Celtic League Kernow Branch Secretary outlines (below) the growing frustration and desperation of the local population as property values soar in Cornwall.

"A Cornish fishing village has been found to be one of the world´s most expensive places to live during a recent survey by Citibank and estate agents, Knight Frank.

Rock in North Cornwall now ranks alongside London, Monaco and Hong Kong with a new housing development in the little village containing homes costing more than 1,200 Pounds Sterling a square foot. The village is a favourite haunt of Princes William and Harry, actor Hugh Grant and Harrods owner, Mohamed Al Fayed.

Six houses on the Gull Rock development have guide prices in the region of four million pounds sterling each and one contains its own cinema, wine cellar. stained glass windows and bathroom plasma television. The developer, Graham Tyson describes Gull Rock as ´a very special location. Rock has miles of fantastic white sandy beaches and fantastic sailing with sophisticated restaurants. Housing prices locally have increased by 20 per cent in the past year and three of the millionaire properties have already sold.

One anonymous by request resident of nearby Padstow, now nicknamed ´Padstein´due to the presence of celebrity chef, Rick Stein´s businesses said, ´As someone whose family are from this area and who can quite justifiably call themselves Cornish through and through, I am growing increasing frustrated at what is happening here and I am not alone in feeling this way. Our local and ineffective politicians are overawed by these celebrities and their lavish lifestyles whilst those of us who are the real inhabitants are working on minimum wages and crashing out with family and friends lucky enough to have a roof opver their heads and a spare settee. No wonder graffiti is turning up everywhere. It´s the only way we can get our view over in a Cornwall which has forgotten it´s people in favour of the wealthy. Tempers are near breaking point.´

Mike Chappell, a member of several Cornish and Celtic organisations and Secretary of the Cornish Branch of the International Celtic League has said,´ Recently I have had the dubious pleasure of dealing with Carrick Council Housing Department in order to get suitable accommodation for one poor local soul made ill by her having to live in a sub standard and condemned Perranporth garage and living on 15 Pounds Sterling a week. Her pleas for help had been overlooked by a system that is rotten to the core. I have also worked to get hospital treatment for another person who needed a heart operation and who had been told there was insufficient nursing staff at Treliske Hospital to deal with her.´

Mike Chappell continued,´At the request of a number of local business and professional people concerned at the impact of job losses in the Clay Country around St. Austell, I drafted a letter using the correct protocol to send to Charles, Duke of Cornwall which was signed by the group which included local property and shop owners and even a doctor. We thought he should be made aware of the impact of job losses in his Duchy from which he draws a huge income. Prince Charles did not even afford us the courtesy of an acknowledgement yet alone a fuller response.

I have warned politicians and Government officials alike that they are condemning the Cornish people to life in a two tier system, feeling disenfranchised, disillusioned and unrecognised, an ideal breeding ground for those who feel it necessary to take matters into their own hands. Indeed, we already see signs of their frustration in graffiti threatening to burn down second homes and in acts of petty damage.´

Án uncaring and distant Westminster Government can no longer offer solutions for a Cornwall so sorely in need of an executive body better able to address local issues as is the case in Wales and Scotland. I am aware of recent research conducted by City firms which indicates that money made in the Duchy is not being re-invested here and I believe that we are seeing the seeds of discontent taking root from which we may all reap a very bitter harvest.´"

(This report written for Celtic News by Michael John Tremayne Chappell - michael.chappell [at] ...)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

30/05/07

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