The petition
Don't you think that a beautiful, covered shopping centre that also provides a Civic Building is best for St Austell?
Well,˜Friends 4 a Better St Austell"(FAB St A) think so too!
So, if you care about St Austell you need to sign up NOW and join us.
Time is very short. But ALL TOGETHER we can get a better St Austell
Frequently asked questions:
Q. Why are you doing this now? isn't it all too late?
A. We have tried individually over the last 2 or 3 years to express our views through all the usual channels - the Council, our Councillors, the St Austell Forum, the Engine House and local papers but all to no avail. Only with the start of the new 'St Austell Voice'newspaper last summer were we able to make contact one another. So this is our very last chance to effect change before the proposed build commences.
Q. What's wrong with the design proposed by the Council/Developers?
A. The design look very much like the old Alymer Square. The Council appears to be repeating all the mistakes of the past. Not only is the centre open to wind and rain but with alleyways and long flights of steps concerns are raised about the issue of security. It is very expensive and high rents will exclude local traders. Seven storey flats do not fit with St Austell. In addition,it fails to proved a badly needed public building for community use.
Q. What about our traders?
A. The South West Regional Development Agency (an unelected quango) has prematurely undertaken demolition work before the whole site has been purchased so, of course, it has adversely affected our traders. Therefore we consider the SWRDA and Restormel Council have a duty to assist them. Meanwhile, it is most important that we continue to support them as well. Many traders support us for they want 'A Better St Austell'too!
Q. Isn't everything in place for the developers design to be built in the Spring of 2007?
A. Mostly - but the cinema's demolition has been seriously behind schedule; there is a deafening silence over which companies are interested in renting the units. In addition its many flaws (see our website for details) make its viability very questionable. And now we learn (April 2007) that the SWRDA are short of £12 million and have gone to the Government to ask for the money. So the whole development is 'on hold' once again. NOTHING is happening.
Q. What will happen if the present plans fail?
A.We will then have the opportunity, with the backing of the thousands who have already signed up to FAB St A, to influence the future design of St Austell Town Centre.
See our website: www.abetterstaustell.org
Sign the petition
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