A proposal for a £58.mid-Cornwall Metro rail service that aims to create a coast to coast through-service connecting St Austell and Par to Newquay, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth is on track.

St Austell MP Steve Double is hoping for a “positive announcement” on the Mid-Cornwall Metro in the coming weeks following a bid being officially submitted to the Government’s Levelling Up fund.

The bid states the Mid Cornwall Metro project between Cornwall Council, Great Western Railway and Network Rail would be a major improvement to rail services in Cornwall as it reduce journey times and eases road congestion for people living along the route.

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.