GILBERT SPEAKS OUT IN COASTAL TOWNS DEBATE

4.54.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd Jul 2010

Stephen Gilbert, MP for Newquay, spoke in yesterday's Parliamentary debate on 'Costal Towns' and raised two important issues affecting Newquay.

In the debate, Stephen asked the Minister for State to address the matter of licensing policy which Stephen described as "not [keeping] up with the speed at which businesses can open, shut and reopen, often flouting the decisions that local authorities make when they finally get round to intervening."

Stephen also raised the problem that sees Newquay go from a population of 20,000 to 120,000 in the summer and the lack of police resourcing to cope with that change.

Commenting after the debate, Stephen said:

"There are many unique problems that affect costal towns like Newquay. Indeed, as I listened to other MPs speaking, I heard similar stories told about Blackpool, Skegness and Great Yarmouth. There is clearly a need for action.

"I will be continuing to put pressure on the Minister's responsible to see the necessary changes in the licensing regime, planning policy and police resourcing. Through some simple, but crucial, pieces of legislation, we could see a Newquay which works for residents, tourists and businesses alike."