While I greet the news that a worthwhile cause (Connect2) will benefit from the peoples Lottery Fund money. I fear our local cycle route is facing a worrying future.
Last Wednesdays local paper (Cornish Guardian) announced there are plans a-foot for the very popular Camel Trail section from Wadebridge to Bodmin to be turned back into a railway line by the Bodmin and Wenford Railway Company.
There are no details at present but knowing the Camel Trail I cannot see how the two can co-exist in such a small space. Anyone who has cycled this route will know how narrow it is (route is single line width, in places cut through rock) and reinstating the line will greatly affect any practical use of this part of the line by cyclists or pedestrians. In the newspaper article, they say they will, “Preserve and enhance wherever possible”. That sounds like lawyer talk to me. I fear it will effectively end the Camel trail at Wadebridge.
Unfortunately, this very bad idea has the support of the North Cornwall District Council and the town official’s. However, it appears the residents of both towns’ are in uproar about it.
Wadebridge has two precious gems – One; the Royal Cornwall Show (runs for 3 days in June) and puts the town on the map. Two; the Camel Trail. The trail has had a remarkable effect on the town and attracts thousands of tourists (walkers and cyclists) into the towns. This has a knock on effect of boosting trade for the local business. I grew up in Wadebridge and I can remember when most of the shops were either always empty or they were estate agents. Wadebridge is a very different town now.
I cannot see how anyone who (truly) represents both towns’ interests would want to commercialise such a outstanding free resource that generates revenue for both towns. As far as I can see, the only thing that will happen is a select few will make financial gains at the expense of all others.
So it seems while one door swings opens, another one slams shut.
Unless I see some confirmation that the 'free to use' trail will be unaffected by these plans, I for one will be strongly opposing it
.
Edit / update:
Link to Cornish Guardian story
this is cornwall - news, entertainment, jobs, homes and cars
.
Last Wednesdays local paper (Cornish Guardian) announced there are plans a-foot for the very popular Camel Trail section from Wadebridge to Bodmin to be turned back into a railway line by the Bodmin and Wenford Railway Company.
There are no details at present but knowing the Camel Trail I cannot see how the two can co-exist in such a small space. Anyone who has cycled this route will know how narrow it is (route is single line width, in places cut through rock) and reinstating the line will greatly affect any practical use of this part of the line by cyclists or pedestrians. In the newspaper article, they say they will, “Preserve and enhance wherever possible”. That sounds like lawyer talk to me. I fear it will effectively end the Camel trail at Wadebridge.
Unfortunately, this very bad idea has the support of the North Cornwall District Council and the town official’s. However, it appears the residents of both towns’ are in uproar about it.
Wadebridge has two precious gems – One; the Royal Cornwall Show (runs for 3 days in June) and puts the town on the map. Two; the Camel Trail. The trail has had a remarkable effect on the town and attracts thousands of tourists (walkers and cyclists) into the towns. This has a knock on effect of boosting trade for the local business. I grew up in Wadebridge and I can remember when most of the shops were either always empty or they were estate agents. Wadebridge is a very different town now.
I cannot see how anyone who (truly) represents both towns’ interests would want to commercialise such a outstanding free resource that generates revenue for both towns. As far as I can see, the only thing that will happen is a select few will make financial gains at the expense of all others.
So it seems while one door swings opens, another one slams shut.
Unless I see some confirmation that the 'free to use' trail will be unaffected by these plans, I for one will be strongly opposing it
.
Edit / update:
Link to Cornish Guardian story
this is cornwall - news, entertainment, jobs, homes and cars
.
Last edited:
they would not get my support.