A shop owner in Camelford is calling for seasonal traffic diversions to be removed in an attempt to attract more people to the town.

Bonnie Grills, a former mayor and town councillor, who now runs Stephens Home Hardware Shop, has asked that the council supports a letter from businesses requesting Cornwall Council not to place the normal diversion signs at either end of the town to divert holiday traffic.

She said: "With the closure of the banks, we are desperate that people are attracted to Camelford. It's better to be chock-a-block with traffic in Camelford than be dead."

The town council made a request for diversion signs a few years ago, before traffic lights were installed. Now Cornwall Council puts the diversion signs in place annually as a matter of course.

The diversions are also aimed at HGVs and large vehicles, but Mrs Grills said drivers will often take the shortest route through the town. In addition, the hairpin bend at Slaughterbridge is difficult for some vehicles to navigate.

"I would rather Cornwall Council get the traffic warden up here more. They go to Tintagel and Boscastle and to Bude, but not Camelford. The last time they were here I wrote it on the calendar. It was such an event, I couldn't believe it.

"That's what we need. They need to look at us, look at the situation and not just think they're okay and forget about us.

"We desperately need help. We always feel that we've got the poor end of the stick. If the signs are taken away, hopefully people will see the free car parks and think we'll just have a stop off."

Mrs Grills said there are many reasons for people to stop — the shops, cafés, park and various walks.

"The whole town needs to be publicising it."

She added that part of the problem is caused by motorists parking in the main street when there is a free car park a short distance away.

"If people don't park illegally on double yellow lines then the traffic flows quite well through the town."

As well as Churchfield car park and Camelford Hall, there are a number of free parking spaces outside the library, which Mrs Grills said are kept relatively free since the council has been monitoring their use.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.