Work has begun to provide a safe access to homes in Penvale Villas in Penryn as part of Cornwall Council's plans works to improve road safety on the A39.

The highways team visited the Falmouth and Penryn community network panel last September to discuss safety concerns on the A39 when Cornwall Councillor Peter Williams raised concerns regarding the access to Penvale Villas. He requested that as part of the planned improvements to Treluswell roundabout the chance should be taken to improve the entrance to nearby Penvale Villas which access directly onto the busy A39.

Historically residents of Penvale Villas have experienced issues when accessing their homes, with postal services even stopping their deliveries due to safety concerns. As a result, and in consultation with the residents and Cllr Williams, Cornwall Council commissioned a feasibility study to look into what could be done to improve the situation given the safety concerns along this section of the A39.

Following consultation with the local residents and landowners, and the results of the feasibility study, it was decided that the construction of a dedicated access to the back of the homes would provide a much safer means of access to and from the A39.

Works will include the construction of an access track which will link the homes into the existing highway network, as well as drainage, new field boundaries and access works. These works form part of a larger project to improve road safety along this section of the A39.

Recently Cornwall Council completed a significant drainage improvement scheme, as well as revising the road layout, in Treluswell and the surrounding areas to reduce safety concerns in the area.

Jacky Fisher, a resident of Penvale Villas, said: “This will make a huge difference as we have had problems with access for deliveries and ambulances for many years. I would like to thank Edna and Ronald Ward for supporting the project and thank Cllr Williams and St Gluvias Parish Council for their help.”

Cllr Williams, who represents Mabe, Perranarworthal and St Gluvias, said: “Following the feasibility survey by Cornwall Council I worked with the residents and local landowners to discuss several options to address the issues and was able to suggest a practicable resolution to this long standing safety concern.

"I am very glad that I was able to help provide a positive, and good value, solution for both the local residents and Cornwall Council and I’m pleased to see the works begin.”

Mark James, community link officer for Falmouth and Penryn, added: “The Falmouth and Penryn community network panel is a great place to discuss local concerns, and in this case has helped provide a solution for a long standing local issue regarding access to homes. I would encourage everyone to come along to the meetings, which are held quarterly, to have their say and help shape the area where they live.”

More information about community network panels across the county, and dates for future meetings, can be found at cornwall.gov.uk/communitynetworks.