The rail minister visited Par on Thursday to discuss exciting plans for the railway station as part of the Mid-Cornwall Metro project. 

Huw Merriman was welcomed by Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay. 

His visit to Par was followed by a meeting in Truro to discuss the progress of the project with key stakeholders including Cornwall Council, Network Rail and Great Western Railway.  

The Mid-Cornwall Metro line aims to create a coast-to-coast through-service connecting Newquay to Falmouth via Par, St Austell, Truro and Penryn. Improvements will be made to the county’s tracks and signalling system meaning more regular trains on those branch lines. 

“It was good to be able to take the rail minister to Par Station, which is going to be a key point on the Mid-Cornwall Metro, to discuss the improvements to the station we hope to be able to deliver there,” said Mr Double.  

“This was a really positive meeting and great to see everyone working together to see this new upgrade delivered.” 

He added: “This hugely exciting project will be great for Cornwall as it will link up four of the Duchy’s biggest towns as well as many of the smaller communities in between with a direct train. 

“It means residents of not only the major towns in Cornwall, but also Mid-Cornwall villages such as Roche, Bugle and Indian Queens, will be able to commute more easily to work, education and key services.  It will also provide quicker, easier access to visitors coming into the area, and reduce journey times and ease road congestion.  

“The area that will be covered by the Mid-Cornwall Metro represents 50 per cent of the economic activity in Cornwall, so it will be a real economic hub, bringing huge benefits and increasing education and employment opportunities for people who live along the route, including the clay villages.” 

Mr Merriman said: “The meeting will help put this £50m Levelling-Up investment into action and improve train services for residents and visitors across Cornwall.” 

Mr Merriman also heard raised residents’ concerns about the proposed closure of the ticket office at St Austell Station.  “I made the minister aware, and was pleased that he confirmed that no decision has yet been taken, and all concerns will be considered before a decision is made,” said Mr Double.