A former Penzance mayor is calling on the town, district and county councils to get together to do something about the state of two well used alleyways in Newlyn.

Penzance Town Council has already written to the county and district councillors with regard to providing a decent surface at High Mountains and Rue De Beaux Arts. "These alleyways are being constantly used by people, not just those who live in those areas," said former mayor Mrs Ruth Simpson, who is ward councillor and also a member of the Newlyn Fishing Industry Forum.

"What I want to see is a bit of co-operation so that Penwith can bring the alleyways up to scratch and the county can then adopt them and put in lighting," said Mrs Simpson.

Ten years ago Newlyn resident Marjorie Phillips wrote to the county regarding the alleyways and received a reply from the then district surveyor Mr David Blight saying that providing the lanes were brought up to standard by Penwith there was no reason why they could not be adopted.

"This has been going on for years and I would just like to see some co-operation so that something can be done," Mrs Simpson added.

Penzance town clerk Mr Dave Gallie, in his letter to both the county surveyor's department and the head of operational services at Penwith Council, points out that both alleys were well used through-ways in the village.

"As far back as 1990 local residents endeavoured to persuade the local authorities to provide a decent surface for the alleyways which would then enable them to be adopted for maintenance at public expense.

"The alleyways remain as popular as ever as thoroughfares, but the surfaces remain in a poor state of repair.

"I should be grateful, therefore, if the district and county councils could liaise in this matter, with a view to upgrading the surfaces and therefore enabling the alleyways to be adopted, and in due course, provided with lighting.

"To this end the town council would be prepared to enter into an agreement where it provided some financial contribution to the work."

Mr Arthur Roberts, Penwith's head of operational services, said they would be having talks with the town council.