Marcus Jones MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary and Minister for Local Government, visited Bodmin on Thursday 24th September to meet with local MP Scott Mann, Mayor of Bodmin Lance Kennedy, local councillor Anne Kerridge, Neil Pendleton from ‘Better Bodmin’, as well as other representatives from Bodmin Town Council and Cornwall Council.
During a roundtable discussion, the Minister was briefed about plans for the proposed Cycle Project and road improvements schemes and in Bodmin town centre. There the Minister was told about how the cycle project would benefit the town through the removal of some traffic signals and the widening of pavements for pedestrians.
The scheme aims to reduce congestion and air pollution by increasing the flow of traffic, with vehicles constantly moving at a slow speed rather than stopping for signals and traffic lights. They are also designed to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the overall economic viability of the street.
The scheme will also be essential in making Bodmin a cycle hub, which would bring visiting cyclists into the town to use shops and services.
After the roundtable discussion, Marcus Jones was given a tour of the areas that will be transformed.
Scott Mann MP said:
“Welcoming Marcus Jones to Bodmin to discuss the shared space scheme signifies a real turning point for this project. With a substantial amount of Government money being invested into the town, it’s good to show the Minister how and where the money will be put to use.
“I’m confident this project will transform Bodmin, which will act as a hub between the Camel Trail and Lanhydrock, which itself is a gateway for tourists into Bodmin from the railway station.
“Concerns raised by some local people have been taken into account to make sure that the scheme is accommodating to all drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.”
Lance Kennedy said:
“I would like to thank the Minister for the keen interest he expressed in the plans for Bodmin.
“I look forward to his support in developing our high street growth and prosperity.”
Marcus Jones MP said:
“Bodmin’s shared space scheme promises much for the town. Redesigning the town centre roads so that they are safer for the growing number of cyclists, and improving traffic flow and air pollution, will make the town even more attractive to investors, helping existing and future businesses, as well as creating more jobs.
“Cornwall has a strong tourism sector, and this scheme aims to further harness this, with a growing number of people now holidaying in the UK and visiting towns such as Bodmin.
“It was great to walk around the town to see first-hand the various areas that will benefit from the shared space, and I’d like to wish the people of Bodmin all the best with the roll out of the scheme.”
