Funding boost for Cornish trail extension project

A popular Cornish trail's potential extension has taken a step forward after a funding was secured for part of the project.

North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire said a large portion of the £200,000 funding needed for a feasibility study to look into extending the Camel Trail to Camelford had been secured from the government and Cornwall Council.

The 18-mile (29km) path used by about 400,000 cyclists and walkers every year currently runs along a disused railway line from Padstow to Wenfordbridge.

Maguire said extending the trail felt like a "no-brainer" and the idea has also been welcomed by traders who felt it could boost business in Camelford.

He said it was "very early days" as more funding would be needed before the feasibility study could take place.

If the project does happen, he said it would be a "brilliant boost for north Cornwall, for Camelford and actually Cornwall as a whole" for a "fantastic multi-use trail that's already a huge success story".

Kelly Arries, director of Wadebridge-based Bridge Bike Hire, said the trail was a "massive asset" locally and extending it to Camelford would be a great idea.

She said: "I think it's really exciting and Camelford has loads to gain from it."

Jamie Squire, landlord of The Mason Arms in Camelford, said he was slightly sceptical about where the trail would go in the town, but thought it would help encourage more people to visit.

"I think it would bring more people into Camelford because at the minute it's just passing trade," he said.

Mark Burnett, Cornwall Councillor for Camelford and Boscastle, said he fully supported the idea.

Burnett said: "It makes perfect sense because part of the name Camelford is in the name of the Camel Trail.

"Anything that brings footfall and increased tourism into the town using the shops, the cafes, the pubs and other facilities has got to be welcomed in my view."

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