VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help breathe new life into the Prince of Wales Pier in Falmouth, which is considered a wasted resource with huge potential.

Currently the pier is little more than an access point to the ferries that moor alongside it, but a small group of people have a raft of ideas for it which include outdoor theatre performances, art exhibitions and Punch and Judy shows.

To drive these ideas forward, a new supporters group, The Friends of Prince of Wales Pier, is being set up and an appeal has gone out for members. One of the men behind the new scheme, Tim Light, said: “The idea is to try and improve, by working with the harbour authorities, the use and appearance of the pier.

“There is a community interest company being set up, but this is not a part of that, though it does support it because anything we can do that gets more people onto the pier and enjoying it will help us earn money and it’s all about the funds at the end of the day. If we get things going on, we will get more money to do things on the pier.

“The question is, is the pier just a transportation thing were people get off and go or can we make the pier more than just a structure – a place to visit and enjoy? Falmouth has so few places where we can get out and enjoy the water.”

Retired architect, Chris Smith, added: “We have some great ideas that we could do here, we just need a little bit of funding, enthusiasm and support. The pier is a waste of a resource at the moment. If we have a friends scheme we will get the manpower to run things and support the pier.”

A facebook page, called the Friends of Prince of Wales Pier, has been set up inviting people to get involved and it is hoped there will be an official launch of the new group in early spring.

“We are looking for people who would be interested in helping us look after the pier in a custodian role and for people who have ideas for events on it,” said Mr Light. “We would very much like to get involvement from the university, the marine school or any groups that feel they would like to be a part of this and have some space on here to do things. I love it (the pier) and I want it to be successful and make it a part of the rest of the town.”

Anyone interested in joining the friends, or finding out more, can do so through the facebook page or by leaving their details with staff at the Visitor Information Centre on the pier.