An iconic Cornish fishing village which has been the backdrop for films and TV programmes is under threat as cracks have appeared in the quay that protects its harbour.
Campaigners are fighting to raise money for the "special place" and to "protect it for decades to come" after fissures appeared in the quay at Gorran Haven - which will cost six-figures to repair.
The Gorran Haven Harbour Trust (GHHT) is appealing to local people, businesses, second homeowners and tourists to help it raise the £120,000 needed to complete the repairs that will prevent the end of the stone quay falling away and leaving boats, buildings and moorings exposed to the sea.
“Failure to act would be absolutely devastating," said chairman, Geoff Fox. "The 19th-century quay will be lost forever and the impact on local homes, tourism and fishing will be irreparable.”
£40,000 of existing funds have been ringfenced for ‘The Quay to the Village’ project, with a further £23,000 already raised via a JustGiving page and several local events held to raise awareness and vital funds. But they still have a long way to go to reach the six-figures needed.
“Gorran Haven is such a special place to live, work and visit and we want to protect it for decades to come,” explained Mr Fox. “This will only be possible if we raise another £35,000 to meet the £120,000 costs required to complete the repairs, which involve placing steel rods into the end of the quay and fixing them into a new concrete core.”
He continued: “We have procured the expertise of a surveyor and a local marine civil engineering company, who have experience in this kind of work on other quays in the country. They are confident that the suggested approach will deliver a long-term solution, but we need to raise the money very quickly for the project to start in October."
Located just a few miles from Mevagissey, Gorran Haven is steeped in local history, from smuggling to having one of the most productive pilchard fisheries in Cornwall. At one stage it was reported the lights of London were fuelled by the oil pressed from the fish landed in the bay.
The picturesque spot and surrounding coastlines have also been heavily featured in major films, including Richard Curtis’ About Time and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
Michael Bunny, resident, local councillor and historian, added his support: “If we don’t repair the quay, numerous coastline properties will be affected, along with the historic fisherman’s buildings ‘Big Cellars’ and ‘The Pound’.
“The quay and these associated buildings are irreplaceable representations of our national heritage and, while no longer commercially active, continue to provide an all-important historical narrative to our place in the world.”
He continued: “We have been overwhelmed by the response from everyone who loves Gorran Haven and the financial backing has come from all over the world, including families who emigrated to Australia forty years ago.
“The fundraising is going well and we’re now over halfway there. We’ve got grant applications going in and have several local events planned to raise money."
Mr Fox added: “Second homeowners have a big role to play, and they have been quick to support our campaign. Time is ticking, but we’re hoping that we will be successful in protecting one of Cornwall’s coastline gems and a village that generates more than £5million to the local economy every year.”
To view the JustGiving page and to donate, visit the fundraiser here.
