Shadow Secretary of State for Transport visits Penzance

I was very pleased to welcome a visit to West Cornwall by Theresa Villiers MP, the Shadow Transport Secretary, last week. She joined me on a very productive fact-finding visit to hear more about proposals to improve the vital sea link between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.

Theresa, George Eustice (Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Camborne, Redruth & Hayle) and I met with Matt Barton, the Localism Manager for West Cornwall, to hear about various options put forward for developing the harbour area.

We were also told about the latest developments over the scheme, which will see its main proposer agreeing to re-examine alternative plans.

Speaking after the visit Theresa said: “After receiving an extensive briefing on the proposals for regenerating Penzance Harbour, I was impressed with the project and the impact it could have on improving transport links for the town and for the Isles of Scilly. Clearly improving transport connections can provide a vital lifeline for the local tourist trade both on the islands and in Penzance."

The £43 million project has outlined proposals to extend the harbour to the south and build a new freight depot and passenger terminal. The application, which has prompted strong local debate, will be considered by planners on in the next few weeks.

It is essential that we improve the sea-link to the Isles of Scilly, both in handling freight and improving passenger experience. There are many well-publicised concerns regarding the proposals and many challenges ahead for the Route Partnership Team. My prime concern is that in declining economic climate securing adequate finance becomes increasingly difficult.

The Department of Transport has earmarked nearly £24 million for the development. We must keep pressure on the Government to ensure that this investment is secure despite the demands on the public purse during the recession

Theresa Villiers also met with members of the A30 Action Group, in Crowlas, during her visit. A number of representatives of the group and the local parish council explained how the plan for a by-pass had made significant progress before it was scrapped by the Labour Government.

Campaigners stressed the importance of a good main road into Penzance and said that the economic growth of West Penwith was being held back due to a poor transport network system.

Theresa said that it had been very valuable to come to Crowlas, to talk directly to local residents about their concerns on the A30. She said it had made her well- aware of the strength of local feeling about congestion problems in Crowlas and elsewhere on this key route for Cornwall.

So much in West Penwith and the Isles of Scilly depends on good transport links whether it is by rail, road, sea or air. The visit by Theresa clearly demonstrates that we are committed to making this constituency an attractive place to both visit and conduct business.

A healthy transport system is an essential part of the equation if we want to improve wage levels, reduce poverty and increase household income.

Parking victory in Penzance

New parking bays have now been created in Penzance car parks following my campaign to improve access to the Town Centre. I was able to secure the dedicated parking areas following a change in the way street parking is enforced.

Last year Cornwall County Council took over street parking enforcement and it soon became clear that motorcyclists had very limited provision in the Town Centre. I was made aware that some motorcyclists were no longer shopping in Penzance because of this problem, in my view the authority has a responsibility to improve access for shoppers, whatever their mode of transport.

Motorcyclist can now park free of charge in the car parks formally owned by Penwith District Council.

I am delighted by this victory for motorcyclists in West Cornwall, and my thanks go to Pete Verran, former Building and Engineering Manager of Penwith District Council and David Williams of Top Marks, for working hard to create these dedicated motorcycle Bays. Together we have achieved a small but significant tool in support of Penzance Retailers.

Photo pictured aboved: myself with David Williams and David Horwell of Top Marks and Mike Waters, Chairman of Penzance Chamber of Commerce.

Threemilestone Park and Ride: a model for the rest of Cornwall

My son Murray and I have made good use of the new Park and Ride at Threemilstone, Truro visiting my wife Tamsin and the early arrival of our second son.

I was half-way through a three-day visit to the Isles of Scilly when Tamsin was taken into Treliske in an ambulance with blue lights and a police escort to boot.

I think the Park and Ride Scheme is fantastic. With my wife and child likely to be in hospital for a few days, parking charges at Treliske could easily exceed £50. During the day I can make use of the Park and Ride Scheme for just £1 per day. For people in West Cornwall this is the only affordable method of hospital visiting.