Penzance Heliport Ltd 'remains committed' to plans
Penzance Heliport Ltd has said that it remains committed to plans for a new heliport in Penzance.
The statement follows today's announcement that the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group is to begin its own helicopter service from Land's End in May.
Penzance Heliport Ltd said: "[We remain] committed to reinstating genuine choice and reliability to the Isles of Scilly transport system through a helicopter service from Penzance.
"The near sea-level location of the Penzance Heliport site is the keystone to reinstating a reliable, weather-resilient helicopter service to the Isles of Scilly. Land’s End Airport - which suffers disruption on one in every four days each year – is the problem, not the solution.
"Today’s announcement sadly signals no more than one company tightening its stranglehold further on these islands. It is a blatant attempt to retain a monopoly that is not working in the interests of these islands.
"The public reaction to today’s announcement has shown that people want genuine choice and real resilience in the Isles of Scilly transport system. That has always been our vision, and today we reaffirm that commitment."
Cllr Marian Berkeley of The Friends of Isles of Scilly Transport (FRIST) also criticised the move, telling Cornwall Live: "The Steamship Group are stealing an idea and I know all is fair in business, but we do urge Robert Dorrien Smith to keep going. I would expect a certain degree of anger after all the effort and investment he’s put into providing an alternative service.
“The reason his service has been delayed is all down to the Steamship Group’s spoiling tactics and I think islanders have had enough of them.”
Penzance Heliport Ltd submitted an amended planning application to Cornwall Council last month.