West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas welcomed the Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston MP for a walkabout around St Ives to discuss how businesses have fared since lockdown restrictions were lifted in early July – and the prospects for the next few months.

Accompanied by Malcolm Bell of Visit Cornwall, the Minister heard how the local Tourism Recovery Group chaired by Mr Thomas and Cornwall Councillor Linda Taylor had worked with businesses to help them prepare for the season so that they could open safely, feeding into Government guidance while at the same time reassuring local communities.

Mr Thomas said: “Choppy conditions prevented us taking a planned boat trip out into St Ives Bay but on our walkabout we were able to discuss what we are doing locally to extend the season and the need for Government to find bespoke ways to support the industry, especially those parts that have not been able to open at all, through to April 2021.”