Cllr Bert Biscoe, Independent, Truro Moresk and Trehaverne

I have a photograph showing Moorfield car park in the early 1960s, before construction of the multi-storey now at risk of demolition. Its location was a determining factor in designing the southern distributor road running from Station Hill, along City Road and Fairmantle Street, to the new by-pass.

The multi-storey was an investment to promote growth, by supporting Lemon Street’s business district and retail in the western quadrant town centre - Victoria Square, River Street and Kenwyn Street, for example. Its range of tariff options, enabling longer visits to Lemon Street and shorter visits for shopping, has nurtured Truro’s economic life over the last four decades.

If Moorfield is demolished, retaining the site for car parking remains critical. Its current closure is having a profound impact on all users, from customers and visitors to business operators - trade is markedly down.

Cornwall Council (CC) has indicated that it intends to demolish, but not when. Nor has it stated an intention to retain Moorfield for essential town centre parking.

Instead, it talks about Park and Ride (P&R), while introducing a parking charge at both sites. The majority of P&R users use the hospital and Truro College; it is at best neutral, and possibly a negative element in the town centre economy.

CC might suggest it can only afford demolition if it can recoup by selling the site (or part of it). Such a sale would be totally contrary to government and CC policies to support the vitality and viability of town centres.

Truro’s strong city centre depends upon a complex ecology of competitiveness, customer loyalty, accessibility, well-designed infrastructure and commercial flexibility.

So, yet again, Truro asks: Is Moorfield CP to be demolished? If so, when? What parking provision will be made post-demolition? Investors, traders, customers, workers, residents, visitors need answers!