Plans to spend £58million on the Mid Cornwall Metro scheme has divided opinion. 

Some people believe the proposal to create a coast to coast through-service connecting Newquay, Par, St Austell, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth, will be a waste of taxpayer’s money whilst others state it will be a big benefit to the area. 

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet has voted to accept £50million of Levelling Up funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which will be used to create a new platform at Newquay Railway Station. 

The scheme will also include a new passing loop at Tregoss Moor that could double the number of rail services between Newquay and Par – up to an extra 700,000 seats a year.

It will additionally involve upgraded level crossings, new signalling at Goonbarrow, a new accessible lift bridge at Par Station; extended platforms at Falmouth stations; infrastructure at Newquay, Roche, Bugle, Penryn and Falmouth stations and the digitalisation of rail ticketing. 

The ambitious project aims to transform transport links in mid-Cornwall so that residents can better connect to employment, education, and key services. 

A Newquay Voice article about the scheme attracted more than 200 comments. 

Pete Chapman said: “How will it cost 50million if the track is already there? I must be missing something.” 

Sarah Jane added: “I would prefer the money goes into Mental health services down here. 

“We didn't know we needed a train link until we were told we needed it.” 

Adrian Wesley said: “A complete waste of money.  

“How many people actually need, or want, to travel from Falmouth to Newquay, or visa versa? Trains already run on the route. It's even less thought out than HS2.” 

Some people believe the Mid Cornwall Metro will bring vast improvements to the rail service in Mid Cornwall. 

Darren Thompson said: “It will be a massive improvement with improved accessibility to a number of stations, along with a new passing loop and a new platform for Newquay Train Station.” 

Callum Davies added: “Newquay is a major town in Cornwall, so is Truro, so direct access is definitely a must.” 

Lydia Remick said: “I’m pleased the funding has been accepted.

"Let’s hope they get on with it and it doesn’t take years to complete.” 

Pezza John said: “A second platform for Newquay and a passing loop at Tregoss are not minor changes. I’m sure people would be whining if the funding was pulled.” 

Work is due to start in 2024.