Published by Sarah Yeoman at 9:16am 22nd December 2019. (Updated at 8:51am 23rd December 2019)

A project to create 30 kilometres of new multi-purpose trails across Cornwall has taken a step forward.

Cornwall Council is investing £2 million into the new off-road Saint Trails for cyclists, walkers and horse riders.

They include routes from St Agnes to Truro, Perranporth to Newquay, Trispen to Idless and St Newlyn East to Carland Cross.

Officials say it will increase opportunities for cycling to work, for leisure and to help residents to lead healthy active lifestyles.

The Cabinet has agreed to recommend to full Council that work can progress to confirm the routes and land requirements for the four new Saints Trails.

The majority of the funding (£17.07m) for the schemes is coming from Highways England as part of their programme to provide environmental, social and economic benefits to the people, communities and businesses who live and work alongside the strategic road network.

Saints trail from Cornwall Council on Vimeo.

"We are on track to provide some great opportunities for cycling, walking and horse riding.

"The new routes will complement other cycle routes and trails across Cornwall, linking with where residents live and work, connecting our communities and joining up access to the services that people want and need.

"Leaving the car and getting on the bike also helps address congestion and air quality issues and helps us lead a healthier lifestyle."

Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council Cabinet portfolio holder for transport

The project team has been developing the schemes following on from a series of public exhibitions over the summer where over 90% of the 800 or so people that attended expressed their support.

"The new routes are also expected to be popular with tourists and provide future job creation opportunities similar to those experienced with the Camel and Bissoe trails."

"We're delighted to be partnering with Cornwall Council to realise these cycling projects close to the A30 and pleased to see the level of progress being made.

"Our designated funds programme was developed so that we can invest in projects beyond our traditional road build and maintenance and this is a glowing example of how this funding can have a positive impact on people and communities."

Highways England Senior Project Manager, Hannah Sanderson

Work on some of the sections is due to start in the new year.

You can find more information here.

via https://www.piratefm.co.uk/news/latest-news/3011867/work-to-progress-on-...