Mid Cornwall Metro: Penryn businesses express expansion concerns

Some businesses believe the plans could negatively impact trade in Penryn

Businesses in Penryn have expressed concerns over a multimillion-pound investment to create a direct train service between Newquay and Falmouth.

Part of the £56.8m Mid Cornwall Metro scheme will see cycling lanes upgraded on Commercial Road - making them more friendly to pedestrians and cyclists.

Some businesses believe the plans could negatively impact local trade.

A Cornwall Council cabinet member said an increase in visitors should result in an "increase in trade".

Dive shop Seaways said the changes would prevent people moving scuba diving cylinders

As a result of plans, the number of parking spots between Penryn and Newquay faces being reduced.

Brendon Rowe, who runs dive shop Seaways, which sells and refills scuba cylinders, said customers would not be able to transport heavy goods.

He said: "They're not going to bring them on a pushbike, they're not going to walk from a car park halfway across town with them.

"You can't travel with them on public transport - they need to be able to bring them in a vehicle, they're heavy things."

• Listen: How does the Mid Cornwall Metro Project impact on Penryn?

David Carne, who runs a rigging business near the railway station, said the plan was a way to "spend money unnecessarily".

He said: "I've asked people: 'When was the last time you wanted to go to Newquay?' And nobody said they ever wanted to.

"I can't imagine why Newquay people want to come to Falmouth. I think it's a bit of a red herring."

Cornwall Council said the scheme was a "chance to invest "in Penryn

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for transport Richard Williams-Pears said there would be a net loss of 21 parking spaces between Penryn and Newquay.

He said there would be an additional 400,000 seats on trains travelling through the county as part of Mid Cornwall Metro, which he believed "should certainly mean" an "increase in trade."

Cornwall Council said the scheme was a "catalyst" for creating greater opportunities for active travel.

"In Penryn, it is a chance to invest in the town, making it a safer and more pleasant environment for shoppers, traders and visitors, and improving travel links," it said.

The council has urged residents and businesses to attend engagement events to see the proposed changes.