Boscastle Community Interest Company (CIC) is delighted to share some positive news following months of uncertainty surrounding the future of the village’s public toilets.
At the most recent meeting of Forrabury and Minster Parish Council, it was confirmed that Cornwall Council will reinstate a parking levy at Cobweb Car Park from 17th September 2025. This will generate £13,000 annually, ring-fenced to help fund the running and maintenance of the public toilets — a facility used by tens of thousands of visitors and residents every year.
The levy will be raised through a 20p increase to each parking tariff in Cobweb Car Park.
The levy had previously existed as part of a localised agreement between Cornwall Council and the CIC, which allowed the toilets to be operated sustainably for over a decade. Its quiet removal during a parking tariff review in 2023 caused a crisis, removing a key income stream and placing the entire future of the facility in jeopardy.
The reinstatement of the levy follows extensive background work and public consultation by the CIC, direct engagement with the new Cornwall Council administration, and a clear campaign pledge from newly elected Cornwall Councillor Mark Burnett, who has been instrumental in securing this outcome. We thank Mark sincerely for following through so swiftly after taking office.
The funding doesn’t cover the full operating costs — which range from £19,000–£22,000 annually — but it goes a long way to reinstating a working model that previously served the community well.
This marks a huge step forward and a welcome dose of common sense. However, we recognise that long-term sustainability still requires effort and cooperation. Protecting this agreement, securing the rest of the required funding, and strengthening our community infrastructure remain key priorities for the CIC.
To those who stood by us, gave feedback, wrote letters, turned up at meetings, and dropped in a 20p — thank you. We said we were working hard in the background, and this result shows what’s possible when community voices are taken seriously.
We’ll keep pushing forward — with your help.
— Boscastle CIC
