An ambitious proposal to provide a direct rail link between Newquay and Falmouth has been given the green light after the scheme received £50m funding from the Government.

The Mid Cornwall Metro rail service which aims to create a coast to coast through-service connecting St Austell and Par to Newquay, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth is on track after winning a Levelling Up Fund bid.

The £58m proposal aims to reduce journey times and ease road congestion for people living along the route and level up access to jobs, skills, education, and amenities, in what has been described as one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in the UK.

Cornwall Council submitted a bid for almost £50million for the scheme for consideration in round two of the Levelling Up fund, which is providing around £4.8billion for schemes across the country.

The total cost of the project would be £56.8m with the remainder of the funding coming from various organisations including £2.71m from Cornwall Council.

Works to be carried out would include: a new platform at Newquay Station; a new passing loop at Tregoss Moor; upgraded level crossings; new signalling at Goonbarrow; a new accessible lift bridge at Par Station; extended platforms at Falmouth stations; infrastructure at Newquay, Roche, Bugle, Penryn and Falmouth stations; digitalisation of rail ticketing.

The project would provide a direct link between Falmouth and Newquay. Currently rail passengers from Falmouth have to change at both Truro and Par in order to get to Newquay.

Subject to funding decisions it is hoped that new services could start by June 2024 with all works completed by March 2025.

Local MPs Steve Double, Cherilyn Mackrory  and George Eustice have been working with Cornwall Council on the bid.

Steve Double 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.”