THE controversial removal of parking spaces in Newquay town centre to make way for a cycle lane is due to get underway.

Cornwall Council is earmarked to start the next phase of the Mid Cornwall Metro Cliff Road improvements on September 7, which aims to make the roads leading to and around Newquay Train Station safer for walkers and cyclists.

The scheme at Cliff Road, between Oakleigh Terrace and Edgecumbe Avenue, includes a new cycle route, footway and public realm improvements, a new pedestrian crossing, changes to kerbs and the road layout, drainage, ducting and utility works as well as new surfacing and road markings. The works are due to be completed by the late spring of next year.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “Some existing on-street parking on Cliff Road will be removed to allow wider footways, shared routes and additional crossing points. The scheme is designed to make Cliff Road safer and more accessible for people walking, wheeling, cycling and using public transport, while creating a more welcoming gateway to Newquay town centre and the Station Quarter.

“During the works, the main traffic arrangement will be a one-way system on Cliff Road, with traffic travelling away from Newquay town centre.

“A signed diversion will be provided for vehicles travelling towards the town centre. Temporary lane closures and traffic signals may also be needed at certain stages.

“Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout. If access arrangements for individual properties need to change temporarily, affected properties will be contacted in advance. The programme remains subject to ongoing liaison with utility providers.

“We appreciate that Cliff Road is a key route into Newquay and that the works may cause some short-term disruption. Every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience while keeping road users, pedestrians and the workforce safe.”

A campaign titled ‘Save Cliff Road parking’ received more than 1,000 signatures following fears converting the three parking bays outside Morrisons Daily, Dominoes and the Old Factory Shop would damage trade. Dirk Parker, the owner of K2 gym, spoke out following a business impact study concluding Cliff Road businesses would lose 6.4 per cent of trade by turning 19 short term parking spaces into a cycle lane.

Shop owners and residents called for the unitary authority to implement an alternative cycle route put forward by Newquay BID, which would have seen the cycle lane turn off down Edgcumbe Avenue.

But Cornwall Council says it is making additional parking available to help offset the spaces that will be taken up by the cycle lane including the nearby Tolcarne car park, which is free after 4pm until October 31, and free all day from November 1 to March 31.

Eight new on-street spaces are being created at Oakleigh Terrace, with up to one hour free parking. Free parking has also increased at Newquay Railway Station from 20 minutes to 30 minutes, and outside Wetherspoons three new disabled parking spaces are being created, with free parking extended from 30 minutes to one hour.