TRAINS are due to stop running along the Newquay branch whilst major upgrade work is carried out as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme.

Passengers are being advised to plan ahead as no trains will run to and from Newquay between Wednesday, September 10 and Sunday, September 14.

Replacement buses will operate between Newquay and St Austell, with most stopping at all intermediate stations

Trains will continue to run at Par, connecting customers to Plymouth and Penzance

The £58.8-million Mid Cornwall Metro scheme will deliver an hourly coast-to-coast rail service between Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth, which aims to transform how residents travel across Cornwall. A new rail passing loop at Tregoss Moor will allow trains to pass each other. This will enable local and long-distance services to operate concurrently meaning local services can run all year round.

Sharon Holloway, GWR station manager for West Cornwall, said: "This vital improvement work is part of wider plans to transform train services across Cornwall.

“While the line is closed, no trains can stop at Newquay, Quintrell Downs, St Columb Road, Roche, Bugle, or Luxulyan, so we’re asking customers to please check before they travel and allow more time for their journeys.

"Replacement buses will operate between Newquay and St Austell, with some direct services running at peak times. We know this will mean longer journeys, so we’re grateful for customers’ patience while we deliver the improvements."

George Collinson from Network Rail added: "This marks the latest stage of the Mid Cornwall Metro project, designed to provide a significant boost to rail travel in the Duchy. We’d like to thank passengers for their understanding as we carry out the work needed to make these benefits a reality."