RESIDENTS from Marhamchurch have been celebrating after the grant application for the purchase of the Hele Valley Trail was successful.

On December 23, it was announced that Marhamchurch residents would be receiving an early Christmas present, as a grant application to the Community Ownership Fund towards the purchase of the Hele Valley Trail had been completely successful.

Back in March 2024, Marhamchurch Parish Council launched its objective to bring the Hele Valley Trail into public ownership.

Since then, there has been a great push to raise funds for the cause, and more than nine months on, the project reached a huge milestone.

Marhamchurch parish councillor Tom O’Sullivan has been at the forefront of the project and following the positive news. He has thanked everyone for their support so far.

Speaking to the Post, Cllr O’Sullivan said: “As lead councillor at Marhamchurch Parish Council for the project, I must confess this has at times over the last year been a very challenging, even frustrating task. A huge factor in securing this grant was as a result of the open, honest and transparent parishioner's survey carried out at the end of March.

“The 96 per cent support from parishioners was very significant in demonstrating the credibility of our claim to huge community support for the project. The contribution of local volunteers who were prepared to clear pathways through the trail when needed also contributed greatly to our grant application, further demonstrating the credibility of community support in a very practical manner.

“As lead councillor I am very grateful for all the support received from parishioners and the wider public.”

Cllr O’Sullivan has also cited support from North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire and his predecessor, Scott Mann, as a big factor in getting this far in the process.

He continued: “Looking forward, there is still a lot of work to be done to bring the project to fruition. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful with two Cornwall Council potential grant sources. As to the significance of the lack of local public representative support in this, we'll never know.

“I think the fact local elections are due to be held in four months' time will be very beneficial. Not only will candidates seeking re-election be asked to account for their contributions thus far, but more importantly all candidates locally will be asked to be open, honest and transparent about their position on the project.

“While a huge step forward has been made, I am looking forward to the challenge of continuing the work of completing this project as soon as possible.”

In a statement to parishioners, Cllr O’Sullivan added: “Thanks also to the genuine Friends of the Hele Valley Trail who turned out to clear the trail back in January. Demonstrating that we could manage the trail in an environmentally friendly fashion on a voluntary basis was very beneficial to our success.

“Finally thanks to you the parishioners of Marhamchurch. So once again, Happy Christmas, and please watch out here for more updates on the HVT in the New Year.”