FEARS have been raised a new road layout in Newquay town centre is dangerous following work carried out as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme.

Motorists argue the road at Narrowcliff is now too narrow following Cormac widening the walking and cycle shared use path between the junction of Edgcumbe Avenue and the Barrowfields.

They have also raised concerns the pavement now protruding further into the road outside Pizza Express could also cause accidents.

Ewan Murphy said: “I do think it's a bit dangerous as the road is very narrow on the bend.

“I was driving into Newquay and had to stop as a bus going round the bend had to come over my side to get round.

“I personally think they have made it too narrow at that point.”

Another resident added: “What an embarrassment this new pavement/cycle path is at Narrowcliff.

“Not only is the road now too narrow it looks like there will be a couple inches of granite sticking up to rub tyre against when a lorry coming the other way.

“I know it’s not finished so may end up flush.

“And the massive kick in the pavement sticking out outside pizza express you’ve got to chicane around before ripping wheel off car.

“It is an absolute shamble.”

The work has been carried to make the pedestrian and cycle routes around Newquay Railway Station safer as part of the £57million Mid Cornwall Metro, which will provide coast to coast rail travel between Newquay and Falmouth.

A number of residents have embraced the new layout saying it is not dangerous and have welcomed the improved walking and cycling route.

Leigh Bisofsky-Pope said: “I honestly don’t see what the problem is.

“I’ve driven along there and there is plenty of room for two cars without going near a curb.

“There are still traffic cones on the actual road narrowing it up more than when it’ll be finished.

“If people can’t drive down this newly improved stretch of road without hitting a curb, then they need to look at their driving skills, even if they have to slow down and take an extra six seconds out of their day to make it easier.

“Slower is safer for my children too when we’re on the new cycle path. So it’s a win win.

“The cycle paths through our towns are a good thing.

“What with the cost of parking in town and the shear lack of it they will make life so much easier for me, my family and lots of other people.

“I actually think there should be cycle paths everywhere.

“One from here all the way to Perranporth would be epic for family days out.”

Cornwall Council states a safety audit will be carried out once the new layout is complete and the speed limit will be reducd to 20mph.

A council spokesperson said: “Work is currently underway on widening the footpath and narrowing the carriageway at Cliff Road. Surfacing and lining work is due to take place within the next few weeks.

“This forms part of traffic calming features intended to prioritise walkers and cyclists and encourage drivers to reduce their speed.

“This is phase one of a scheme which aims to make the highway leading to and around Newquay Railway Station safer for walkers and cyclists and to create an attractive gateway to the local area where people want to spend time and visit local shops and businesses.

“Safety audits and traffic surveys took place before construction began and a further safety audit will take place again once work has been completed. The speed limit on the road will also reduce to 20mph.

“Construction on phase two of the scheme, expected to begin in September, will link in to phase one works and improve access for people walking and cycling along Cliff Road between Edgcumbe Avenue and the tram tracks leading to the town centre.”