PLANS for a network of new cycle and multi-use trails in South East Cornwall are moving forward.
Cycle hubs are envisaged in Liskeard and in Looe – and discussions are taking place to create shorter ‘loop’ routes of four to five miles, suitable for younger families, in these areas.
Cornwall Council, which is leading on the scheme, has confirmed that the idea of the route crossing the river at the Millpool in Looe has now been dropped after feedback from local groups.
The Council says it has been, and still is in discussion with local landowners, and says that ecology, land acquisition, engineering and cost could still affect the final design of the routes and the start and finish points.
A new?online space – Let’s Talk Looe Valley Trails – is now live, where, in the absence of face-to-face consultation at the moment, people can read about the proposals and email their views. A “Frequently Asked Questions” section contains detailed information.
Public exhibitions will be held as soon as possible, says the Council.
Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said: “This project aims to support more active lifestyles, encourage more visitors to the area, helping to boost the local economy, and enhance and interpret the natural and historic environment.
“The initiative has been in development for some time and during the past few months, we’ve been working with partners to re-evaluate the initial proposals in order to put together a strong business case to identify and secure funding.
“This has resulted in some changes to the original proposed routes, including seeking out more off-road sections and routes with gentle gradients to be more accessible to all.”
The three proposed long-distance routes in South East Cornwall are:
lLooe to Liskeard: a combination of largely traffic-free sections and a section along quiet country lanes. This will be an accessible route to be used by everyone
l Looe to Cremyll: this will be a long-distance on-road route for more confident cyclists and road users. The Cremyll end of the route features a five-mile loop providing an opportunity for cyclists who are growing in confidence
l Looe to Bodmin: a combination of on and off-road sections which include a number of existing tracks in the area, as well as linking with the National Cycle Network route to Bodmin town centre. The route will also link with Bodmin Parkway railway station.
The wider South East Cornwall cycle trails project grew out of an original scheme for the Looe Valley and first developed by the Looe Development Trust, Liskeard and Looe Town Council, and Sustrans. Cornwall Council gave an initial £1.7m for the design work and business case, and has provided £2.4m to acquire land required in the corridor of the proposed Liskeard-Looe route.