NEW plans have been unveiled to make the roads leading to and around Newquay Train Station safer for walkers and cyclists as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme.

Cornwall Council has revised its plans following public consultation being carried out but still proposes to remove 19 short term parking spaces in Cliff Road to make way for a cycle lane despite public backlash.

However, businesses still fear they will lose trade if Cornwall Council replaces the three bays outside Morrisons Daily, Dominoes and the Old Factory Shop with cycle lanes — and as a result a local petition has been created.

The unitary authority plans to create 74 new parking spaces within the vicinity of Cliff Road. Sixty-three will come from changing Tolcarne coach car park to a standard pay and display car park.

The council is proposing the car park will be free before 9am and after 5pm and free during the winter period.

There will be a further eight on-street parking spaces on Oakleigh Terrace and three new disabled parking bays on Cliff Road outside Wetherspoons.

Cornwall Council is keen to make the area safer as it says the current layout saw 13 collisions, including 10 involving pedestrians and cyclists, between 2013 and 2022.

Formal consultation will be taking place shortly on our proposals for this second phase.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to find out more about the proposals and talk to the project team at Great Western Hotel in Cliff Road on Friday, June 27 from 10am to 5pm.

Prior to the council’s revisions, campaigners launched a petition calling on Cornwall Council to backpedal on its plans to remove parking bays in Cliff Road to make way for a cycle route.

Shop owners and residents say they would like to see the unitary authority implement an alternative cycle route put forward by Newquay BID, which would see the cycle lane turn off down Edgcumbe Avenue.

The route would connect with Newquay Junior Academy and the existing pathway by the train station.

Dirk Parker, the owner of K2 Gym in Cliff Road, said: “We are asking residents, businesses, visitors and anyone who uses Newquay's high street to sign the petition.

“Removing the free parking spaces would be disastrous to Newquay’s economy.

“Cornwall council is spending £7million removing these 19 free to use spaces, to install 80 metres of cycle lane.

“The unitary authority has refused to listen to businesses and ignored the results of their own survey where 68 per cent of respondents opposed the changes.

“The council surveyed 760 vehicles using these spaces over a 48-hour period. This is an astonishing number of users. Taking these free spaces away will negatively impact the elderly and disabled from accessing the shops on Cliff Road.

“As a business owner on Cliff Road, we have traded successfully for 20 years.

“I have witnessed incredible growth and transformation in our local community.

“Over the last decade, Cliff Road has self-regenerated into one of the busiest and most vibrant areas in Newquay.

“The traders rely heavily on the convenience and accessibility provided by the 19 free parking spaces available to our customers.

“The proposal to remove these vital parking spaces to make way for a cycle lane is threatening the very fabric of our community and the success of our high street.

“With free parking, customers can easily and safely access the diverse range of stores and services, encouraging local shopping and keeping business revenue within our town, rather than diverting funds to online giants.

“Cliff Road’s prosperity is not just seasonal. It thrives 52 weeks a year.

“Penryn locals had a similar scheme their end quashed by their councillors.

“After the recent success of reversing the privatisation of our carparks we hope that our elected councillor stands by her word and opposes this.

“Various groups are investigating the possibility of a judicial review.”

Newquay Central and Pentire Cornwall councillor Joanna Kenny met with Mr Parker to discuss the issue on Friday.

Cllr Kenny said: “I have concerns about losing free parking that serves shops. At the moment we are looking at the issues.”

In response to local concern, a spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “We have carefully considered feedback from businesses and residents on our proposals and appreciate there are some concerns about the loss of parking on Cliff Road.

“The aim is to make the roads leading to and around the railway station safer for walkers and cyclists and to create an attractive gateway to the local area where people want to spend time and visit local shops and businesses.

“This is the second phase of the scheme which aims to improve access for people walking and cycling along Cliff Road between Edgcumbe Avenue and Oakleigh Terrace and the tram tracks leading to the town centre. It is the missing link of a cross-town path between Barrowfields and Lusty Glaze, and Newquay town centre.

“There are several reasons for improving public spaces and accessibility on the roads and public spaces around the railway station.

“The current layout saw 13 collisions, including 10 involving pedestrians and cyclists, between 2013 and 2022.

“The improvements will make it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle or catch the bus.

“In terms of supporting the high street, there is lots of research showing that people are more likely to spend more time – and, as a result, money – in local shops within attractive, connected public spaces.”

Cornwall Council has already completed phase one of the work to make the roads leading to and around Newquay Railway Station safer for walkers and cyclists, which included widening the walking and cycle shared use path built along Narrowcliff beginning at the junction of Edgecumbe Avenue to The Barrowfields.

Mid Cornwall Metro is funded by Government and Cornwall Council and being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the unitary authority and GWR.

The first phase of the project will see hourly trains run between Newquay and Par, more than doubling the current service, later this year.

Through trains from Newquay to Falmouth, via Par, St Austell and Truro, will follow in 2026.