Hundreds sign petition urging council to drop parking removal plans

A petition has been launched in an effort to stop plans to remove 19 free parking spaces along Cliff Road in Newquay, to make way for a new cycle route, But Cornwall Council insists new parking is being created nearby.

The scheme forms part of a wider project connected to the Mid Cornwall Metro and planned improvements to the railway station area.

The petition has been organised by Dirk Parker, a Newquay businessman who runs K2 Gym. It follows a separate decision by Cornwall Council’s new administration to cancel plans to transfer several council-owned car parks to one of its arms length companies, a move campaigners have linked to public pressure.

Mr Parker said: “As many will already know, Cornwall Council / Cormac are preparing to remove the 19 free parking spaces on Cliff Road and install a £7m cycle path.

“These spaces are the lifeblood of businesses and residents in the area, and is a key reason Cliff Road is busy 52 weeks of the year.”

PRESS PLAY below to listen to our conversation with Dirk Parker

An alternative route has been proposed, which would see the cycle path diverted down Edgcumbe Avenue, linking with Newquay Junior Academy and the existing pathway by the train station.

Mr Parker also criticised the council’s approach to consultation, claiming there was never an intention to engage with the public. He described the plans as potentially “disastrous to Newquay's economy,” adding: “Making parking harder and more expensive takes money from the high street and straight into Amazon’s pockets.”

Cornwall Council says it has listened to feedback from businesses, and that new parking will be created nearby.

A spokesperson said:

"We have carefully considered feedback from businesses and residents on our proposals and appreciate there are some concerns about the loss of parking on Cliff Road.  

"Under the revised proposals there will be 74 new parking spaces within the vicinity of Cliff Road – 63 will come from changing Tolcarne Coach Car Park to a standard pay and display car park. We are proposing that the car park will be free before 9am and after 5pm and free during the winter period.  

"There will be a further eight on-street parking spaces on Oakleigh Terrace and three new disabled parking bays on Cliff Road outside Wetherspoons. 

 "The aim is to make the roads leading to and around the railway station safer for walkers and cyclists and to create an attractive gateway to the local area where people want to spend time and visit local shops and businesses.  

 "This is the second phase of the scheme which aims to improve access for people walking and cycling along Cliff Road between Edgcumbe Avenue and Oakleigh Terrace and the tram tracks leading to the town centre. It is the missing link of a cross-town path between Barrowfields and Lusty Glaze, and Newquay town centre."

A formal consultation on proposals for the second phase is expected to be launched soon. Residents and businesses will be able to find out more and speak to the project team on Friday 27 June, from 10am to 5pm, at the Great Western Hotel on Cliff Road.

PRESS PLAY below to listen to our conversation with Dirk Parker...