A COUNCILLOR has expressed their concern that Cornish representatives are ‘absent’ from efforts to solve ongoing issues on the A30.

Many drivers across Cornwall will have felt the impact of ongoing safety improvements works along a stretch of the region’s busiest road. It comes as National Highways undertakes works at a number of points between Launceston and Bodmin.

The extensive works have hit the headlines, with motorists experiencing serious delays and rural communities seeing a sudden influx of disruption as drivers fight through back roads to reach their destinations.

With works expected to stretch months into the new year, residents and local figures have expressed their concern. However, one councillor has criticised the absence of some regional representatives as he continues to voice local troubles.

Cornwall Councillor for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland, Adrian Parsons has argued that other public figures have ‘dumped’ himself and Cllr Adam Paynter in to ‘fill the void’ and tackle issues.

He said: “Whilst some representatives remain absent, Cllr Adam Paynter and I find ourselves in a situation where it appears to have been left to us to fill the void and raise the ongoing concerns about the current works taking place on the A30 between Kennards House and Five Lanes.

“As those of us who live here know, it’s impacting businesses and residents alike.”

As a result of absences, Cllr Parsons says that it was him who welcomed National Highways’ programme development manager to the area for discussions.

He continued: “Whilst I’m not sure it was my place, today I welcomed Ian Thompson, National Highways programme development manager, to Cornwall to discuss the situation we find ourselves in.

“I have no doubt National Highways realise things could have been done better, but for me, what’s important now is how we rectify some of these issues and make things more tolerable as we get through this winter of works.

“The list of problems is long, and we worked our way through them.”

Cllr Parsons says that as a result of discussions, some of these issues are now set to be actioned - though he has clarified that this will take time.

“Whether it’s diversion signs or overhead gantry signs, plans are being worked up to better advise people further up the line heading into Cornwall,” he continued. “For those approaching from down west, there also needs to be much clearer information about diversions, travel times and, importantly, that it’s quicker to remain on the A30 than get stuck in traffic clogging up our rural roads!”

Among issues which have been explored are residential access to Polyphant and Lewannick, access to Plusha Services and Subway, as well as the installation of appropriate signage along back roads to protect protect residents during spikes in traffic movements.

“Whilst the new temporary access off the A30 isn’t great, I think we are going to have to deal with that for the time being,” he explained.

“On the local back lanes, Cllr Paynter and I will keep doing what we can to get the appropriate signage in place and protect residents as best we can during spikes in traffic movements.

“Tregadillett, Trevell, Five Lanes, Altarnun, Tredaule, Trevague, Trekeland Bridge, Daws House, South Petherwin, the B3257 and the B3254 were all covered in our discussions.

“The list of issues, and the number of areas affected, has been extensive. It’s a situation I’d rather not have been dumped into, but we are now having meaningful dialogue with National Highways representatives and will continue to do what we can to minimise the impact on our residents and businesses.”

Speaking to us about the situation, Cllr Parsons emphasised the importance that elected members ‘at all levels’ should be both ‘accountable and available’ to their constituents.

He told us: “What I would say is the A30 safety works and the wider impact falls under National Highways and our government representatives. It’s important as elected members at all levels we do what we can to be accountable and available to our constituents and to help where we can and most importantly not take them for granted.“