Having read the continuing saga over the future of Falmouth I feel it is about time action spoke louder than words. For more than 30 years the town has been earmarked for a transformation. Repeatedly designs have been put forward; repeatedly they have been put on a top shelf only to collect dust primarily due to a lack of investment or the concerns of various interest groups.

Our district council, the custodian of our public property, and other government development agencies have committed a great deal of money and time in recent years on consultants to look at ways of improving the town centre. But it seems that the recommendations, however sensible, if not what the authorities want to see, are discarded, and so it goes on.

Clearly there is a role for consultants but only if their findings stand a chance of being followed. Falmouth is a beautiful port that has huge potential to develop but only if those who profit from procrastination are called to account.

There is not a shortage of short-stay parking in Falmouth. All the figures prove this, even in the height of summer. It is clear that the main problem in Falmouth remains the Church Street car park. Carrick council, which is dependant for its financial security on revenue from this and other car parks in the district, has too great a vested interest to be involved in any decision making.

Surely the answer would be for Carrick to close the Church Street car park altogether, making it an attractive pedestrian area overlooking the harbour, providing the much-needed open access to the waterfront that is a repeated request of the people that live, work and visit the town.

Falmouth's main streets should and must become traffic free if it is to provide a pleasant environment and retail experience for locals and visitors alike. The streets were cobbled with pedestrians in mind and just imagine being able to walk with your family or friends from Prince of Wales Pier to the wonderful National Maritime Museum development without choking on exhaust fumes or dodging fast moving cars, with a short break in Church Street park for a coffee and a play with the kids in a wonderful green space.

Will it happen? I doubt it. But with your help it might. Falmouth needs one voice with the authority to force the issue. Only with this determined action will our local politicians and their officers have to cease consulting and start delivering.

The town council, town centre forum and, I believe, chamber of commerce can see the way forward. We just need to get on with it and we need to insist upon action. Who will lead is the question that we need answering? Surely this is a role for the town centre forum - a private and public organisation. Come on, make 2007 a year for Falmouth to celebrate!

Tim Light, Devoran