REVISED plans to make the roads leading to and around Newquay Train Station safer for walkers and cyclists have been opposed.

Residents and businesses owners have objected to Cornwall Council amended scheme to remove 19 short term parking spaces in Cliff Road to make way for a cycle lane following concerns the scheme will impact trade.

Cornwall Council has proposed to address the concerns raised about the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme by creating 74 new parking spaces within the vicinity of Cliff Road.

But opponents say most of the extra spaces would be too far away as 63 of them would be created by changing Tolcarne coach car park into a standard pay and display car park.

Shop owners and residents 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 but the project delivery team at Cornwall Council say the alternative route would make the scheme “more dangerous.”

Residents and business owners spoke out against the revised plans at a public consultation, which was held at the Great Western Hotel on Friday.

Sally Miners said: “I think businesses will lose trade if the cycle lane is installed in the parking spaces. How often would the cycle lane be used?” Also do you need two pedestrian crossings 100 yards away from each other.”

Her husband Michael Miners added: “I think it’s a lot of money for cyclists that do not exist though it would look nice.”

Colin Paull said: “I think the scheme is an insult to the people who have invested in that area. A stop and shop is very important and what the council is proposing is putting in a car park a long way away from the shops.

“It seems to me the council has already made their minds up on this scheme. They should adopt the alternative cycle route proposed that would cause no disruption.”

Dirk Parker, the owner of K2 Gym in Cliff Road, has launched a petition titled Save Cliff Road Parking, which has so far been signed by nearly 700 people.

Mr Parker said: “We are getting 100 signatures a day for the petition.

“We are getting a lot of public support. I have been out on Cliff Road talking to people and almost unanimously people think the scheme is a bad idea.

“We need the Cabinet member for Transport, Dan Rogerson, to come down and speak to businesses. We want the traffic regulation order delayed while the business impact assessment is carried out. Ultimately, we want the scheme cancelled and the extra parking the council proposes is great. Let’s have that as well.”

Cornwall Council says there has been a “positive” for the scheme at the public consultation.

A spokesperson for the project delivery team, who was in attendance, said: “The response has been very positive following the changes around some of the elements.

“People want accessibility. That’s the main feature.

“When people realise the extra car park spaces being provided in response to the earlier consultation they have changed their view on the scheme.

“We are listening and have identified an area for parking a short walking distance, which will provide a net gain of 58 spaces.

“We have consulted with Active Travel England about the alternative route being proposed for the cycle lane and it goes against their principles of design.

“It does not take the desired line, which makes it more dangerous and not an effective crossing. What you would end up with is two additional road crossings instead of none.”