News from Cornwall Labour

Labour and unions campaign for dredging the port of Falmouth

Campaigners from both the GMB and Docks trade unions and the Falmouth Labour Party will be out on The Moor, Falmouth, on Saturday 28th January collecting electronic and written signatures in support of a deep dredge channel for the port.

With banners from the trade union and local Labour Party and a stall the campaigners will be collecting support for their joint campaign in support of the dredge. Wi-fi connected computers will be used to electronically send signatures to the epetition while handwritten signatures will also be collected.

Kevan Johnston from the GMB said; “The GMB Falmouth Branch and A&P trade unions are endeavouring to the highlight the importance of why this has to be done.

“Without dredging the fear is that there would be a slow decline in the port, leading to decline in investment and jobs.

“To dredge the port would lead to developing port operations and new cargo opportunities, developing the Cornish cruse market increasing the number of visitors to the area and benefiting the local/county economy, developing the new marine renewables industry in Cornwall and the Southwest.

“All of this leading to better jobs, better pay and an increase in the number of apprentice ships for local young people, not just in Falmouth but county wide. Encouraging our young people to live and work in the county.

“This is why we have set up our E-Petition campaign ‘Falmouth for orders’ and would ask as many people to come down to Falmouth Moor on 28th January 2012 and sign our petition.”

Candy Atherton, Chair of Falmouth Labour Party said “we are pleased to be working with the GMB and everyone wanting to enhance and save the Docks.

“Falmouth must stand together in the campaign ‘Falmouth for Orders’ so that our historic docks continue to provide employment and diversity to our town. We must not allow Falmouth to become a tourist town rather than a working port and harbour.

The epetition can be found at epetitions.direct.gov.uk

Other news from Cornwall Labour

• Cornwall Labour accuse Tory and Independent councillors of backing "new Poll Tax" - 29 January 2013
• Labour in Cornwall at South West Labour Party Regional Conference - 26 January 2013
• Cornwall's administration should admit they can't run the council and go - 16 January 2013