Plans to upgrade rail links between four of Cornwall's largest towns and cities have received a very mixed reaction from locals.

A total of £50 million from the government Levelling Up Funding will be invested in the Mid Cornwall Metro project.

It aims to enhance station amenities, footpaths, and cycling routes as well, aimed at attracting commuters of varying mobility.

The plan is to upgrade the existing rail links in Newquay, St Austell, Truro and Falmouth/Penryn.

However, changes to prioritise these groups in Penryn town centre, specifically Commercial Road, have received backlash from traders fearing a decrease in customers due to reduced parking spaces.

Falmouth Packet:

Residents who are frequent readers of the Falmouth Packet have also had much to say about the proposed improvements.

Concerns range from the possible effect it will have on the community to whether the funding could have been used elsewhere, and much more.

A local brought up the prices of railway travel: "So what if you want to come by car and not pay extortionate rail costs?".

One reader added: "They are stopping us parking, which affects residents and will impact local businesses."

But Mark Nicholson from Cornwall Council assured The Packet that the intention of the plans is not to cut the trade of the local businesses.

He explained how it aims to make the areas more pleasant to shop in, and more suitable for those who do not wish to travel by car.

The criticism continued though, as other locals decided to bring up various issues affecting Cornwall, and questioned whether this is something the community needs.

A sceptical reader explained: "But they chose to close our local leisure centre instead of giving it the funding it deserves, well done for organising work the community needs."

Falmouth Packet:

It is not all doom and gloom, however, as some saw the positives of the improvements.

One community member questioned the negativity, saying: "Are people really moaning about £50m worth of railway and road improvements because they will lose a few parking spaces?".

Another local said: "Not everyone can drive so this is a good thing."