FALMOUTH, Trelawny — The Trelawny Parish Council has suspended talks with the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) regarding funding for the development of the popular Burwood Beach, opting to go to the State’s Urban Development Corporation (UDC)instead.

“The discussions with the TEF has been put on hold since the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has outlined its intention to embark on a major development plan for the resort town of Falmouth in anticipation of the opening of the multi-billion dollar cruise ship pier in 2011,” chairman of the Trelawny Parish Council Colin Gager told the Observer West.

The Council, which owns Burwood Beach approached the TEF with a technical plan to spearhead its development in 2008.

But Gager, who is also the mayor of Falmouth, emphasised this week that the council has decided to approach the UDC in light of the fact that body’s steps to have Falmouth declared as a Designated Area.

“Development such as what is earmarked for the Burwood Beach will have to form part and parcel of the UDC’s development plan for Falmouth,” he argued.

“I intend to pursue this matter vigorously to ensure that it can be completed and become operable ahead of the official opening of the cruise ship pier next year,” added Gager.

Users of the beach have long called for the upgrading of the facility, which has been in a deplorable state for several years.