Transport boost for Cornwall and Scilly

UK transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced a US$16.7 million package to improve sea links between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, upgrade roads on the island and carry out ports repairs.

Announcing the funding, McLoughlin said: “This funding will make a huge difference to the people of Scilly and also to visitors to the island, so vital to the local economy. Good transport links and high quality infrastructure are key for the island.

“These improvements will not only make it easier for those living on the islands to get about, but will also benefit those visiting the Scilly Isles, which is very important for the local economy.”

The harbour scheme will see the pier extended and widened at St Mary’s, along with provision of new freight storage facilities and improved access for passengers. It also includes dredging and some highway improvements in Penzance.

The harbour infrastructure works are expected to begin this September and to be completed by June 2015, with the St Mary’s Quay extension to be complete by March 2015 ahead of the summer season. Works to maintain the local roads for which the council of the Isles of Scilly is responsible will take place over this summer.

McLoughlin also announced US$2.9 million to fund repairs to harbours damaged by the harsh winter weather that hit the English coast at the end of 2013 and the beginning of this year. Most of the funding will be spent on fixing small ports and harbours in Devon and Cornwall.