Bad news for Camel Trail cycle route?

Footie

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 16, 2007
549
10
Cornwall. PL27
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
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Edit / update:
Link to Cornish Guardian story

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Last edited:

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
52,760
30,348
But news indeed Footie, but the existence of the Camel Trail is so well known throughout the country and even overseas that I'd be surprised if this plan succeeded.

What is the intention of that railway company? Is it mundane scheduled passenger services, heritage steam locomotive trips, or commercial transport of some kind?
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Jeanette Morgan

Pedelecer
Nov 29, 2006
114
0
CORNWALL
Worry not - all the proposals are on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway website. The trail stays as the railway knows the value of it, and its established use. It's intended that they can exist side by side with enough room for each, in fact the trail near Bodmin and the railway already do this.
We can't even get back into Wadebridge due to the development there but intend to terminate on the outskirts. So, there is no intention of ever getting back to Padstow.
The railway is bike orientated and even carries bikes for free.
Check out the website and all your fears will be allayed. The railway needs £8.6m to complete this project and needs £200K just for the paperwork so its being open and aboveboard - if you are still concerned then contact them as
they need all the feedback that they can get.

Hope this helps - it's from my husband who is a volunteer on the Railway, and also a keen cyclist!

Jeanette
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
52,760
30,348
Thanks for the reassurance Jeanette, comforting to know that all will be well.
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Footie

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 16, 2007
549
10
Cornwall. PL27
Thankyou Jeanette for the reassurance.
As I said if this proposal effect’s the 'free to use' trail then there is no way I would support such a project – in fact I would varmintly oppose it.
Unfortunately, too many times I have seen Wadebridge suffer in the past due to selfish minded schemes and individuals, where a select few wheedle their way into the system (getting official town backing) and all at the expense of the town’s growth and good, it makes me mad.
Having grown up in Wadebridge and seen how it has struggled to grow one can understand how (long lived) locals react to major proposals.
Incidentally, when I was four or five, I loved watching the original train come along the line into Wadebridge (from Padstow). I was very upset when they closed it.
I will take sometime and review the proposal on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway Website

Welcome to the BODMIN & WADEBRIDGE RAILWAY

and draw my conclusions accordingly.
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