Louis Greaves

GMB Union has urged Cornwall Council to support Balaena’s proposed £150 million redevelopment of Falmouth Docks, including dredging to accommodate larger vessels and facilities for floating offshore wind projects. The union argues the scheme could create long-term employment and strengthen Cornwall’s maritime and energy industries. Environmental groups, residents and oyster fishermen oppose or question the plans because dredging could release contaminated sediment and harm the local oyster fishery. Cornwall Council will decide on land-based works, while the Marine Management Organisation is responsible for the marine licence; up to 643,000 cubic metres of sediment could be removed, much of it for disposal at sea.

A man in his 60s is in critical condition after a black Yamaha motor tricycle left the carriageway and crashed into a field on Gwinear Road in Connor Downs, West Cornwall. A teenage passenger suffered minor injuries and was taken to Royal Cornwall Hospital, while the rider was taken to Derriford Hospital. Roads policing officers closed the road for three and a half hours, and enquiries continue, with police appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Porthcurno Beach in West Cornwall has been ranked ninth on Big 7 Travel’s list of the 50 best beaches in the world, placing it ahead of well-known beaches in Hawaii and Greece. The beach was praised for its clear waters, bright white sands and granite cliffs, with the nearby Minack Theatre adding to its appeal. Anse Source d’Argent in the Seychelles took the top position, while Porthcurno was one of only two European beaches in the top ten.

A pod of common dolphins spent more than half an hour playing in the bow wave of Martin Painter’s motorboat in Falmouth Harbour. Painter photographed the encounter with a GoPro camera from just below the waterline. Cornwall Wildlife Trust advises boaters to keep a steady course, avoid large groups and mothers with calves, and allow dolphins to approach on their own terms.

Vandalised payment machines at Helston’s Fairground Car Park have remained unusable for almost seven weeks after parking charges were introduced, leaving visitors who cannot use a smartphone unable to pay with cash. A local pensioner identified as David says the free one-hour period is too short for his walks, especially given his mobility and eyesight problems, and that he has already received a fine. Cornwall Council says users can pay by phone or through the JustPark app, plans to repair or replace the machines, and warns that the vandalism will divert taxpayer-funded highways and maintenance resources.

Powell’s Plaice, a new family-run fish and chip shop operated by Mel, Tom and their children, opened at the former Acacia Fish Shop on Acacia Road in Falmouth. The opening was marked by a community celebration, with councillor David Saunby cutting the ribbon and customers queuing to be served. Mel Powell, who has more than 20 years of experience working in fish and chip shops, said restoring the site’s former identity as a chippy was a long-held ambition and thanked local staff and residents for their support.

A five-year-old child was bitten on the arm by an unattended dog at the Waterfront Portreath beach bar and kitchen on July 18. The child suffered bruising and was taken to hospital as a precaution. Devon and Cornwall Police are seeking to identify a man and woman believed to be connected to the incident after the dog’s owners left without providing their details.

Penhellis House, a Grade II listed care home in Helston with 23 bedrooms and capacity for up to 26 residents, has been sold for an undisclosed sum to John Griffiths and Peter Angelides of Devon Care & Living. The home provides care for elderly people with dementia, sensory impairments and physical disabilities. Its more than one acre of grounds and part of the building lie on the route of Helston’s annual Flora Day dances. The sale, handled by Christie & Co, attracted multiple bids and marks Devon Care & Living’s third care-home acquisition in the South West.

Former Cornwall sub-postmaster Susan Knight returns to BBC’s The One Show to discuss how accusations that she stole £22,500, linked to the Post Office’s faulty Horizon system, destroyed her finances and personal life. After running St Keverne Post Office from 2004 to 2012, Knight lost her home and was awarded £75,000, enabling her to retire and rebuild her life. The programme is credited with helping publicize sub-postmasters’ experiences as the public inquiry and police investigation approach their final stages. The Post Office says it is improving collaboration with postmasters and replacing Horizon, while Fujitsu has apologized for its role and said discussions over compensation remain ongoing.