new heritage map for the Looe area.

Your design will need to:

• Work across both printed leaflets and physical signage in Looe.
• Highlight and celebrate Looe’s rich history.
• Be practical, clear, and directional.
• Balance creativity with instruction.

We’ve attached an example of an existing design for reference, but we’re keen to see a fresh approach, something that captures attention, features local landmarks, and reflects the character of Looe. You can access the current design here: DOC230525-23052025163059

The call-out is an opportunity to assess your illustration/design style. We’ll be working closely with the chosen illustrator, so good communication skills and a willingness to collaborate is an essential part of the role.

This is a paid commission, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you’re interested, please contact our Content & Communications Officer Tegan with a link to your portfolio or recent work at: tegan@looetowncouncil.gov.uk

We look forward to hearing from you!😀

Meet Our writer in residence: Graeme Sandford!

Wednesday August 27th, 2025/in News /by Tegan

Looe Library & Community Hub have recruited the super talented Graeme Sandford to fulfil the role of our writer in residence! Graeme will be running a FREE session tomorrow 10-11:30am, a playful workshop inspired by his charming characters the puddle people! The session will be suitable for ages 6-13yrs with 4 spaces still available to book!

Call Looe Library on: 01503 262390 to secure your spot!

We had a chat with Graeme to learn a little more!

Introduce yourself & your background.

Hello, my name is Graeme, and I was of Hampshire, but now I am of Cornwall (my Gt. Grandmother left Cornwall in c.1851 for Hampshire, and I returned in 2017, leaving Hampshire for Cornwall, where I’ve always felt I belonged). I worked in Industry for 40 years or so, then in other, kindlier, trades (lorry-driver, delivery boy, taxi-person), all the while through my life writing, acting, performing, singing, bass-playing, acoustic-comedic songwriting and all-round being a performing person (including efforts as a Noél Coward / Bob (Dylan) Thomas / Singing Nun – and many others).

I have written many books, all of which have many fine words hidden within them.

Can you discuss a personal career highlight/ achievement for you as a writer?

Yes, I can. A highlight for me was when a play that I had written was performed by professional actors as a part of the Salisbury Fringe Festival. Based upon Terry Pratchett’s Hat and Typewriter having a conversation after TP had all-too-soon typed his last, it showed me that I could do a seriously funny thing (or a funnily serious thing).

What inspired you to become our writer in residence?

Ah, now you are asking. I had sought a position of prominence from where I could encourage writers, poets, and performers to follow in my size 11 footsteps. Having been turned down for the position of Bard of Penryn, and not being quite Cornish enough to be Bard of anywhere else in Kernow, I plied my wares in Looe. They saw my worth (after asking no more than a dozen others) and I was the writer just write for the job (if you see what I mean?)

Who would you encourage to visit your upcoming workshop sessions/ what can they expect?

I like to have an easy atmosphere in a writing session, with some element of heads-down writing, but lots of humour and learning in a fun and informative way. I’ve been to many such workshops and always take many things away from them (not just the pencils). The best children’s session that I ran was in a school, and ended up with three classes of year 4/5 children (and teachers and TAs) all reciting Spike Milligan’s ‘Ning-Nang-Ning’ as loudly as possible – such fun.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I have been a part of many, many different and varied writing and poetry groups, and have run competitions, performance evenings, and even have an online presence (be it very tiny).

Winner of poetry slams, short-story competitions, poetry competitions, and with works published in all manner of publications, I must be doing something right when I pop a selection of words together. My books are available to borrow from Looe Library, and to buy in the lovely book shop in West Looe – called the ‘West Looe Bookshop’ run by (the also lovely) Katrina. You can also find my books online, or I have a few rattling around the house if you are desperate.

We can’t wait to see more from Graeme! You can also catch Graeme at Looe Festival of Words on Saturday 4th October, 10-4 at the Hannafore Point Hotel. For more information on this head over to the Looe Festival of Words Facebook page!

An Update Wheeled Sports Facility/ Skatepark

Friday August 15th, 2025/in News /by Tegan

This week we recieved an update on the wheeled sports facility/ skatepark for Looe. The team at Looe Development trust shared the following announcement.

‘For the past 4 years, Looe Development Trust has been leading a project in partnership with Looe Town Council and The Boundless Trust to provide a wheeled sports facility (WSF) / skatepark in Looe. The aspiration for this facility goes back many years and it is supported in the Neighbourhood Development Plan for Looe.

The Application site is at the far end of the Millpool car park and will be leased to Looe Town Council. The Working Group has consulted extensively over a long period of time with key organisations in the town. We thank them for their input.

The Working Group is pleased to announce that the Planning application for this much needed youth facility has now been registered with Cornwall Council as PA25/04810.

We will be holding a number of open sessions for residents and the public to have the opportunity to see the plans, the independent noise survey and to ask any questions that they may have about the WSF/Skatepark.

This is first and foremost a youth facility, designed by the Youth of the town in conjunction with Maverick skateparks who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point. In addition, the application was made by Andrew Wilks of ADW Design Group free of charge. We would like to thank both Andrew and Maverick for their invaluable support. We hope that as many people as possible will come along to the open sessions and make their views known. The details of the dates and times will be published shortly, and we will ensure a mix of day, evening and weekend sessions.

We need your support now to make this long-held dream for the town a reality. So, we ask that if you are willing and able that you make your comments on the Planning Portal to show to Cornwall council how important this development is for Looe. The greatest champion of this project over many years was Edwina Hannaford. She worked behind the scenes to help secure the proposed site, moved things forward when they looked like they had stalled and gave a huge amount of encouragement to all involved. In recognition of her work, and the regard in which the town holds her memory, the Working Group have agreed that the WSF be called The Edwina Hannaford Skatepark. Thank you to Simon for allowing us to do this in her memory’.

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Consultation meetings will be taking place at The Millpool Centre on the dates below:

Saturday 30th August downstairs 10 – 12

Monday 1st September 10 – 12 and 6pm – 8pm

Thursday 4th September 6pm – 8pm

We look forward to hearing from you!

Looe Commemorates VJ Day 80

Friday August 15th, 2025/in News /by Tegan

Alongside the Royal British Legion, we gathered to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, honouring the end of WWII and those who served.

The Royal British Legion collected for the Poppy Appeal, while a St Pinnock’s Band musician offered a moving tribute. Louis Portman, President of the Looe branch, spoke at the ceremony, paying heartfelt tribute to the lives lost.Also in attendance, Looe Town Council’s Town Clerk Sam White, Deputy Town Clerk Sharon Payne, Cllr Jon Holmes, and Cllr Abbas Matini, joined by residents and visitors. The Royal British Legion Standard was carried with pride by maintenance team member, Karol.

VJ Day is a time to remember the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served and to give thanks for the peace we enjoy today.

We owe them more than words can ever say,
For giving us their “today” for our “tomorrow’s” way.

A387 Stabilisation Scheme

Thursday August 14th, 2025/in News /by Tegan

Cornwall Council have provided us with the following information regarding essential stabilisation work on Station Road, East Looe.

To facilitate the project, two-way traffic lights will be in place on the A387. To minimise the disruption to the local community, traffic management will be in place overnight 9pm -7:30am as follows:

13th September
15-18th September
25-26 September
28 Sept- 2nd Oct
5-9 October

This means there will be no traffic management in place on the Saturday night of the Kernowfornia event and for the duration of the Looe Weekender. From 10 October, traffic management will remain in effect until the project is completed.

For further information please see the details attached that have been provided by Cornwall Council: Stabilisation Scheme – Station Road – East Looe – Sept 2025

Summer Reading Festival at Looe Library and Community Hub

Monday August 11th, 2025/in News /by Tegan

Summer Reading Festival week has finally begun! The team kicked off the festivities with rockpool mosaics in our council chambers this morning.

Throughout the week, readers will take part in pebble painting, garden collages, jar crafts and pot painting!

There are a few places left on some of our festival workshops – pop in or phone the library to book your FREE place 01503 262390.

Don’t forget the main event! There is still time to join in the fun and sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. Earn rewards for reading! Library opening hours:

Monday 9:30am – 1pm,

Tuesday 9:30am – 5pm,

Thursday 9:30am – 5pm,

Friday 9:30am – 1pm

Saturday 10am – 2pm.

Free parking while using the library.

To keep up with local events you can follow Looe Library & Community Hub on Facebook & Instagram!

Blaze Bear’s Sizzling Success at Looe Emergency Services Day

Friday August 8th, 2025/in News /by Tegan

A huge congratulations to everyone involved in Looe Emergency Services Day last weekend!

A special shout-out goes to Blaze Bear, who not only hosted a fantastic BBQ but also took the time to meet and greet all the service attendees. Thanks to Blaze Bear and his amazing team at Looe Community Fire Station, over £500 was raised for the Fire Fighters Charity, a brilliant achievement!

Check out some snapshots from their adventures below.

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Looe Rate Card – Advertise in Looe’s Loos.

Wednesday August 6th, 2025/in News /by Tegan

Calling All Business Owners! Looe Town Council is launching an exciting new initiative, and we’d love for you to be part of it. Maintaining Looe’s public toilet facilities is a significant expense for the town, with no external funding to help cover the cost. To support this vital service, we’re introducing:

Looe’s Loos – A Community Advertising Opportunity.

All proceeds from this advertising scheme will go directly toward the upkeep of our public toilets.This is an introductory offer subject to change per year.

What This Means for Your Business:

This is a unique chance to advertise your business, event, or service to a wide and varied audience, directly in our well-used public toilet facilities.

Promote your shop, restaurant, event, or something a little out of the ordinary!
Choose from 1 to 10+ poster placements across our facilities.
Includes a 12-month contract with the flexibility to update your posters or artwork up to 4 times a year.
Reach approximately 150,000 people annually who use Looe’s public toilets!

This is not just advertising but a chance to support a crucial local service while boosting your business visibility.

Interested?

Check out the documents provided below or get in touch to register your interest and book your space:
📧 Email us at sharon.payne@looetowncouncil.gov.uk