An ambitious proposal to provide a direct rail link between Newquay and Falmouth has today been given the go ahead as the Government has confirmed the success of a Levelling Up Fund bid for the Mid-Cornwall Metro.
The proposal, which aims to create a coast to coast through-service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth will reduce journey times and ease road congestion for people living along the route.
Local MPs Steve Double, Cherilyn Mackrory and George Eustice have been working with Cornwall Council on the bid.
Cherilyn said:
“The Mid-Cornwall Metro is one of the key projects I have worked on since my election in 2019 and I am delighted to see it gathering steam as the Government has today confirmed our successful Levelling Up Fund bid.”
“It will give residents of Falmouth and Penryn smoother access to work and leisure opportunities on the north coast, as well as provide a direct route for people wishing to visit and work in our fabulous towns and university campuses.”
“Thanks to Cornwall Council for working with us to deliver for Cornwall and we now look forward to going full steam ahead for this dynamic new rail route.”
Commenting, Steve said:
“It’s great news to today have confirmation of our successful bid to the Levelling Up Fund for the Mid-Cornwall Metro.”
“We have been working together on this along with Cornwall Council for a number of years and we’d like to thank the council’s team and in particular Cabinet Member for the Economy Cllr Louis Gardner for their efforts in putting together such a strong bid.”
“The Mid-Cornwall Metro project will allow residents of Newquay and the communities along the lines to not only have a direct route to Falmouth but also to the main line and beyond, and also provide economic benefit in allowing quicker, easier access for commuters and visitors coming into the area.”
“Politics is a team game and this is an excellent example of Team Cornwall working together at every level to deliver another piece of critical transport infrastructure for our Duchy.”
George said:
"The Cornish Metro project has a huge role to play improving Cornwall's transport connections and it is great news to see this work going ahead."