Residents are being invited to view the latest plans for four schemes to create an off road network for walkers and cyclists linking Truro, St Agnes, Perranporth and Newquay.

Spanning more than 30 kilometres, the Saints Trails will significantly improve the cycle network to encourage cycling.

The success of the Camel Trail shows that cycling and walking is something that residents and tourists want to do as a way of keeping healthy as well as being able to enjoy the Cornish countryside.

The exhibitions and feedback events are being held from noon to 8pm at venues along the proposed routes which will link:

• St Agnes to Threemilestone (via Chiverton Cross)

• Trispen to Idless

• St Newlyn East to Carland Cross

• Perranporth to Newquay

Also on show will be details of cycle friendly proposals for the existing section of the A30 between Carland Cross and Chiverton if the new dual carriageway scheme goes ahead.

Everyone is welcome to come along and meet members of the project team who will be there to explain the proposed routes in more detail and answer any questions you may have.

Exhibitions:

Wednesday, August 7: Goonhavern Community Centre TR4 9NW

Friday, August 9: St Agnes Miners & Mechanics Institute, Vicarage Road, TR5 0TL

Tuesday, August 13: Concho Lounge, Bank Street, Newquay, TR7 1AY

Wednesday, August 14: Perranporth Rugby Club, Budnic Hill, TR6 0DB

Monday, August 19: Hawkins Arms, Zelah, TR4 9HU

Tuesday, August 20: St Newlyn East Village Hall, Neeham Road, TR8 5LE

Wednesday, August 21: St Erme Community Hall, Castle Fields, TR4 9BD

Feedback from the exhibitions will be taken forward as planning permission and other statutory approvals are sought later this year. The works on building the trails, which will make use of forestry tracks, old railway track beds, bridges and disused paths and will connect to existing routes, could potentially start in 2020.

The schemes are being funded by £2 million from Cornwall Council and £17 million invested from Highways England’s Cycling, Safety and Integration Designated Fund towards comprehensive, high-quality off-road walking and cycling routes.

Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council Cabinet Portfolio holder for Transport said: "We have a wonderful opportunity to provide some great opportunities for cycling and walking.

“The routes will complement other cycle routes and trails across Cornwall. The cycle network will reach out to towns and villages and link with where residents live and work, connecting our communities and joining up access to the services that people want and need.

“Cycling also helps address congestion and air quality issues and plays a key role in promoting a healthy life for our residents. This is the first step as we work with local communities to deliver these exciting schemes.”

Karl Sullivan, Highways England’s project manager, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Cornwall Council to realise these new cycling projects. Our designated funds programme was developed so that we can invest in projects beyond our traditional road build and maintenance, and the Saints Trails are a glowing example of how this funding can have a positive impact on people and communities.

“It’s pleasing to see the progress made and we hope communities play a full part in the forthcoming exhibitions, to have their say and help shape the proposed routes towards a working reality next year.”

More information will be available once the community events are underway at www.cornwall.gov.uk/saintstrails