Cornwall

Benefit cheats who tried to con council tax payers out of nearly £50,000 have had their comeuppance at the hands of the law.

In the last few weeks, Cornwall Council have prosecuted five residents, one of whom had committed housing benefit and council tax benefit fraud to the tune of more than £17,000.

The news comes as it was revealed that in the last financial year, the authority mounted 123 prosecutions, identifying £2.1 million of wrongly claimed housing and council tax benefit.

A spokesman for the council's benefit fraud team said the work would continue on behalf of all council tax payers and legitimate claimants.

"Fraud poses a significant problem to public and private organisations," he said.

"To individuals and to the country as a whole. It is estimated that each year £73 billion is lost to fraud, which means approximately £1,460 for every adult in the country, of which the losses incurred by local government exceed £2.2 billion a year."

The spokesman said all councils had a statutory responsibility to protect public funds and Cornwall Council took this duty "extremely seriously".

"The main focus is to prevent fraud entering the benefit system, investigate and detect fraud already within the system, deter individuals from committing fraud and to prosecute offenders.

"Offenders who are taken to court and found guilty will also have the burden of a criminal record."

According to information provided by the benefits fraud team, in total 284 sanctions were administered split into 112 formal cautions, 49 administrative penalties and 123 prosecutions.

One case alone amounted to a fraud of almost £38,000.

In the latest raft of prosecutions to be taken to court, a man from Penzance was fined £385 for a housing benefit and council tax benefit fraud totalling £11,520.

Gary Gwennap, 43, of High Street, admitted the two counts of benefit fraud and failing to promptly report that he was in paid employment when he appeared before magistrates at Truro. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 towards the council's investigation and legal costs.

A woman from Helston has received a 12-month Community Order of 120 hours unpaid work for a housing benefit and council tax benefit fraud totalling £17,073.

Vanessa Slater, 57, of Meneage Parc, pleaded guilty at Truro Magistrates Court to two counts of benefit fraud of failing to promptly report to Cornwall Council that she was in receipt of increased earnings.

Ms Slater was also ordered to pay £728 towards the council's investigation and legal costs.

A spokesman for Cornwall Council said the overpaid benefits were being recovered in a separate court action.

Truro City are not expected to announce their new managerial set-up until the club knows what level they will be playing at next season.

And the club, which is still in administration, faces a race against time to agree a CVA with its creditors ahead of the Conference annual meeting on June 8.

A provisional date for the CVA meeting has been set for Wednesday June 5, just three days before the Conference meeting.

Club chairman Pete Masters said yesterday there were still three "hard core" creditors, owed around some £70,000, who had still to agree to the CVA.

Without that agreement City, who finished bottom of Blue Square Bet South, face a drop of up to three leagues to the Premier Division of the Western League.

And until the situation is clearer the club are in a difficult position as they try to assemble a competitive squad and managerial set-up for the new campaign.

The club is looking for a successor to Lee Hodges, who was told earlier this month that he would not be offered a new contract, and denied this week that head of football development, Steve Massey, would take charge, assisted by another former City boss Graeme Kirkup who is assistant manager to Nicky Marker at Ivybridge Town.

And another former City favourite Glynn Hooper, who has just stepped down as manager at Newquay, revealed that he had been approached about a possible coaching role at Treyew.

But with all the uncertainty surrounding what league City will be playing in next season, and the amount of travelling that will be involved, Hooper will not be rushing into any decision.

Masters said that Massey had been very busy talking to a number of players about next season.

There will be a lot of new players," he said. "But no firm decisions have yet been made, though contracts have been drawn up. We have to be flexible."

But he did confirm "without doubt" that the club would still be playing at Treyew Road next season.

Players thought to be interesting City include the Helston strike pair of former City player Liam Eddy and Mark Goldsworthy, the Bodmin duo of Chris Luxton and Olly Brokenshire and Falmouth Tow keeper Jason Chapman, another former City player.

But one player who will definitely not be at Treyew next season is striker Andy Watkins, who has joined Bath City after a glittering City career of 295 games and 143 goals.

Cornwall's Sarah-Jane Boyd has won the 2013 English Women's Amateur Championship at Kings Norton, Worcestershire.

Boyd (pictured left) finished two strokes ahead of fellow England golf international Alex Peters with a total of two over par 290 after four rounds.

The 21-year-old 2012 Ladies British Open Amateur Strokeplay champion from Truro Golf Club held a five-shot advantage going into yesterday's fourth and final round following a morning level-par 72.

Boyd – also the 2012 South West Ladies champion – shot two-under 70 to take the halfway lead in the English women's amateur championship, while Devon's Emma Tayler fired the lowest score of the competition with 69 to soar to third on the overnight leader board.

Saunton's Tayler eventually finished joint tenth last night with 302.

Cornwall's Boyd and Devon's Tayler have both put amateur women's golf in their respective counties on the national map at Worcestershire this week.

Boyd's 290 consisted 73, 70, 72 and 75, while Tayler carded 77, 69, 80 and 76.

Cornwall are just one step away from a first County Championship final since 1999 but head coach Dave "Benji" Thomas knows it will be a hard one to take.

The Duchy face Hertfordshire at Camborne tomorrow but even a win might not be enough to book their place in the Twickenham final.

If Hertfordshire lose with two bonus points, they would top Bill Beaumont Cup Division One South.

Thomas said: "It will be hard and we will be up against it. They will be well drilled and we will have to be on top of our game on Saturday without question.

"We can win the game and still not go through. If they score four tries and we beat them by less than seven, it would make us level on points but they would go through with a better points difference.

"All we can do is go out to win the game and win well. One of the biggest pluses in the two games we have played so far this year has been our defence – it has been awesome."

Cornwall's defence was certainly tested in the latter stages of a 23-17 victory in Kent last weekend.

Thomas said: "We conceded three tries at Gloucester and then two at Kent. In both games, it was just the odd mistake that enabled them to score at least one try in each game.

"We are looking at a watertight defence and we worked on that again in training this week.

"We had a bad spell in the second half on Saturday, playing against the wind and up the slope. But we pulled it back and the leaders in the side stood up.

"We scored the try and held on by our fingernails for the last eight minutes."

Hertfordshire are set to be without a number of their young Saracens players. However, Thomas, who will be without Fiji international Sam Matavesi, still expects a tough test.

He said: "Whatever team they put out are going to be formidable. They were the champions of England last season and they have to beat us to be able to go back and defend their title.

"Their side will still be based on a very strong Old Albanians side that is very strong. All the players in their side are playing a league or two above our Redruth and Launceston boys.

"We have lost Sam Matavesi as he will be playing for Fiji. We're disappointed he is not playing for us but we wish him the very best of luck.

"We will pick the same team as last week except Rhodri McAtee is on the wing for Tom Notman and Barry Chapman is in the back row in place of Sam."

HUNDREDS of homes have been without power after heavy winds brought down power cables across Cornwall. Western Power said the severe weather cut live cables carrying up to 53,000 volts and 11,000 volts cutting electricity to around 400 homes in Penzance, St Keverne, St Buryan, Mousehole and Newlyn. A Western Power spokesman said 250 homes were currentlty without electricity in St Keverne and a further 100 properties in Heamoor, Penzance were also affected. He said it was prepared for the weather conditions bringing in extra engineers to work throughout the night if needed. He added: "They are working in dangerous conditions, climbing electric poles in high winds, with gusts up to 70 miles per hour and rain. They will work for as long as it takes to restore supplies. The cables have been brought down by flying silage bags and fallen trees." Police are also warning motorists to be extra careful on the county's roads with many trees and debris blocking routes. There are hazardous conditions along the A30 at Bodmin and Hayle and a fallen tree has blocked the road at Laity Lane in Lelant at around 8.20pm.

A PORTHLEVEN woman has been told she can no longer take in rescue bull breed dogs at her housing association home because of concerns over noise and health and safety. Janet Jewell said she has saved 220 dogs, including Staffordshire bull terriers and boxers, from certain death after launching Bully Befrienders six years ago. She has taken in the abandoned animals from pounds across the UK, as well as cruelty cases in Cornwall. She said: "I don't think there have been complaints about noise and welfare, but complaints about too many dogs at my home and the type of breeds I care for." As well as seven of her own dogs she also takes in up to seven rescue dogs at a time, which she nurtures back to health before re-homing. But Coastline Housing Ltd, which owns the property, has told her to limit the number to four. In a statement it said: "Most Coastline customers can keep animals with written permission. We reserve the right to ask for them to be removed if we receive legitimate complaints about anti-social behaviour, such as loud barking or fouling, or if there are problems with health and safety. "Our housing officer is working closely with Miss Jewell and the local dog warden to re-home the animals involved and ensure their continued welfare." Miss Jewell has been given until Monday May 20 to close down the centre and re-house the animals. She is negotiating with Coastline to keep her own pets at the house. She added: "I have had dogs that have been starved, beaten, stabbed and burnt as well as neglect cases. They have all been rehabilitated well and moved on to great homes. "All they have wanted is food, warmth, love and security. I have two Staffordshire bull terriers and a boxer which I need to find homes for. There have been no incidents involving any of my dogs during the past six years. Fifteen local people have taken in many of them, and keep in touch." She is appealing to landowners in the area in the hope of re-establishing her rescue centre. She thanked all those who have supported her through the years, saying: "People have been incredible helping me look after the animals and giving them wonderful homes." Bully Befrienders can be contacted via its Facebook site or e-mail bullybefriendersdogrescue@yahoo.co.uk

A Perranporth tennis club is to revamp its facilities thanks to grant funding totalling £80,000. Perran Tennis Club was recently granted £49,000 from Sport England and has now been given an additional £28,500 from Sita Cornwall Trust, with the club using its own funds to bring the total up to £80,000. Steve Luck tennis development officer and coach at the club said: "Sita Cornwall Trust will finance the resurfacing and colour coating of the three old hard courts, whilst Sport England's input will allow power to the club house for the first time and floodlighting for our hard courts. This is brilliant not only for the club, but also for whole community of Perranporth."

Controversial councillor Collin Brewer is now under investigation by the police.
After receiving a number of formal complaints, Devon and Cornwall Police are looking into whether comments made by the Wadebridge East councillor have broken the law.
 Mr Brewer first provoked public outrage in February when it emerged that in 2011 he had told a member of Hayle charity Disability Cornwall's staff that "disabled children cost the council too much money and should be put down".
He resigned his seat on Cornwall Council but decided to stand again.
He hung on to his seat by just four votes at the elections earlier. Last weekend, Mr Brewer came under fire again after allegedly making a series of further comments on the subject of disabled children when being interviewed by the Disability News Service (DNS).
Mr Brewer said he had been approached by a farmer in his ward about his original comments, who made it clear he "didn't see a lot wrong with what I said, because it is something they do every day".
He said: "If they have a misshapen lamb, they get rid of it. They get rid of it. Bang."
He is also reported to have compared cost of keeping ten public toilets open with the amount required to look after one disabled person.
Today a spokesman for the police said: "This matter has been formally reported to Devon and Cornwall Police who will now look into the comments made to establish whether any offence has been committed and we will be contacting those who have reported this matter to us to update them."

A road on the outskirts of Probus was closed for one hour during tonight's rush hour after two cars collided blocking the A390. A woman suffered a possible broken leg in the crash that happened at around 5.30pm. Fire and ambulance crews attended along with police who cleared the route by 6.30pm. Motorists are being warned to drive carefully in the heavy rain and high winds that are sweeping the county.

Cornwall Conservatives have called for the resignation of Mike Eathorne-Gibbons and then let the electorate decide if they accept his candidacy as an Independent councillor. Mr Eathorne-Gibbons was thought to be a stalwart of the Conservative group at County Hall and was tipped to lead the party, before his shock defection from the Conservatives to the Independent group yesterday. Chairman of Truro & Falmouth Conservative Association Robert O'Shea released the following statement earlier today: "The electorate of Ladock, St Clement and St Erme deserve better than this so do the staff, volunteers and officers who supported his successful campaign for re-election. "Mike should now do the decent thing and resign his seat and let the same electorate decide if they accept his candidacy for independence. "Meanwhile I await his simultaneous resignation from the Conservative Party." Mr Eathorne-Gibbons said he believed the Conservatives at County Hall had "lost its way" and said voters on the doorstep had complained of the party's "shenanigans" which saw several Conservative defections. Mr Eathorne-Gibbons said his decision was "honourable" but said he understood some people may have felt let down after voting for a Conservative who switched parties ten days after the election. He said: "I attribute my success to a personal vote not a political one." Mr Eathorne-Gibbons was elected as a Conservative to represent the Ladock, St Clement and St Erme constituency with 666 votes cast in his favour at the local elections on May 2. His nearest competitor was Jo Poland from the Green Party who garnered 234 votes.

The ongoing saga over comments made by a Cornwall councillor that disabled children "should be put down", is not the conversation we should be having, a Hayle charity has said.
Disability Cornwall, the charity to which Wadebridge councillor, Collin Brewer, made his original comments in 2011,called recent revelations about further comments "frightening" but said that the debate should take in wider issues.
It emerged at the weekend that the 69-year-old, who hung on to his Wadebridge East seat by just four votes at the Cornwall council elections, had once again waded into the disabled costs row.
In a recent interview with the Disability News Service (DNS)  he compared the cost of keeping ten public toilets open with the amount required to look after one disabled person.
Mr Brewer said he had been approached by a farmer in his ward about his original comments, who made it clear he "didn't see a lot wrong with what I said, because it is something they do every day".
He said: "If they have a misshapen lamb, they get rid of it. They get rid of it. Bang."
This latest string of comments, apparently made during an interview with DNS, have once again sparked a public outcry.
A spokesman for Disability Cornwall said: "It is clear that when it comes to discussions about the burden on the public purse, we have all been having the wrong conversation.
"We are talking about the value of a human child's life, set against an economic reality in which the Government diverted £2 trillion of tax payer's money from public expenditure for a bank bail-out.
"This is equivalent to 20 years of NHS spending, 40 years of education spending or 500 years of Job Seekers Allowance.
"Many people do not realise that a local authority's primary function is to provide social care services and for good reason, because Mr Brewer and friends, its life that is precious in all its variety and need, not the pothole that might inconvenience your commute to work."

AN OLYMPIC medalist is launching a gymnastics programme for children in Newquay, St Austell and Launceston this month. Three times world champion gymnast Beth Tweddle MBE has joined forces with Tempus Leisure (formerly called Carrick Leisure) to introduce Gym Stars to Cornwall. On Tuesday, May 28, she will visit Newquay Sports Centre at 9.30am, Polkyth Leisure Centre in St Austell at 1pm and finally Phoenix Leisure Centre in Launceston at 4pm. As well as a chance for young children to meet the star, she will take part in a live question and answer session, show off her skills with a floor display, and coach a Gym Stars session for children taking up membership before or on the day. The programme, devised by Ms Tweddle and other gymnastics experts, is for children aged 2-8 and aims to teach the sport in a fun and exciting way. It is split into two streams: one for children aged 2-4 and one for those between 5 and 8 years old. "At Total Gymnastics we believe that every child should have the opportunity to try gymnastics," said Neil Richardson from Total Gymnastics, the company which developed Gym Stars. "So providing a programme that allows children of all abilities to try gymnastics is a great way to increase participation and enables Beth to leave a lasting legacy within her sport." For more details, visit www.gym-stars.co.uk.

Westcountry MPs have joined a growing Conservative rebellion over Britain's membership of the European Union.

Up to 100 Conservative backbenchers are expected to register their anger that the Government's plans for the next year do not include a law to enshrine David Cameron's pledge for an in-out vote by 2017.

Some 78 MPs have signed an amendment to the Queen's Speech, which sets out the coalition Government's legislative programme, making clear their frustration.

They include Richard Drax (South Dorset), Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset), Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot), Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) and Sarah Wollaston (Totnes). The amendment states that signatories "regret that an EU referendum bill" was not included in the Queen's Speech. It came as, unexpectedly, David Cameron will today publish a draft bill aimed at writing into law his commitment. The Prime Minister's move will deepen coalition divisions over Europe, with the Liberal Democrat wing of the Government "nonplussed" about the plan. Foreign Secretary William Mr Hague said a Private Member's Bill was a "much more difficult route for legislation" than a Government Bill but insisted it meant there could be a vote in the House on the referendum policy. He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "There can't be, in a House without a Conservative majority, any certainty of passing legislation. There can be an effort to do so." Asked if he was relaxed about Tories voting in support of the amendment, Mr Hague said. "Yes, that remains the position and I must stress that this Bill doesn't alter that position. Its purpose is not to alter that position. It's to provide an opportunity."

Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, has told the Western Morning News she supports the amendment and "any sensible efforts to pave the way to secure a referendum in the next Parliament".

But Cornwall MP George Eustice, who leads a group of Eurosceptic Tory MPs, said colleagues should "get behind" the Prime Minister, contending a "semantic argument" about timing is a "distraction".

Asked what he would do if given an in-out vote today, Mr Liddell-Grainger said: "I would come out. I'm sick to death with it. It's bankrupt. It's pushing us to do things we don't want to do. It's a dictatorship from Brussels."

Mr Cameron's plan is to renegotiate Britain's relationship and stage a referendum on the renewed deal if the Tories win the next election. But he is unable to bring forward government legislation to enact his pledge because of opposition from the Liberal Democrats.

As to whether the amendment would help or hinder Mr Cameron, Mr Liddell-Grainger said: "I don't think we really care. Our job as backbenchers is to represent the feelings of our constituents. And Bridgwater and West Somerset is sceptical – to various levels."

Mr Liddell-Grainger said he would rather a referendum this side of the election, or hold the two on the same day in 2015. He questioned whether a re-negotiation would work without a clear list of demands over powers to be repatriated, and a deadline for them to be delivered. He added: "I would love to renegotiate, but the history of the EU is that it does not like to renegotiate."

The vote is expected take place tomorrow, although Labour and Liberal Democrat opposition means it is certain to fail.

Conservative ministers have been told that they can abstain. At the weekend, Cabinet ministers Michael Gove and Philip Hammond said they would quit the EU if there was a vote today, but stressed that they supported Mr Cameron's bid to renegotiate.

Explaining her backing for the amendment, Mrs Murray said: "It doesn't matter what we promise. The public just don't believe us. I believe we should show the public we are absolutely determined to do this."

Given her concerns over the Common Fisheries Policy and the continuing crisis in the Eurozone, Mrs Murray, whose late husband was a fisherman, thought she would probably vote to quit the EU if a vote was held now.

On his blog, Mr Drax wrote the EU is a "huge elephant in the room, which simply won't go away". "It was always foolish of those who didn't want to discuss our future position on Europe to believe it would just conveniently be forgotten," he said. "The EU affects our sovereignty, our liberty and our future. I can't think of three more important topics for politicians to consider and debate, especially in our party."

He said Tory backbenchers were acting because of "lack of clarity, dragging of feet and general waffle from all political parties".

"Unprecedented times needed unprecedented action and I am confident that a large number of my colleagues will vote for this amendment," he went on. Mr Eustice, Conservative MP for Camborne and Redruth and a former Press aide to the Prime Minister, said: "David Cameron set out exactly the right approach towards the EU in January. We should renegotiate our relationship with Europe and then have a referendum after. We now need to get behind him and knuckle down to winning the next election because without a Conservative victory nothing will change. Semantic argument about referendum timing is a distraction from the core task."

Meanwhile, Ed Miliband has come under pressure from his party's backbenches to pledge a referendum in its next manifesto. Senior Labour MP Keith Vaz, former Europe minister, said: "I believe that it is the democratic right of the people to make that decision for themselves." Labour has ruled out a referendum now, but not in the future.

The Lib Dems have not backed the Conservative position. Leader Nick Clegg has said a vote in the next Parliament was "not in the national interest", and would create uncertainty that spooks business.

Update: 8.35am: A massive fire which ripped through Summercourt's Western Greyhound depot yesterday morning may have been started deliberately, police have said. Devon and Cornwall Police say following investigations, it is now thought the fire, which destroyed a third of the company's fleet worth around £1.5million, was started deliberately. Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting crime reference GC/13/151. brightcove.createExperiences(); Western Greyhound said the following services were not running - 522, 547, 550, 551, 556, 557, 558, 559, 585, 586, 596 The following services are running with a reduced service - 524, 525, 594 The company said that unless stated, all other services were running as normal. 7am Monday More than 35 buses were destroyed by fire in a massive blaze near Newquay overnight. Firefighters were called at just after 1am to deal with the inferno at the Western Greyhound bus depot at Summercourt. There is expected to be massive disruption to school and general bus services this morning after 37 buses were destroyed. Fire crews from nine centres attended the blaze near the A30 with flames visible for miles in the early hours. Mark Howarth, managing director of Western Greyhound, said the fire was "devastating". He said: "We know 37 buses out of 100 have been burned out. It's obviously devastating." Mr Howarth was called just after 1am this morning and went straight to the scene. brightcove.createExperiences(); A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "A large number of buses have been destroyed by fire which will impact on the bus service provided in mid-Cornwall." Police said nobody was injured in the blaze. The A3058 Newquay to St Austell Road has now been re-opened. The Highways Agency have put diversions in place. brightcove.createExperiences(); Cornwall Council said the park-and-ride in Truro would be affected but would still run a limited service this morning. The cause of the fire has not yet been established and investigations by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and Devon and Cornwall Police will continue.

ST IVES all weather lifeboat The Princess Royal launched to reports of a life raft drifting a mile off Godrevy light house yesterday. The life raft was initially spotted by RNLI volunteer crew member Barney Stevens who was on duty as part of the charity's lifeguard team patrolling Gwithian beach. Barney contacted Falmouth coastguard who requested the lifeboat launch. With directions from the National Coastwatch Institution on the Island at St Ives, the crew located it two nautical miles north of Godrevy lighthouse. Coxswain Paul Whiston said: "As soon as we sighted the life raft, it was immediately obvious that there was no one inside. "It was taken aboard the lifeboat and bought back to St Ives in good condition. "On arrival at the harbour, we were able to check the serial number and trace it to the motor vessel Cwind Athenia who had reported a life raft that had been lost over board off Lands End the day before."

Arsonists are suspected to have torched a new home in Hayle causing hundreds of thousands of pounds damage. Police have launched an investigation into the alleged attack, which saw more than 40 firefighters called to tackle the blaze on Trelissick Road last night. The porch was destroyed by the fire and the inside of the property was also damaged. The three bedroom, two bathroom house, which was being built by St Ives developer Porthia Homes, is on the market for £345,000. brightcove.createExperiences(); This morning director of the company, Bill Baitup was on the scene counting the cost of the damage, which he estimated to be at around £200,000. He said work on the property had just been finished and it was about to be sold. He said: "It was looking absolutely perfect. We had an offer that was proceeding so we nearly got it sold. "It is still going to be sold because we will have to get it sorted out. It is going to be worse than a rebuild." Mr Baitup said the fire service had told him the blaze had been deliberate. He said: "The fire brigade have confirmed that it was arson because pallets were dragged round to the front." Mr Baitup added: "We have been building it for the last six months and it is going to be almost a total rebuild ... It is totally gutted inside." The new home, which is currently being advertised for sale on This is Cornwall's sister site This is Property, is described as being a "contemporary home situated in a highly regarded residential area on the outskirts of Hayle offering spacious and well proportioned accommodation". The internal fittings including carpet and appliances had already been installed. Emergency services were called to the scene just before 12.30am. Firefighters from Camborne and St Ives found the porch had been completely destroyed and the fire had spread to the roof. As the fire spread more crews were called out until there were a total of 42 firefighters on the scene. A spokesman for the fire service said firefighters from Penzance were called out to the fire as well as units from St Just and Falmouth. By 3.30am the fire was out and the crews were "damping down" the site. Penzance Inspector Jean Phillips said police would now carryout door-to-door enquiries in the area and investigate what motive there might have been for setting the fire. She said: "The fire brigade are satisfied that it is arson and we have tasked the criminal investigation department (CID) to take on the enquiry. "We are looking for anybody who saw any suspicious activity any time after 11pm." Anyone with information can contact police by dialling 101 and quoting crime reference number AY-13-376.

Flood alerts have been issued for rivers across Cornwall as the county braces itself for sever heavy rain. MET office forecasts show between 20 and 40 mm of rainfall is to hit the Duchy from this evening and into the early hours of tomorrow morning. Flooding is possible, particularly in low lying areas and roads and people are being warned not to drive through any flood water. Cornwall Council said residents need to be prepared and take precautions where necessary. A Cornwall Council spokeswoman said: "During the floods which took place in March a number of householders reported difficulties in obtaining sandbags when the heavy rain affected their local area. "As neither the Council nor the Environment Agency has a statutory duty to provide sandbags, anyone whose property is prone to flooding should ensure they have a supply of sandbags ready to protect their home or business should they need to. Local communities are also encouraged to check with vulnerable neighbours in case they need help with obtaining flood protection materials." She said its Highways and Environment services and Fire and Rescue and Emergency Management services are monitoring the situation closely and are on standby to deal with any problems. Flood alerts have been issued for rivers across Cornwall, including the River Fowey, with flooding possible in Lostwithiel, The Glynn Valley, Trago Mills and St Neot. Rivers in Mid Cornwall, with flooding possible in Pentewan, St Blazey, Luxulyan and Lanivet. The River Lynher, with flooding possible for the Rame Peninsula, Callington, Saltash, Rilla Mill, Pillaton and Landrake and the Helford and Fal Rivers, with flooding possible for The Lizard, Penryn, Falmouth, Truro, Ladock, Tresillian and Grampound areas. Flood alerts have also been issued for rivers in West Cornwall, with flooding possible in Lands End, Helston, Crowlas, St Ives, Hayle, Camborne and Perranporth. The North Cornwall rivers, with flooding possible in Newquay, Padstow, Wadebridge and Sladesbridge, Bodmin and Camelford. The Upper River Tamar, with flooding possible in Bude, Helebridge, Bridgerule, Canworthy Water and Yeolmbridge, the Lower River Tamar, with flooding possible for Gunnislake, Calstock, Cargreen, Bere Alston, Morwellham and Cotehele and the Looe and Seaton rivers, with flooding possible for Liskeard, Polperro, Jopes Mill and Hessenford areas. As a result of the forecast the Environment Agency is advising people living in areas at risk of flooding to take precautions. Sandbags can be obtained from builders merchants, DIY and hardware stores. Anyone who is unsure if their property is at risk can check on the environment agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or call the floodline on 0845 988 1188. For further advice on preparing for flooding visit the environment agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or the Cornwall Council website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/flooding

A charity based in St Agnes is launching a campaign to unite surfers from all across the globe in a bid to protect UK waves from pollution. Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) will launch their Global Wave Wednesday campaign tomorrow, May 15. Partners of the campaign will help secure 100,000 signatures for the charity's Protect Our Waves petition, which calls on the UK parliament to debate the value of surfing waves and locations. As part of the campaign signatures will be collected from surfers, environmentalists and ocean lovers from the USA, France, Spain, Holland, Australia, Mexico, Portugal and Hawaii. Global Wave Wednesday will be the first time the global wave protection community has joined forces to highlight calls to protect natural surfing resources. SAS Campaign Director Andy Cummins said: "It's great to have surfers from all over globe standing up to protect UK waves as part of Global Wave Wednesday. "Surfers are part of a global community, often travelling to experience new waves in new countries. We believe that UK surfers deserve to enjoy clean waves and we want to be able to promote the UK as a clean wave destination." SAS are dedicated to protecting UK waves from pollution, marine litter and over-development.

The Princess Royal will visit the Royal Cornwall Show on the opening day of the event on June 6. It will be the Princess's fourth visit to Cornwall's biggest annual event. Confirmation of The Princess Royal's visit gave a great boost to proceedings, said show secretary Christopher Riddle. "There was no big announcement but in all the conversations I had, there was a really positive response and I think the news was very timely."

The new Cornwall Council could be led by the Independent group, it has emerged. The news came out following on from the shock defection yesterday of top tory Mike Eathorne-Gibbons from the Conservatives to the Independents. The results of the elections on May 2 were inconclusive with 36 Liberal Democrats, 35 Independents and the Conservatives 31. But Mr Eathorne-Gibbons' defection has meant the Liberal Democrats and Independents are now level-pegging on 36 seats. The Independent group issued a statement this morning confirming their desire to lead Cornwall. It said: "Independent Councillors have proposed to the other groups at Cornwall Council to help form an Administration. The Independents have invited all groups to participate in this administration. "Constructive discussions are underway, with the hope of an agreement by the end of the week." Cornwall Council has 123 members and so any coalition would need the backing of at least 63 councillors. Tense negotiations are ongoing at County Hall over who will take charge of the administration. It is understood that the new leader of Cornwall Council would be an Independent with a Liberal Democrat deputy leader. The Liberal Democrat leader Jeremy Rowe said: "We're still talking to all groups and we hope that the administration will end up being as broadly based as possible. "We think that stability is essential for the coming years and so far we have been encouraged to hear that the other groups agree with our approach." Mr Eathorne-Gibbons said he believed the Conservatives at County Hall had "lost it's way" and said voters on the doorstep had complained of the party's "shenanigans" which saw several Conservative defections. Mr Eathorne-Gibbons said his decision was "honourable" but said he understood some people may have felt let down after voting for a Conservative who switched parties ten days after the election. He said: "I attribute my success to a personal vote not a political one."