Ex-mayor calls for extra train station in Truro

AN ex-mayor of Truro has called for a former railway station in the centre of the city to be reopened as part of Cornwall’s ongoing transport plans and the mooted Mid Cornwall Metro (MCM) train proposals.

Cornwall Council’s cabinet on December 13 discussed the plans that would link the north and south coast with an hourly direct train service on the existing railway line connecting Newquay, St Austell, Truro, and Falmouth/Penryn.

The MCM would receive funding of £49.9 million from the Department for Transport’s Levelling Up Fund with a Cornwall Council contribution of £6.6m.

Off the back of those plans, Truro’s former mayor and a previous head of transport at Cornwall Council, Bert Biscoe, has suggested reopening a railway halt in the heart of the city. He has written to Truro’s current mayor Carol Swain asking for the city council to support such a move.

He said: “We are currently seeing much talk about a so-called ‘metro line’ between Falmouth and Newquay. Whilst there is scepticism about the demand in either town for a travel link to the other, there is very clear demand in both for travel to Truro.

“However, Truro railway station is somewhat severed from key public services and commercial opportunities, including retailing, commerce and the professions.

“The continuing evolution of plans for the ‘metro line’ strengthen the already good case to establish a passenger halt at Hendra Lane near Truro Crown Court.

“There is a disused cattle dock (which once served the livestock market) which could be re-purposed; it is close to the town centre and to Truro Bus Station, which provides services to the hospital, industrial estates and, of course, the town centre including Pydar Street.”

He added that the new Langarth housing development on the outskirts of the city includes within its transport plans the provision of a rail halt at Hugus which, linked to a local shuttle bus service, could support Treliske, Truro College, industrial estates and residential communities at Threemilestone and, possibly, Shortlanesend – “all with the potential outcome of reducing traffic pressure on the A390, improving accessibility for people, and enhancing socio-economic opportunity”.

Cllr Biscoe, who sits on Truro City Council, added: “Penryn and Falmouth have seen a very significant population growth over the past quarter century, not least as the result of the development of higher education at Tremough and Wood Lane.

“Newquay is currently midway through the development of its socalled ‘growth area’ and Truro is seeing progress at Langarth. Making best use of the local rail network, and directing what investment can be attracted to it via the Cornish Transport Plan, seems only sensible and long-term.

“I believe we should seek the active support of both Truro and Newham BIDs in such advocacy, and should include necessary provisions in the forthcoming review of the Truro and Kenwyn Neighbourhood Plan.”

6Bert Biscoe