Subject: St Agnes to Truro Saints Trail – last few days for the petition!
Dear all
We now have over 1,760 signatures. A huge thank you for getting us to this number. This is beyond our expectations. It's really encouraging to see so much support for good quality cycling infrastructure. We will be closing the petition at the end of this coming Sunday 15th May so that we can present it to the Council before decisions on the bridge are taken.
NOT YET SHARED THE PETITION?
If you’ve not already shared with family, friends and others there’s still time! You can go back into the petition on the change.org website, click on ‘Take the next step’, scroll to the bottom and choose ‘No I’ll share instead’.
WHAT’S NEXT? By the end of this week the Council is expected to know the cost of building the bridge. They will then work out whether the currently allocated European funding and Cornwall Council match funding is sufficient to cover the bridge, the A390 paths and the section between St Agnes village and Sevenmilestone (where work has already started). Even if the funding is sufficient the Council could look to reduce its contribution by trying to negotiate with the Government (as managers of the European money) that the underpass is acceptable. However, we fear that costs may have risen and additional funding might be needed. The Council has agreed to meet with us before any decisions are taken. That’s why it’s so important that we can evidence the level of support for the route. We are urging the Council to:
1. Remain committed to the bridge and not accept the underpass as a suitable crossing for the St Agnes to Truro Saints Trail. The Council’s investment will be paid back in dividends from healthier lifestyles, reduced congestion and reduced carbon emissions.
2. Negotiate with National Highways for further funding if costs have risen. National Highways are the main funders of the Saints Trails projects.
We will keep you updated on progress.
Sarah Wetherill, Truro Cycling Campaign