The project – which had attracted almost £200,000 in financial support – has been dropped due to falling roll numbers at the local school
Plans were submitted for the 3G pitch at Torpoint Community College in 2024(Image: Cornwall Council Planning Portal)
The decision by a college in Cornwall not to proceed with a much-anticipated 3G sports pitch for the community has been described as a “huge blow” and the latest disappointment for a “forgotten town”.
Jeremy Plumb, head teacher at Torpoint Community College on the Cornwall / Devon border, announced yesterday (Wednesday, April 1) that following an extraordinary governors’ meeting the school has decided “with great sadness” not to proceed with the 3G project in the town, which had attracted almost £200,000 in funding and financial support.
He noted that the pitch has been “an aspiration” for the community for many years. Since 2022/23 the college has been working with Torpoint Town Council, YMCA Plymouth, Cornwall FA, Torpoint and Rame Active Community Network and the Football Foundation to secure the funding and planning permission for a 3G artificial turf pitch.
It has involved a great deal of hard work and fundraising throughout Torpoint.
Dr Plumb said: “However, since the inception of the project, the college is now facing an unprecedented challenge due to a significant falling roll that is being seen across the local area due to a falling birth rate.
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“There is no sign of the falling roll abating over at least the next five years and this will place a significant financial strain on the college as it will have to try and navigate its way through delivering a sustainable and an effective education provision with improved outcomes for our students with a huge reduction in funding.
“With the future funding pressures now projected from a significant falling roll and the financial risk associated with the 3G facility resting solely on the shoulders of the college, the board of governors did not feel comfortable proceeding with the 3G project.”
He recognised that the decision will be “very disappointing” for community, particularly as YMCA Plymouth ceased operations in Torpoint at the end of March.
The decision to drop the pitch project has been met with disappointment and sadness in the town. Comments from residents include:
“Everyone keeps talking about the falling birth rates, but what about the children that live here now. The pitch won’t just benefit the kids, there would be opportunities for community groups too.”
“Torpoint is treated like a forgotten town. It has steadily deteriorated. Things close down and are never replaced. I really feel for our youngsters and am concerned that they will not have many opportunities to try out new activities and develop potential skills, not to mention the social side of their development. Torpoint used to have so much, it’s such a shame.”
“Very disappointing. We seem to be losing lots of facilities in Torpoint.”
“This is incredibly disappointing to hear – especially learning that the town council weren’t even informed of the decision, despite funding being in place to support the project. A 3G pitch isn’t just ‘nice to have’ – it’s a vital investment in both the school and the wider community. It brings opportunity for sustainable revenue, strengthens community ties and provides a facility that benefits everyone.”
Torpoint Town Council issued a statement, noting the “exceedingly disappointing news”, saying it is “extremely frustrated that the project cannot now move forward in its current format” and that the council “was not given the opportunity to work with the college to explore potential solutions that might have enabled the facility to proceed”.
“The town council recognises how significant this project is to our town. For many years, residents, volunteers, clubs, families and young people have shared a clear aspiration for an all‑weather facility that would support sport, wellbeing and community life throughout the year.
“That passion has been reflected not only in words, but in action – more than £15,000 was raised through community fundraising, with donations coming from individuals, clubs and local groups who believed in what this facility could mean for Torpoint.
“In support of this shared ambition, the town council committed up to £90,000 of financial support and worked closely with the college to secure a further £85,000 from Cornwall Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy Fund.
“All community donations remain ring‑fenced and the town council with partners will consider the appropriate next steps for these funds in due course.”
It has called an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday, April 14, at 7pm to discuss a way forward with the 3G pitch project and would welcome members of the public to attend.
Cllr Rob Parsonage, who represents Torpoint at Cornwall Council, said: “The earlier news that the YMCA was to leave Torpoint was already a huge blow to our community. Its facilities were not simply a place for exercise, they were a valued community hub for Torpoint, much like the library.
“The staff exemplified all that is best about community service, helping people recover from illness, injury and incapacity and supporting the well-being of residents across the town.”
He added: “Against that backdrop, yesterday’s announcement from Torpoint Community College head teacher Dr Plumb, while detailed, will be seen by many as yet another blow to our community.
“A significant amount of effort has gone into developing the 3G pitch proposal and securing funding for it. Much of that work has been driven by volunteers and local supporters, including St John and Antony parish councils.
“Their efforts reflected a genuine commitment to improving opportunities for young people, sports clubs and the wider community. For many residents, this project was about far more than a pitch. It was about investment in Torpoint’s future, about creating opportunity and about showing confidence in our community.”
Cllr Parsonage said he was pleased that Torpoint Town Council has ring-fenced existing funding while a way forward is established.
“Going forward, I will be working with Torpoint Town Council to support the development of community sports facilities for Torpoint and the surrounding area. I will also be seeking a meeting with Torpoint Community College to better understand the challenges it is facing and to offer support in helping find a constructive way forward.
“Torpoint has lost too much already. We must now work together to protect community provision, support local sport and ensure that our young people and residents are not left behind.”
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