THE mayor has criticised the Park and Ride that operates in Newquay during the summer months.

Cllr Drew Creek, who is the Cornwall councillor for Trenance, says the Park for Newquay, which operates opposite Hendra Holiday Park between July 19 and August 30, is hardly being used and does not represent value for money for a family.

He plans to hold talks with Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet member for transport, to make improvements for future years.

The Park for Newquay is free to park on-site and if people wish to use the bus they can pay the standard fare from £2.

Cllr Creek said: “I’m a bit disappointed with the delivery of the Park and Ride for Newquay this year.

“I will be writing to Cllr Rogerson to express my disappointment yet again that the Park and Ride is lacklustre at best. Given that a family to use the Park and Ride its £10 and a family could quite easily drive into Newquay and pat paying for £10.50 so I don’t really see there is any impetus or encouragement to get people to use it.

“The Park and Ride has not looked particularly busy. The busiest day I have seen it and there were perhaps two rows of cars.

“The bus stop on the main Newquay strategic route seems to be causing no end of problems in terms of tailbacks behind the bus because its sat there for periods of time. I know I have been caught behind it a number of times and I’m sure others have as well.

“I’m sure the Park and Ride delivery is a hangover from the previous administration and not of Cllr Rogerson’s doing but I’m reaching out to explore better options for next year and beyond. Maybe explore that Nansledan whole as a park and train.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “Newquay Park and Ride has operated for several years and helps reduce the congestion and pressure on the town’s roads and car parks in peak summer. It provides a regular 20-minute service to key destinations in the town, has space for around 250 cars and can be easily accessed from the east via Quintrell Downs and Trevemper from the west.

“The discounted family ticket of £10 not only offers unlimited day bus travel in Newquay, but across Cornwall - families are not restricted to one location should they wish to visit other places on the same day.

“We are working with the Duchy of Cornwall, GWR and Network Rail to identify the longer term, more permanent solutions that support access to and from Newquay via bus, rail and bike.”

Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, added: “Cllr Creek is right to say this is a not a new service from the new Lib Dem and Independent administration. It’s a service that aims to alleviate the well-known issues experienced by Newquay residents and visitors each summer and I welcome discussion on how it can be improved for the future. Anything the local community - including the town council - can do to help promote the service this summer would be welcomed.”