Agreement reached on TRAC project

Last updated: 20/12/2012 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

Cornwall Council has reached agreement with Defra over the future of plans for a multi-use trail linking Launceston and Egloskerry.

The plans form part of the Council’s Tourism and Rural Access in Cornwall (TRAC) project which aims to create a trail for cyclists, walkers and horse riders along former railway corridors at Launceston and Bude.

Original proposals for the scheme, part funded through Defra’s Rural Development Programme for England, included an aim to extend the Launceston Steam Railway (LSR) from Newmills to Egloskerry. However, last year the Council informed Defra and the LSR that it would no longer be able to deliver both aspects of the project.

Following a positive meeting with Defra to discuss a way forward, agreement in principle has been reached, subject to detailed project definition. As a result the Council will remodel its proposals for the Bude component and provide a revised proposal for Launceston. The plans for Caradon Hill will remain the same.

At Launceston, the cycle path will be progressed as a modified route – including an off road section some 650 metres long, running parallel with Under Lane. While acknowledged as a desirable objective and a potential project for post 2013 Convergence funding, the extension of the Launceston Steam Railway will not proceed as part of the TRAC project.       

“We very much welcome Defra’s willingness to consider modifications to the project,” said Councillor Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Highways, Transportation and Environment (Delivery). “I regret that expectations have been raised in terms of the LSR, but much work has been done to inform a future project and Cornwall Council will, as ever, provide professional assistance to form a fresh approach.”