Despite what some people may try to tell you, Cornwall is
currently in the middle of the biggest ever investment in our transport
infrastructure. I thought it would be worthwhile to lay out some of what is
going on.
Firstly, on our roads. After more than 20 years of waiting
we are all now enjoying the benefits of the dualling of the A30 at Temple. As
someone who uses this stretch of road at least twice every week now I
appreciate what a difference it makes.
Now focus is on the next stretch of our main trunk road as
plans are now being developed to dual the Carnon to Chiverton Cross section.
These improvements will amount to almost £300 million and
this is on top the £79 million the Government has confirmed for a new link road
from St Austell to the A30.
We are also all aware how import the railway is for
connecting Cornwall to the rest of the country. In just a few weeks time we
will see the new trains rolling on our local tracks. This represents an
investment of almost £500 million into the Great Western network. These new
trains will provide 25% more seats and will also reduce the journey time from
Penzance to Paddington by up to 14 minutes.
Additionally, Network Rail are currently spending millions
updating the signalling on the rail line through Cornwall which will enable
more frequent trains to run.
Although not in the Duchy we are all aware of how important
it is that the track through Devon remains open. The government has invested
tens of millions of pounds in improving the resilience of the track both at
Cowley Bridge near Exeter which has been prone to flooding and on the coast at
Dawlish. Further work is planned to strengthen this stretch and ensure it is
fit for the future.
On top of these multi million investments we have also seen:
New buses being rolled out across Cornwall – to be seen in
mid-Cornwall any day now.
£100m Cornwall Business Investment Fund through the British
Business Bank.
£2.3m of Government funding from the Housing Infrastructure
Fund for the West Carclaze Garden Village.
Funding for the long-needed mental health in-patient unit
for children and young people in Cornwall, due to open in April 2019.
Millions every year from the Pothole Fund, including
£2,572,746 this year.
Ongoing support from the government for vital airlink from
Newquay to London.
It is true to say that Cornwall has in the past been
overlooked by successive governments but I genuinely do not believe this is the
case now. This Government has shown it is committed to invest in our Cornish
infrastructure.
Of course there is much more to do in order to make up for
lost time and to keep pace with our future needs. I, along with my Cornish MP
colleagues will continue to do all we can to make sure we get the support we
need from the government and investment from the private sector.
My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and
work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone needing support.
The office is open to the public Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm (no
appointment necessary). If there is an issue you would like my assistance on
then please, either visit the office or contact me on either 01726 829379 or
office@stevedouble.org.uk. Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only,
advice surgeries across the constituency. Dates of these can be found at:
www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
