Cyclists and walkers who are at-odds over a planned new cycle route through Tregoniggie met in the woods on Friday to discuss a possible compromise option.

The newly proposed route would pass through the woods for only a short stretch along the northern boundary with Falmouth Town Football Club, before exiting through Conway Gardens to Conway Road then Venton Road, before heading onto Shelborne Road an eventually rejoining the current planned route.

It was proposed by councillor David Saunby, who said: "I have deep concerns about the continuation of the proposed shared route for cycles and pedestrians through the heart of Tregoniggie Woodland, and the impact it would have on the tranquillity of the area, which has been maintained by The Friends of Tregoniggie Woodland, who have also put in a significant amount of man hours, saving Cornwall Council a lot of time and money in maintenance.

"I am also aware that cyclists also have to be kept as safe as possible, from the ever increasing numbers of motor vehicles on our roads, and that I am working towards that a compromise should be sought."

Members of the Friends of Tregoniggie believe if the track goes in it would only be a matter of time before somebody was hurt, with cyclists posing a risk to pedestrians including the elderly, small children, and dog walkers and their pets.

They said they worry that trees and other obstacles by the side of the track will cause blindspots for approaching cyclists, who they believe would travel too fast, especially if commuting to work, and asked why they needed to go through the woods when they feel the roads are perfectly safe.

Maggie Evans, a member of the group, said: "There's an elderly generation around here who enjoy the peace and tranquility. It's their bit of exercise, their recreation area. People have said they won't go in if there's cyclists.

"I think it's the fear of the cyclists, a lot of them have had close encounters."

Reuben Slater of the Fal Cycling Campaign, said: "If you have got an area designated for pedestrians and cyclists people will get used to it. It happens in a lot of places in different countries, and in different parts of this country.

"The most important thing is to get people motivated and feeling safe to go outside and use the facilities that are there."

Cornwall Council is proposing the scheme as a way of opening the woodlands up to more people, and to encourage healthy living, as part of a wider network of cycle routes around Falmouth and Penryn.

Rebecca Jackson, from Cornwall Council, said it was about opening the area "not just to the older people."

She said: "We do recognise that there are different types of cyclists. People who cycle on the road are very different to those who would cycle through."