BUSINESS leaders, tourism bosses and local politicians are being urged to come together to create a strategy for growth for South East Cornwall, following concerns that funding and work in the Duchy is being concentrated in the Mid and West.

Mebyon Kernow's Cornwall councillor for Callington Andrew Long and the resort director of St Mellion International Stephen Towers made the call following a recent meeting to discuss the situation regarding the South East area.

Cllr Long said: 'It is well known that councillors across South East Cornwall have been concerned since the formation of Cornwall Council that there seems to be an emphasis on promoting and developing tourism and new business effectively from Bodmin westwards.

'Both myself and Mr Towers are very concerned that South East Cornwall is effectively being ignored when it comes to major investment in infrastructure and tourist publicity.

'A summit of all interested parties across the region would provide a vital first step to ensure government and business work together to turn this around.'

Mr Long said St Mellion International and Ginsters were two examples of major investments into the economy and tourism in South East Cornwall but there was a need to spread the word not just in the halls of Cornwall council but also further afield.

'We need to make people coming down the M5 aware that the A38 route across the Tamar is the gateway to one of the most beautiful parts of Cornwall with amazing opportunities,' he said.

His comments were echoed by Stephen Towers: 'This region offers a fantastic opportunity for visitors to enjoy the very best that the south west has to offer,' he said.

'Its location in the east makes Cornwall an accessible option for many visitors who might otherwise overlook the county altogether for business or shorter leisure breaks.

'The promotion of the Tamar Valley offers a viable option to reducing the seasonal effects of tourism in Cornwall, as well as the opportunity to build the area's reputation and skill base for specialist food production.'

Plans are underway for the summit at St Mellion in the spring.