Over £5 million of European funding has been secured to create a modern transport hub that will serve West Cornwall, as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly growth programme.

The European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) has been matched by £4.69m of investment from Cornwall Council and the Growth Deal, which will be used to develop the area around the railway station at St Erth.

The transport hub, called the Multi Modal Hub, will connect the Cornwall rail main line, A30 Trunk road, St Ives rail park and ride and the strategic Cornwall bus network, and support adjacent employment spaces.

It is hoped that this move will aid local businesses and reduce the amount of private car transport in the area.

In total £5.4 million has been awarded for the project, which is due to be completed in summer 2018.

Users of the new facilities can expect new pedestrian crossings, improved cycle and pedestrian facilities, cycle storage and an increase in the number of available car parking spaces.

Julian German, portfolio holder for economy at Cornwall Council, said: "I’m really pleased we have secured this important investment that will support our residents to commute into and out of West Cornwall to access jobs and to be able to enjoy the fantastic environment.

"It also has the added bonus of enhancing the transport offer to the tourists we welcome each year which should reduce congestion on the roads.”

Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council cabinet member for Transport, said: “This significant investment is not only welcome, but indicative of the way in which EU investment continues to help Cornwall set up the structures it needs to foster a positive and enduring economy.

"It will provide a modern public transport focus that will be a key part of the new single public transport system for Cornwall, and will alleviate traffic pressures on St Ives and the surrounding villages.

"It will be important to ensure that the infrastructure and landscaping fit in with their surroundings, supporting St Erth and merging easily into this important rural setting, taking as little good quality farmland as possible.”