The Mid Cornwall Metro is on track after council chiefs accepted £50million funding from the Government.

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet has voted unanimously to support the scheme, which aims to create a coast to coast through-service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth.

The ambitious project aims to reduce journey times and ease road congestion for people living along the route.

The Levelling Up funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, will be used to create 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 and the 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.

Councillors have been told the business model is based on “untapped demand” in the Newquay area, which hasn’t seen any rail improvements for years.

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet confirmed its support for the Mid Cornwall Metro bid and accepted the £50million Government funding at its meeting today (Wednesday)

St Austell and Newquay MP Steve Double said: “The Mid Cornwall Metro scheme will transform rail travel between Newquay and Falmouth, benefitting all of the communities with stops along the way and opening up regular services to the main line and beyond.

“As well as this, having access to regular rail services will open up new opportunities for education, training and employment for everyone living along this route and will be particularly welcomed in the clay country.”

“I have worked hard with the Department for Transport and Cornwall Council’s Transport team to make sure everyone knows about the significant benefits the Mid Cornwall Metro will bring, and am delighted to see the Cornwall Council’s Cabinet endorse it today and commit to getting the funding in place.

“I look forward to continuing to work with all concerned to ensure the Government funding for the Mid Cornwall Metro is delivered and that the project remains on track to benefit all the communities it will serve.”

The Newquay Voice previously told “grave concerns” have been raised about the financial risk to Cornwall Council and Cornish taxpayers if the proposed Mid Cornwall Metro rail links proposals are approved.