Work to provide safe access to homes in Penvale Villas in Penryn has been completed in time for Christmas.

The works, which were undertaken by CORMAC on behalf of Cornwall Council, included the construction of an access track which links the homes into the existing highway network, as well as drainage and access works. New Cornish hedge field boundaries have been created and works to improve the surfacing of the local allotment car park to allow universal access have also been completed.

These works form part of a larger project to improve road safety along this section of the A39. Cornwall Council recently 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.

Safety concerns were raised when the highways team visited the Falmouth and Penryn Community Network Panel in September 2015 to discuss safety concerns on the A39 and the proposed works to improve these.

During the meeting Cornwall Councillor Peter Williams raised concerns regarding the access to Penvale Villas, and requested that as part of the planned improvements to Treluswell roundabout the opportunity should be taken to improve the entrance to nearby Penvale Villas.

Historically residents of Penvale Villas had experienced issues when accessing their homes, with postal services even stopping their deliveries due to safety concerns. As a result of these issues, and in consultation with the residents, St Gluvias Parish Council 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.

Jacky Fisher, 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 Peter Williams and St Gluvias Parish Council for their help.”

Mr Williams, councillor for Mabe, Perranarworthal and St Gluvias, said: “It is great to see this new, safe access road finished and open to the residents. Following the feasibility survey by Cornwall Council last year 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.”

Mark James, community link officer for Falmouth and Penryn, said: “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 cornwall.gov.uk/communitynetworks.