A new cycle and pedestrian route linking west Truro with the city centre has been officially opened.

Youngsters from Treyew Primary School were invited to officially open the Coosebean Greenway a 1.3km off-road path connecting St George’s Road with Coosebean Lane and Treliske Lane.

They were joined by students from Richard Lander School and Truro College, as well as representatives from Cornwall Council’s transportation service, CORMAC, Sustrans and Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust. Sarah Newton MP, local Cornwall councillors and representatives from Truro City Council also attended to support the occasion.

Joining existing off road routes between Treliske, Gloweth and Threemilestone, the new link gives cyclists a safe alternative to the busy A390 and walkers a scenic walk through the countryside behind Malabar. The path also links with Malabar Road giving nearby residents off-road access to the city centre.

“I hope that this safe and peaceful route in the hurly burly of Truro will give busy workers and city dwellers the benefit of access to the enjoyment of this beautiful riverside woodland for very many years to come.” said Councillor Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for transport and waste.

“This is a scheme the council has wanted to bring to fruition for the last three years.” said Tim Wood from Cornwall Council.

“It is part of the Truro Transport Strategy and continues our commitment to promoting sustainable travel and healthy active lifestyles. The route has already attracted a lot of local walkers and cyclists. I am sure it will soon become a popular part of many people’s travel habits.”

Constructed by Cormac Contracting Ltd for Cornwall Council, the Coosebean Greenway took around five months to build. Costing around £930,000, the project received funding support from Cornwall Council’s Local Transport Plan (£300,000), the European Regional Development Fund (£370,000), Growth Point Funding (160,000) and the Department for Transport’s Linking Communities fund, administered by Sustrans (£100,000).

Details of the Coosebean Greenway link and other cycle and walking routes in Truro are available in the new Truro Active Travel map. The map also has information about public transport in the city. To download the map, visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/activetravel.