COUNCIL chiefs have agreed to make concessions to struggling businesses impacted during controversial road works in Newquay town centre.

Cornwall Council has decided to make parking free at Albany Road car park from November 1 through to March 31 after businesses expressed the detrimental impact the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme at Cliff Road is having on trade. Tolcarne Road car park will also be free all day to park between November 1 and March 31.

Cormac is reviewing the works programme to explore options for speeding things up after businesses raised fears the works will continue into June and July next year, which would be “catastrophic” for trade and cause further congestion during the height of the tourism season. They have also agreed to improve signage to help visitors find parking and Cornwall Council will be promoting the message that Cliff Road and Station Parade remain open for business, with videos and social media content.

The council concessions follows around 30 business representatives highlighting their concerns to the project team overseeing the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme at Cliff Road during an Active Travel meeting held at the Great Western Hotel on Thursday, October 15.

Newquay BID manager Mark Warren said: “Free parking in Tolcarne Road and Albany Road is great because that's what the businesses have been shouting out for. The free parking at Albany Road car park could potentially be extended until the end of the Mid Cornwall Metro works.

“Cornwall Council will also be working with Newquay BID, as well the businesses looking at opportunities to save time to finish the works as soon as possible. It will be proposing some ideas to us very soon. That could well be weekend working, obviously more people working on the job and they'll be looking at improving on their timelines to get the job done.

“We are working with the council to make sure that there is strong signage highlighting that the businesses are open.

“The council will also be working with Love Newquay to promote the message Cliff Road is open for business. So, there is some really positive stuff going on there and is obviously to be continued.

“We'll keep pressure on them where we need it. I think it is proving that the council is working with the businesses. I’m really pleased with the outcome as we've been pushing for free parking for a number of weeks now.

“These are important steps forward, and we’ll continue working with Cornwall Council and Cormac to make sure the concerns of our business community are heard and addressed.

“A huge thank you to all the businesses on Cliff Road and Station Parade who have taken the time to attend meetings, share their experiences and make their voices heard. The feedback really does make a difference.

“We need to keep supporting our local businesses throughout the works. Cliff Road and Station Parade are open for business, and we encourage everyone to keep shopping, visiting and supporting our fantastic local traders.”