Here we look back at the recent chequered history of Hayle Harbour.

Tekoa, DeSavery, Rosshill and Carruthers.

When Harvey & Co was bought by United Builders Merchants in 1969 it heralded a period of dramatic decline for Hayle harbour. In a period of 15 years, the port was closed to commercial traffic, the Harbour railway line was axed and the power station was mothballed.

The final blow came in 1983 when the harbour was auctioned off in 10 lots for redevelopment and was purchased by Tekoa who proceeded to clear the site. The Tekoa plans were presented but never agreed and by the time the scheme collapsed many of the items of historical interest were gone.

In the 27 years since the auction nothing has happened. In 1994 Peter DeSavery's company Aldersgate presented plans but the scheme never came forward. Rosshill and Carruthers promoted plans in 1998 but once again they failed to materialise.

In 2004 ING acquired the site following the failure of Rosshill. Many people commented that finally a company with the necessary financial capability could make the harbour regeneration happen.