“Councillor Hicks' latest dramatic outburst inveighing against St Ives MP Andrew George and Friends of Penzance Harbour spokesperson John Maggs regarding the former's decision to host a public meeting about the proposed Cornwall Council-backed Route Partnership plans to build over the historic seafront in Penzance in order to 'enhance' the Pz -Isles of Scilly sea link, demonstrates a disturbingly personal method of attack from the recently elected councillor. His contempt fpr Andrew George getting up at a public meeting to 'display his wishes to consult with local people' contrasts quite markedly with his own decision not to attend, instead dismissing the views of the concerned Penzance residents as 'hot air'.
Aren't that what politicians for in a democratic society, to listen to and represent their constituents' wishes, not to railroad them, in the guise of demonstrating 'community leadership'? Councillor Hicks, of course, has the confidence in public office conferred by the weight of the hundreds or so of Redruth constituents who voted for him only a few months ago. Woe betide any of that minority who look to him to represent any view that doesn't reflect his own.
It is quite laughable also that he should conjure up the image of John Maggs as some kind of Svengal figure, capable of controlling our elected MP Andrew George. Mr Maggs just happens to be a local resident, concerned about the Route Partnerships' short-sighted and ill-considered (in so many ways-large, ugly, defacing the historic seafront and beach; financially disingenuous) scheme, and presumably stands to gain not one iota of personal gain from either outcome. Councillor Hicks, on the other hand, what are his motives? Does he passionately believe that the Penzance-IOS link is best served by building an ugly edifice in what little remains of Penzance's historic harbour? Or does HE have a more sinister motive, given the inappropriately close relationship between Cornwall Council and the Route Partnership's plan? One may be forgiven for thinking so, given the recent almost hysterical outbursts regarding this matter from him.”

“I agree with most of the comments made, the Route Partnership proposals are appalling nonsense. However Graeme Hicks is obviously frantic for the CCC plans to go through. Probably because they have spent £3.5 million pounds already, presumably paying the consultation fees. So you probably have a vested interest in ensuring the currents plans go through and the Route partnership does not have egg on its face.
Is it appropriate for County Councillors and the Consulation company to be sitting on the same committee.? Its does perhaps imply an inappropriate closeness. I pity the County councillors in the future who have to sort out this mess.
Penzance does not seem to do very well by the hand of the Highways/Transport dept and the councillors sitting on the committee. Most of their changes to our roads and thoroughfares are piecemeal and jumbled. Please stop telling us that we are a load of wimps and insinuating the beach is the only aspect we are disagreeing with. Of course we are very concerned, but all the other aspects of this disjointed, barbarious plan make us shake our heads in horror. We do not understand why you are not listening. I had better not share any more of my thoughts with you , I could also be insulting.”

“I must write in great seriousness about the outburst and behaviour of Councillor Graham Hicks on The Scilly Isles Link. First he calls us small minded when in fact the scheme he is trying to hoist on Penzance is not only stupid and nonsensical but is indeed very short sighted. What we need is a real development which will enhance Penzance. The Harbour Users plan for a marina, ferry and liner Port, shops and car parks, out of town, in an area of almost no environmental impact is the way we should go. The present useless scheme may well jeopardise that and will be wasted money. Instead they wish to pour concrete on the very beach and rocks that give the name to Penzance, to no benefit..

Second we are not in a minority: at one of the exhibitions designed to persuade the people of Penzance there was some 96% objection. Even a poll taken by the Cornishman after many articles supporting the scheme obtained 66% against. He and his sidekick Tim Woods have said ¿you are always going to upset some people." and ¿You can't please everyone¿. But it seems they are willing to displease the vast majority.

The Penzance end of this scheme does not need to affect what the Scilly Isles want and I can make no comment on their part of the scheme as I do not know about their needs. However I do know that building a bigger boat to take both passengers and freight will not help them. The needs of Passengers are incompatible with loading freight. Passengers need an early morning passage as short as possible to allow them time in the Isles: the new proposed boat will be just as slow as the present one.

The boat will be too expensive for the Scilly Ferry Company either to build or probably to lease. It cannot get into the dock for maintenance and it has nowhere to shelter in extreme weather. A fast twin hulled boat that is already built for this purpose would attract many more visitors to Penzance to also visit the Scillies. This alone would save over £10 Million extension to the present quay. A passenger terminal, if it is needed could be built along the present quay, at little cost and preserve the wonderful walk past the attractive boats in the harbour. There is no room for the freight traffic in the Town and an out of town depot is already in existence or premises to house it. There are many other reasons why this is a foolish scheme but why is it being foisted on us against the democratic voice of Penzance? One must suspect some vested interest for a few people because their scheme has nothing to recommend it.

Peter (Le M) St Just, Penzance”

“It is a pity that Mr Graeme Hicks is unable to conduct himself in a moderate, let alone politically astute, way. Perhaps he could/should learn a lesson or two from Mr Andrew George. Hectoring, bullying and insulting people. particularly the Cornish and those who choose to live in this lovely part of the world will get Mr Hicks precisely nowhere. We care about Penzance - not just for today or tomorrow but for the long term future. We LIVE here. Mr Hicks neither lives here nor apparently cares twopence for those of us that do. He does not even have the political nous to 'pretend' respect for any of us who do not share his view of the world. If he is so confident that we are a 'vociferous small-minded minority' why is he refusing to enter the debate and come to the Public Meeting at St John's Hall, Penzance at 7.30pm on 9th October? It's so much easier to just shout insults at us through the press, rather than come and discuss your views rationally isn't it Mr Hicks?”

“What Hicks has said about us the people of Penzance, our committment to Penzance and our desire to protect its unique water margin is an afront . It is our home, our place and our business not his. If Hicks is so hard of hearing or his ears have been stopped up so that he cannot hear what we are saying then we will have no alternative but to raise the volume. It is time he listened for a change. If he or anyone in Cornwall Council thinks they can railroad this through against our wishes then watch and see just how determined Penzance will be to stop them.”

“I like the fact Coun Hicks is insulting Mr. George by saying this... "This public meeting is just an opportunity for Andrew George to get up and display his wishes to consult with local people," Hurray for consulting local people!”

“And of course there are those who want to give county hall more powers with their laughable "assembly" ideas.”

“I¿m sure I was not alone in being taken aback by Cllr Graeme Hicks unprofessional public outburst and personal attack on Andrew George concerning the latter¿s decision to host a public meeting next week on the controversial plans to build a ferry terminal on our seafront.
Graeme Hicks should be reminded that whilst he may be making important strategic decisions on our behalf, the people of Penzance have never voted for him. He was elected by some 742 voters in Redruth to represent their interests, not ours, wheras Andrew George has a majority of 11,609 across Penwith and The Isles of Scilly.
Furthermore, Cllr Hicks clearly has no comprehension of how many local people feel angered at being consistently ignored. The fact that he has already declined to attend the meeting next Friday at St John¿s Hall compounds the fact that we are not being listened to, and echoes the arrogance of the Route Partnership throughout this process.
Andrew George should be congratulated for rising above such behaviour and continuing to work towards a viable solution which resolves this matter for all concerned- the majority of locals believe there is an answer, a freight depot out of town and a passenger terminal in an existing building.”

“I¿m sure I was not alone in being taken aback by Cllr Graeme Hicks public outburst and personal attack on Andrew George concerning the latter¿s decision to host a public meeting next week on the controversial plans to build a ferry terminal on our seafront.
Graeme Hicks should be reminded that whilst he may be making important strategic decisions on our behalf, the people of Penzance have never voted for him. He was elected by some 742 voters in Redruth to represent their interests, not ours, wheras Andrew George has a majority of 11,609 across Penwith and The Isles of Scilly.
Furthermore, Cllr Hicks clearly has no comprehension of how many local people feel angered at being consistently ignored. The fact that he has already declined to attend the meeting next Friday at St John¿s Hall compounds the fact that we are not being listened to, and echoes the arrogance of the Route Partnership throughout this process.
Andrew George should be congratulated for rising above such behaviour and continuing to work towards a viable solution which resolves this matter for all concerned- I believe there is an answer, a freight depot out of town and a passenger terminal in an existing building.”

“Well done Graeme. You've decided what's best for Penzance and intend to implement it whatever the residents think. Good on you, boy.”