‘CAUTIOUS optimism but a healthy dose of realism’ is needed by people in Camelford as they await the arrival of the town’s bypass.

Nigel Blackler, service director of transport and infrastructure at Cornwall Council, attended the meeting of the Camelford Community Network Panel on Tuesday, September 24 to give an update on the highly anticipated Camelford bypass. The scheme is the only road scheme to have been put forward to government from Cornwall and will cost more than £40-million to produce, with the aim of having it built and ready for use by 2023.

Mr Blackler, accompanied by major projects senior officer Doug Bowden, came to update the panel and members of the public on the bypass — a project which, for many, has been thought to be the most viable solution to Camelford’s air quality and traffic problems. Camelford was declared an air quality management area in 2017, following the confirmation poor air quality at several locations along the A39, which runs through the town, in 2016.

In July, Cornwall Council made the decision to support the bypass scheme, with a pledge of £6.5-million towards the project.

Mr Blacker started by saying the scheme was a ‘credit to you as a community network’. He said: “You received £50,000 for this, which of course is not near enough to do that. You could have spent it more locally for other things needed, but you didn’t and that sent a strong message that you as a community do want this.”

A strategic business case was developed between November 2018 and July 2019. Mr Blackler continued: “Around £40-million of funding is needed to deliver that (the bypass). There was then the opportunity to bid to government, who deal with the major road schemes in the country.

“The only scheme from Cornwall (to be put to government) was the Camelford bypass. It fits as a high priority in this area. Cabinet met in July to consider the scheme, with £6-million needed to fund it. Cabinet then agreed to support the bypass to the value of £6-million. The government had about 80 projects across the country to look at.”

Thinking ahead, Mr Blackler continued: “It’s important we get that additional funding from government by the end of the year. We need some government support to take this project forward. For you, it’s really important to lobby your local MP to ensure we get that funding by the end of the year. Local engagement is another thing — we really need people to come out and engage with the scheme.”

In terms of time scales, the meeting heard that ‘if all goes well’, the ambitious programme will begin in December 2021. Mr Blackler said: “So we have already put the project forward to government and highlighted the extended benefits and economic benefits that come with it.

“Don’t be concerned that we don’t have the money from government yet — because that in itself generates a momentum. Sometimes you need a project to kickstart that process. We’re building a road, but I think it’s the community that brings those wider benefits.”

Handing over to Mr Bowden, the meeting heard that the business case is ‘now progressing at full speed’ and that the council have some tasks to undertake within the next eight months to get the business case sent off to government.

Mr Bowden explained that one of these tasks is looking into the alignment. In 2005, a bypass for Camelford was granted planning permission, but due to funding the scheme couldn’t go ahead. Mr Bowden said: “The old bypass that went through planning permission is pretty much the route we’re going to use. But regulations have changed since then so it will affect the alignments.”

This will include considering how close the road can be to nearby wind turbines, lifting the bridge across the River Camel and making it longer, and looking into turning nearby junctions into one roundabout. Discussions are taking place with statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency, National England and Historic England as part of this process, as well as hopes to converse with Camelford Town Council as the scheme will affect the neighbourhood plan.

Mr Bowden concluded: “It’s at a very exciting stage and progressing very quickly.”

One member of the public from Davidstow said: “I still sense there’s so many potential hurdles to fall over on.”

Mr Bowden responded: “Yes, there are. It’s a long process, but we’re doing the best we can.”

Cornwall Councillor for Camelford, Rob Rotchell, said: “I think it’s worth saying that there should be cautious optimism but a healthy dose of realism as well.

“The constancy of Nigel and his team has been exemplary, really. We wouldn’t have got this far (without them), so thank you for the work you have done so far.”

To conclude, Mr Blackler said: “As a community, do keep lobbying your MP and ensure you do all you can to push your case to government. If we do enter a general election then whoever comes into power will have to do the same and push for it, particularly making sure it’s a priority.

“It’s a lengthy process, but it’s just something that we’ve got to keep a high level of drive for and keep everyone motivated.”