Latest news with #Perranporth
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Perranporth swimmers suggest brown flags to signal polluted water
Sea swimmers have suggested brown flags could be used on beaches to indicate pollution in the of the Bluetits sea swimming group said the flags would be especially useful to tourists who may not know how to check the water quality at beaches they Shephard, who regularly swims at Perranporth in Cornwall said: "We get red flags if you can't see because of the sea conditions and I think we need brown flags for pollution."The Environment Agency has awarded Perranporth an 'excellent' grading for bathing water quality for the past four years, as a result of its regular testing system. Fellow Bluetit swimmer Zoe Woodward said in France there was a system where purple flags were used to show poor water quality and she thought it was a "brilliant idea".She said: "For people who are on holiday here and aren't aware to check the apps, to see that visual on the beach I think it'd be a good idea to make people think."In 2024 South West Water (SWW) recorded 56,000 sewage spills into the sea and rivers in the region.A spokesperson for SWW said: "Our storm overflow at Perranporth has not been active in 2025. "There are many other factors that can impact bathing water quality."These factors include agricultural run-off from fields. Another regular sea swimmer Martha Marshall-Clack said she frequently received pollution alerts for Perranporth on her said: "If there's an alert then we're not going in because it's too risky."I know a lot of people will say 'just keep your mouth shut and keep your head out of the water' but you want to be safe."We really enjoy going in the water... hearing the pinging of the alerts that you can't do that, it's just terrible in this day and age - it's just not acceptable." 'Clear, reliable advice' A spokesperson for the Environment Agency (EA) said its bathing water classifications were in place "to give clear, reliable advice to bathers".Thee classifications give a long-term assessment of water quality over a four-year period and as bathing water quality could change daily, shorter-term assessments alone would not provide an accurate overall picture, they said when daily fluctuations in water quality occurred from weather or tide, the EA issued pollution risk forecasts at sites where it was possible to do so. In addition to the annual classification, results of tests throughout the bathing season were available for more than 400 bathing waters on the Swimfo webpage, the EA added. Sarah Walsh runs a sea swimming business and said she was often affected by poor water said: "If there's been an alert I cannot take people swimming in case anyone gets poorly and people might have an underlying health condition."Ms Shephard said water pollution "has gone on for far, far too long".She said: "I just really would like to go into the water without not just checking the tides and the sea conditions, but checking whether there's been an alert for sewage."If I bring my dog to the beach and I don't pick up after them I can be fined £1,000 and be held personally accountable for that - but you can discharge sewage into the sea and that's too difficult to deal with?"On Sunday the environment secretary Steve Reed pledged the number of times sewage is discharged by water companies will be halved by 2030.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I ditched tiny city flat for ‘UK's Costa Del Sol'…I live on £10 a day – you don't have to go abroad for dream beach life
LIVING in a cramped city flat, care worker Erin Temple struggled to get by - often relying on food banks when her salary would barely cover her rent. But now she owns her own home with picture-perfect sea views - and has slashed her monthly living expenses by a staggering 90 per cent. 14 14 14 And she didn't need to flee the country to beat the cost of living crisis. She simply bought a van for £650 and parked it on the Cornish coast. Erin, 25, tells The Sun: 'I swapped a tiny flat for an off-grid home on wheels. The savings are gobsmacking. "I'm proof you don't have to move abroad to live affordably near world class beaches." Fed up with working gruelling shifts as a dementia and end-of-life carer for a salary that barely covered the rent on her Tyne and Wear one-bedroom flat, Erin upped sticks and moved to Cornwall with just £1,000 to her name. She arrived in Truro with her two dogs, Rooster and Rebel, a backpack, and a tent - and was soon tipped off by a local at a camping site about an elderly couple who wanted to sell their van. Erin snapped up the 20-year-old green LDV Convoy, affectionately nicknamed Betsy, and secured a long term camping spot on a private airfield near Perranporth, North Cornwall surrounded by forest and with spectacular views over the Atlantic coast. She says: 'It's a beautiful life on a budget.' Betsy's interior includes a double cabin style bed, built-in stove, sink and solar powered electrics which keep her energy costs down. The van is also fitted with a portable camping toilet and shower, though the campsite where Erin pays £300 a month to park offers full facilities. Her only other major costs are £100 for diesel and insurance, and around £20 a week for groceries, meaning her monthly outgoings total just £460. She keeps costs low by shopping for yellow label supermarket bargains, buying from local farmers and finding free firewood for Betsy's log burner, which heats her home. She adds: 'I've even started growing vegetables in buckets outside the van. "I used to pay nearly £1,200 a month in rent and bills. 'Now I live on around tenner a day, including food and accommodation. And I own my home." I was broken by low wages, high rents, and exhausting and often dangerous work. Erin Temple It's a far cry from Erin's previous life in the north east town where she would work 50 hours a week but still struggle to pay her bills. She says: "I was broken by low wages, high rents, and exhausting and often dangerous work. "It got so bad that, on occasion, I used food banks despite working 12 hour shifts. 'Carers are the hidden workers who are chronically underpaid and caught in a constant cost of living crisis. Getting a foot on the property ladder seemed like an impossible dream. She admits: "Even with double shifts, I couldn't get ahead.' Turning point 14 Her turning point came after being pushed by a dementia patient during a 24-hour shift. She recalls: "I was exhausted. My knees were bleeding and my arms bruised. 'Other staff were meant to meet me at a local pub for an after work drink but didn't show. 'I looked around and realised I was standing there in the middle of the day surrounded by two old alcoholics. 'I knew then if I did not change my life I'd end up a boozing mess, with no savings and no hope. That moment changed everything." 'Make or break' Erin gave notice on her flat, sold most of her belongings, and headed south. "I'd heard it was quieter, cheaper and the weather was tropical compared to up north," she recalls. "People said I was mad. Friends told me to take a holiday. But I knew it had to be make or break." Now Erin is living the dream in Cornwall - which since the pandemic has overtaken London as the most-searched-for location for property in the UK according to Rightmove. Perranporth Beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful surfing spots in Europe and dubbed 'Costa Del Perran' - after Spain 's Costa Del Sol - by locals is on her doorstep. She says: 'I've never been happier. The weather's great, the people are kind, and the view is incredible. 'An elderly neighbour even brought me homegrown veg to welcome me when I first arrived. That never happened in the city." Saving thousands 14 14 14 Determined that Betsy will be her home for years to come, Erin is currently building storage, redecorating and expanding her bucket garden. She says: "My dogs love it here. I am planning on studying psychology and counselling at a local college next year and finally have a life I love. 'I'm saving money, making plans and my mental health has never been better.' Erin adds that she's happily single at the moment - which she's thankful for as a bloke might be a bit of a squeeze with her and the two dogs. She chuckles: 'Living in a van, you downsize and de-clutter. I might find myself a nice Cornish lad and we'll just have to make sure he can fit in somehow!' I'm saving money, making plans and my mental health has never been better Erin Temple Erin is one of many embracing the van life movement. Since 2019, the number of Brits living in vans, buses or converted vehicles has exploded by 2,280 per cent, from 21,000 to over half a million. Cornwall is a hotspot for digital nomads even in the off season, with van lifers lured by the mild winters, coastal beauty and affordability. Farmers are renting out fields and people in local towns rent out their driveways to meet demand. While Cornwall is known for its luxurious seaside mansions and celebrity residents, including Cate Blanchett, Gordon Ramsay and Dawn French, costs can be surprisingly low. A cappuccino in Cornwall costs an average of £2.80, a third cheaper than £4.05 in London. A pint of lager averages £4.79, compared to £5.99 in the capital, and a loaf of bread is 92p compared to £1.64. For Erin, it's the perfect balance of quality of life on a budget. She says: 'We're Gen Z - we don't want to work just to pay bills. We want purpose, nature, creativity, community. Cornwall gives us that. "I'm healthier, happier, and finally hopeful. I've swapped a high rise flat for a van on the Cornish coast, and I wouldn't change a thing.' 14 14 14
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Swimmers warned about rip currents after rescues at Perranporth
Lifeguards have warned beachgoers about the danger of rip currents after they rescued 10 swimmers from a sudden flash one at a Cornish RNLI said the swimmers had been dragged out of their depth by flash rips at Perranporth beach on Saturday.A flash rip is a fast-forming, powerful current which can appear suddenly, even in seemingly calm RNLI advised people to always swim between the yellow and red flags on a lifeguarded beach and, if caught by a rip current, to float on their back with their ears under the water. Joel Ninnes, water safety delivery support for the RNLI, told BBC Radio Cornwall: "Rip currents can pop up at any state of the tide and people can get caught out fairly easily."He said there had been several large incidents involving rip currents on Cornish beaches already this year at Perranporth and Trebarwith lifeguards kept a watch for the rips, he said they could appear at any time due to the beach, size of swell and point in the tide."We've seen rip currents get up to 10, 11, 12 knots," he said. "They are incredibly strong and some can take you far out of the area."If a confident swimmer became caught in a rip, Mr Ninnes said they should swim parallel to the shore to swim sideways out of the current towards waves which would help bring them advised people who were not strong swimmers that were caught in a rip to remember the RNLI's "float to live" said: "Relax, try and catch your breath then roll on to your back and do the starfish shape."Get your ears below the water line and move your arms and legs if you need to."If you can't get out of the rip current, raise your arm in the air and look for a lifeguard and let them know."He said surfers and bodyboarders should hold on to their board and use it to help keep them afloat. The best advice, Mr Ninnes said, was to look for rip currents before entering the said: "Rip current have a different texture on top of the water - choppy or churning - and a darker deeper shade of blue."Look for where the waves aren't breaking, look for the texture - smoothness on the water can highlight the rip current and look for that deeper, darker colour."
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
We live in ‘UK's Costa Del Sol' but are being kicked out of homes & forced to live in tents by greedy second home owners
IT'S an idyllic seaside village famed for its miles of golden sand that has earned it the nickname 'Costa Del Perran' by locals. But residents say sky high house prices and terrible transport links is making their lives increasingly difficult - with some forced out and resorting to living in tents. 13 13 13 Perranporth in Cornwall has been a popular holiday destination for generations, boasting one of the UK's best beaches which is popular with surfers and families, and provides endless holiday accommodation and activities. So much so that during the summer the village's population swells from 3,000 people to 12,000. And while locals embrace tourists, with most local businesses catering to seasonal trade, locals have been left sleeping in tents or caravans and enduring 10 mile drives to the local school that take up to an hour. Second homeowners are often blamed for Cornwall's housing crisis - there are currently 14,000 empty homes as residents struggle to afford their first home. At Higgins Gift Shop, supervisor Sidnie Ray-Neeld, 22, said second homes have had a massive impact on the village. She said: 'It's strange because there seems to be a lot of people in the town but nobody is spending any money. 'Normally by this time of year we would be open until 7pm, but it's dead by 5pm and normally we would have about seven staff but we're at three currently. 'Second homes must be a factor when over half the area is second homes and the rest is overpriced Airbnbs. 'I just moved away from Newquay because I can't afford to live here any more. 'I know a lot of people who rent out their houses for the summer and go abroad or move in with family. Some even live in a caravan in their garden.' Inside UK's holiday home capital where pushed-out locals live in caravans & SHEDS at bottom of garden thanks to sneering millionaires 13 13 13 In April, Cornwall Council doubled council tax rates on all second homes to try to tackle the problem. And figures released last month revealed house prices in Perranporth, located on the north coast, have dropped an average of £13,000. Despite the hefty reduction, average property prices in the region still remain north of £400,000 - almost double the national average. With many locals priced out of the village, some are forced to use unreliable bus services to get to and from work and school. While Perranporth has a primary school, the nearest secondary is 10 miles away in Truro, which often takes an hour or more by bus. Villager Katie Mellor hires out surf boards on the beach in summer and does factory and bar work in winter. She said: 'It's been quiet this summer and people that are around are not spending money. 'I have friends who own holiday accommodation and they still have lots of vacancies this summer. 'Second homes has had a massive impact on every village in Cornwall. All the time people are getting kicked out because their landlords are selling up and there is nowhere for them to go. 'Buying here is completely out of the question for most villagers because wages are so low compared to house prices. 'The biggest problem I can see is lack of public transport. Bus services are so bad there are people in the village who work at the hospital in Truro and cannot even get to their shifts. 'My two children go to college in Truro but the bus is always half an hour to an hour late. "Their teachers have been very good and understanding but it's a real worry they could miss exams.' Despite this, business owners say they are proud of Perranporth's friendly reputation - some even argue second homes and Airbnbs have a positive impact on businesses. David Morrell, 60, owner of The Filling Station, a family-run sandwich shop in the village, said: 'We have very loyal customers, both holidaymakers and locals, so we must be doing something right. 'The cost of housing in the village is definitely a concern for staff. "I've noticed a lot of people selling their second homes recently, but it's still not at a price where it's accessible for the locals. 'There are a lot of local families who want to live in Perranporth but are just priced out at the moment.' 'Costa Del Perran' 13 13 13 Matt Burrell, 43, runs Pavillion Ice and neighbouring Haddock's End fish and chip shop. He said: 'Families love coming here because of the 3.5 miles of golden sand, but locals love it too. We call it 'Costa Del Perran'. 'House prices are a bit of a problem, you have to be able to save up £40,000 for a deposit and not many people here can do that. 'I know of people who move into a tent on a campsite for the summer and rent their house out because of the money they can make. 'I don't think Airbnbs are a bad thing for the village, they have opened up one and two night stays, whereas before people would have to come for a week or not at all, so it's bringing more people here for more of the year.' Bus services are so bad there are people in the village who work at the hospital in Truro and cannot even get to their shifts Katie Mellor Sammie Marshall of Marshall's Clothing added: 'There is a huge pressure to make money in the peak weeks because the winters are fairly quiet. 'We are open most of the year but it's just my dad working. 'There was a lot of concern about people not coming to Cornwall but business has been ok this year. Tunes in the Dunes helped us out a lot as we were really busy that weekend.' One of Perranporth's most popular attractions is the The Watering Hole, which claims to be one of the oldest beach bars in the UK. The bar, which opened in 1978, has tables right on the sand and has played host to some amazing live music including big names like Sam Ryder, Busted, Jess Glynne and Kaiser Chiefs. The bar also hosts music festival Tunes in the Dunes every year, claiming to be the only live music bar on the beach. Historical roots 13 13 Along with great bars and activities, Perranporth also hosts some fascinating history. There is a legend that says the patron saint of Cornwall, St Piran, was cast into the sea from Ireland by being tied to a millstone and washed up in the town. St Piran built a Christian oratory in the dunes whose ruins from the 6th century are still preserved there to this day. Families love coming here because of the 3.5 miles of golden sand, but locals love it too. We call it Costa Del Perran Matt Burrell He is credited with discovering tin, which would become the backbone of Cornwall's industry, and people make a pilgrimage to the town on March 5 to commemorate the saint. Surfers from all over the world also make the pilgrimage to Perranporth, which is known for its famous waves and is where the first UK surfboards were created. After World War I, soldiers returned home with stories of surfers they'd met on their travels. These yarns then inspired Perranporth's local undertaker and builder, Tom Tremewan, who designed and made the first bellyboards and surfboards, which he made out of coffin lids.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Yahoo
Teenager arrested on suspicion of terrorism bailed
Police have bailed a 16-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences. The Perranporth teenager was arrested on suspicion of dissemination of terrorist publications by counter terrorism officers, said Devon and Cornwall Police. Detectives said the boy had been released on police bail pending further enquiries. The force said a "number of searches" were going on at addresses around Perranporth and Redruth in relation to the investigation. More news stories for Cornwall Listen to the latest news for Cornwall Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Devon and Cornwall Police
