New road crossing could be created on Hayle's Penpol Terrace - Cornishman -

Cornishman

New road crossing could be created on Hayle's Penpol Terrace Cornishman Ashley McDuffie, of Hayle Cycles, said: "I think because of the level of traffic along this road – more when Asda is completed – it's almost a given they would install some sort of safe crossing. I think it's essential. It's something that would be ...

New road crossing could be created on Hayle's Penpol Terrace

HayleHarbour

A NEW road crossing could be created in Hayle to connect the harbour with one of the town's main shopping streets.

Hayle Town Council has voted in favour of a pedestrian crossing at Penpol Terrace to coincide with the creation of a footbridge over Penpol Creek.

Preliminary work has started on the bridge, which will see the terrace connected to the South Quay development area.

Town councillors said it would be safer for pedestrians to install a new crossing and said they would be willing to remove an existing one.

Mayor Graham Coad said: "I think the sacrifice of two or three parking spaces for public safety on the crossing and linking Penpol Terrace with the new development is something we should go for."

Many traders along Penpol Terrace agreed that it made economic sense to have a crossing next to the footbridge.

Rosalind Nicholas, of The Farm Shop, said: "If you don't have a crossing or a refuge island from the bridge to bring people across there will be no point having a bridge at all.

Pointless

"The reason for the bridge was to connect the traders and the businesses to the other side. It's completely pointless if it doesn't really connect with this side of the road."

Ashley McDuffie, of Hayle Cycles, said: "I think because of the level of traffic along this road – more when Asda is completed – it's almost a given they would install some sort of safe crossing. I think it's essential. It's something that would be beneficial to Asda and the community at large."

However, Mark Nicholas, owner of Flowertime Florist, said he was against the loss of parking spaces that creating a crossing would entail: "I see no sense in taking more parking away. Two spaces might not seem like a lot to the council but it is to a lot of traders on Penpol Terrace."

Mr Nicholas said the best option would be for pedestrians to be led along the creek to the existing road crossing near the viaduct.

"We don't know how many people will use the bridge," he said. "It would be better to keep the parking. If they put railings in to stop people crossing the road it would be a cheaper option than putting in a new crossing."

The proposal to build the bridge has been submitted to Cornwall Council, which will decide in due course whether to grant approval.