Four months of major roadworks start in Penzance

Penzance mayor Stephen Reynolds hopes the changes will make the street a more pleasant environment for future generations

Multi-million pound changes to the main shopping street in Penzance will make the area a nicer place for people to come and linger, the town's mayor has said.

Market Jew Street is closed to traffic for most of the day on weekdays for the next four months while the work happens.

New crossings, green areas with trees, and traffic calming measures are being put in there to make the area safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists.

The scheme is part of Penzance's Town Deal, with £21m being spent on various projects with the aim of transforming the town centre.

Martin Tucker, chair of Penzance Town Deal Board, said: "These essential works mark an important step forward in delivering the long-term vision for a greener, more accessible, and better-connected Penzance.

"We're investing in a town centre that works better for everyone: residents, businesses, and visitors," he added.

Penzance received a total of £21.7m as part of the previous Conservative government's Towns Fund initiative.

Other projects include a "park and cycle" facility at Ponsandane, repurposing the iconic Market House, and creating a bouldering centre in an empty shop unit on Market Jew Street.

Market Jew Street is going to be closed initially for almost seven weeks, followed by further works lasting four months

The work on Market Jew Street means it will be closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles from Monday to Friday, between 7.30am and 5pm, until the end of November.

Mayor of Penzance councillor Stephen Reynolds conceded there was concern from traders about the disruption the roadworks that would cause over the summer tourism season.

He explained: "One of the reasons for timing it the way we did was that at least all the works will be finished for Christmas and for local traders Christmas is really important.

"The visitors will come in the summer anyway even if there's a little bit of disruption. We hope there will be long-term gain."

He said it would be for future generations to decide if the project had been a success.

"If people who are now growing up look back and say, 'Yeah, I was around when Penzance was transformed, and it's made it a better place for my kids to grow up in'.

"It'll just be, I hope, a nicer place for people to stop, linger, chat and really enjoy the feel of being in their high street."