SCOTT Mann, Conservative MP for North Cornwall, has taken the concerns of Camelford residents to Westminster, by meeting with the roads minister to discuss the possibility of a bypass for the town.

A number of local residents have contacted Mr Mann about traffic congestion, noise and air pollution, due to the bottle-necks in the town centre.

The effects of traffic congestion have also been compounded by the increase in vehicles when the A30 has been closed for ongoing dualling works.

Writing to the roads minister, Andrew Jones, in October, Mr Mann described how there was ‘great appetite’ in the town for a bypass, which would not only solve congestion issues, but would also unlock more economic growth in the town.

In both his letter and during the recent meeting with the minister, Mr Mann explained how a task force had been set up in Camelford to address air pollution, and how a neighbourhood development plan was also being worked on, which will hopefully include a bypass.

Mr Mann said: “Although the A30 is the busiest route through North Cornwall, it is actually the A39 which acts as the spine of the constituency, running between Wadebridge in the west and Bude in the east.

“A lot of traffic uses the A39, and Camelford sees a significant number of cars passing through every day as they pass through North Cornwall. Camelford town centre was not designed to cope with this much traffic and a bypass is desperately needed to address congestion, safety issues, noise and air pollution. A bypass would also unlock Camelford’s great economic potential, because it would make the town more attractive to business and investment.

“I had a very constructive meeting with the roads minister this week, and I have discussed the idea with Cornwall Council officials as well.”

In light of the chancellor recently announcing billions of pounds for road infrastructure schemes, Mr Mann has also written to Philip Hammond to ask if central government funds could be used to build a bypass.

Mr Mann is seeking to meet the chancellor, as well as the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, which disperses central government funds in growth schemes.

A bypass was close to being built in Camelford in 2004, after planning permission was granted, but a lack of funding meant that the permission lapsed and the bypass was no longer viable. The cost of building one now is estimated to be between £20 million and £30 million.

Mayor of Camelford, Rob Rotchell, said: “I am pleased that Scott has decided to help us resolve the air quality problems that we have in Camelford.

“The bypass is one of a range of options we are working on to resolve this issue which is one of the most pressing problems the town is facing.”

Town councillor and leader of the local action group, Camelford Clean Air, Claire Hewlett, said: “I’m delighted that our MP is taking our concerns seriously. If he is able to champion our cause with the appropriate minister, then that is really good.

“Whatever the solution to the air quality problem, money will be required, so ministerial awareness must be a good thing.

“I have discussed the meeting with Scott and we’re all working towards a common goal of improving Camelford’s air quality.”

What do you think? Do you think Camelford needs a bypass? Or is there another solution? Please send your views to [email protected]