FEARS are growing in Quintrell Downs about the impact a proposed park and rail service could have on the community.

Residents have raised concerns a Quintrell Downs Park and Rail service, which aims to reduce traffic congestion in Newquay and make the rail branch line more viable, could have a detrimental effect on the village.

Their fears have been heightened after Newquay MP Noah Law sent letters out to residents about his desire to “actively push” for the park and rail service being looked at by Cornwall Council and Network Rail. The MP stated he is calling on Network Rail to deliver a “proper” car park at the station, “which needs upgrading anyway.”

Villagers are worried the car park at the Colan Recreation Ground could be developed for the scheme, but Mr Law says that is not the case. Colan parish councillor John Fitter says no decision has been made on where a park and rail service could be situated but said there is a privately owned parcel of land on Gypsy Corner that could potentially be used.

Resident Carla Whiting said: “Anger amongst the villagers is rising now we are finding out about the scheme. There is a park and ride opposite Hendra so why do they need to put another one in the village.

“Nobody seems to know about this, but they want to do a park and ride for the trains at the recreation car park. It will require major alterations to the lane, and will they eventually charge for parking there?

“This is in the heart of the village and appears the ones supporting this don't live here.

“Has anyone been invited to a public consultation about this, as it won't just affect the people who live along the lane, but will affect the whole village.

“That area is the last green space we have in Quintrell Downs and is a social hub for so many. It even allows the elderly to walk their dogs safely. We are trying to find out if this is a done deal without consulting us, or whether it is at the planning stage. It appears they may have already decided.”

Mr Law said: “The car park at Colan Recreation Ground is not being talked about. It is very early days and it’s important that residents have a say on this. The idea is to reduce traffic into Newquay but that should not come at the expense of Quintrell Downs.

“We are not talking about significant volumes of traffic.”

Cllr Fitter added: “My concerns are the area around Quintrell Downs Station has been built up and so it will be difficult to find an area for the car park.

“I would be 100 per cent against the area running up to the Colan playing fields being used for the park and rail. Colan Parish Council had that area tarmacked so the last thing they will want is cars parked up there.

“They have got to look at a wider parcel of land say at Gypsy Corner for the park and rail service. The council is not thinking about taking away land owned by Colan Parish Council.”

Mr Law, in a letter to residents, said: “I was elected on the back of three pledges for our communities, one of which was to revitalise our towns.

“Following my major Tourism in Newquay 2025 summit held with local businesses in the summer, I am actively pushing for a new Quintrell Downs Park and Rail service, which has the potential of being transformational for our transport systems across the board in our area, fully capitalising on the potential benefits of the Mid Cornwall Metro including for Quintrell Downs residents such as yourself.

“We know all too well the pressure that the influx of visitors every summer to Newquay has on our roads, and our resultant inhibited ability to access the town to get to work, buy groceries, or just enjoy a nice night out away from home.

“We also know that park and rail projects across the country have been a massive success for local communities, reducing road traffic in and around key centres, leading to development of them across the UK's urban centres and even in places close to us, such as on the edge of Okehampton.

“Existing successes include Exeter, whose Digby and Sowton park and rail station accounts for an average of 2203 passengers per day. This also has the impact of reducing emissions on surrounding arterial roads, making the air we breathe every day safer to do so for all of us.

“Investment in a park and rail project at Quintrell Downs station would need to be done properly, and for the benefit of local residents. That is why I am calling on Network Rail to deliver a proper car park at the statio, which needs upgrading anyway whilst simultaneously capping train fares between Quintrell Downs and Newquay to make it an attractive option for visitors and locals alike.

“Any upgrades would need to be done in partnership with the local community, and I will ensure that, if Network Rail goes ahead with this, they listen to your needs.

“I am pleased to say this proposal enjoys local support, including from Colan Parish councillor and former independent Cornwall Councillor, John Fitter, whose support I have drafted in on this and who has long championed practical, forward-thinking solutions for our area.

“With collective voice, and with transport investment happening all around us, now is the time for us to ensure we reap the rewards of these projects and I will do all I can to ensure Quintrell Downs gets its fair share of the pie.

“Together, we can secure a scheme that reduces local traffic, boosts our local businesses, increases connectivity, and improves the air we breathe. Let's seize this chance and make it happen.”