A new cycle and walking route linking to Cornwall Council's landmark housing project is expected to be in place by next year - but it's not such good news if you live in Newquay.

The council has given a new update on the Saints Trails project to set up new routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

The plan had been to have them stretch across the Duchy, but with expenses rising, budgets shrinking and issues in land ownership, the routes have been scaled back further and further.

It has now been revealed that the latest casualty to the cuts is the Goonhavern to Newquay section of the trails, although the section from Perranporth to Goonhavern is still on track.

And a section between St Agnes and Truro, linking with the Langarth Garden Village development near Threemilestone, should be in place in late 2023, and includes plans for a bridge over the A30 at Chiverton. 

Most of the funding for the project has come from National Highways as part of its designated funds programme which aims to provide environmental, social and economic benefits to the people, communities and businesses who live and work alongside the strategic road network. Projects funded under this programme must be completed by March 31, 2023.  

As part of a review into the Saints Trails, the council said it had "become clear" that it would not be able to secure all the land needed in sufficient time to deliver the Goonhavern to Newquay section.

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Philip Desmonde, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “A review of the project aspirations, management and decision process has required some difficult decisions to achieve a reasonable outcome and I am disappointed we will not to be able to deliver the full Perranporth to Newquay route as originally planned – and I am very sorry about that. To be fair, the Covid pandemic has had a significant impact.

“However, with a renewed focus and a realistic ambition, we have been able to secure the Perranporth to Goonhavern section and we remain open to discussions with the local communities to support work to develop the Goonhavern to Newquay link in the future.

“Whilst I am confident of delivering the reduced scope of the project in a timely manner and within our constraints, it remains a complex project to achieve within a relatively short timescale, with off-road trails across both public and private land, involving many landowners and working within strict ecological parameters.

"This is the single biggest project in England funded though the National Highways designated funds scheme and there are many lessons our delivery team have learned as a result of the work on this project.

“While current circumstances mean we are unable to complete the route to Newquay at this time, I am keen to ensure that this will be developed in the future. The work carried out so far on the Goonhavern to Newquay link will not be in vain.”

The Saints Trails project in Cornwall has been scaled back a number of times Picture: Getty Images

The Saints Trails project in Cornwall has been scaled back a number of times Picture: Getty Images

Nick Aldworth, south west regional delivery director for National Highways, said it had been agreed with Cornwall Council to make changes to the proposals so that a "realistic programme of work" could be achieved by March 2023.   

 “This follows constructive discussions aimed at maximising the benefits of what remains one of the largest cycling investments ever in Cornwall. Although the revised routes are reduced, we believe this is the best way forward to ensure communities and visitors to Cornwall receive the benefits the trails will bring," said Mr Aldworth.

“We will keep open the option to apply for future funding to the Saints Trails project should it prove deliverable and, like Cornwall Council, would be delighted to see the whole vision realised in the future.”

Funding no longer to be used in the project has been given by National Highways to other cycling projects, via the Users and Communities Fund.