Local MP Sarah Newton and by-election candidate Richard Cunningham met Falmouth retailers this weekend to discuss progress of the vital electricity upgrade work in the town centre.

Western Power Distribution is removing and replacing underground cables and installing a new substation following a number of low voltage faults on the local electricity network throughout the town centre as part of one of its largest in-town capital projects.

Phase one of the five year project got underway two weeks ago and will run until March when work will be halted until next January when the second phase will start.

The Truro and Falmouth MP said: “Along with retailers in the town I very much welcome this investment in upgrading vital local infrastructure. Local traders report too frequently experiences of power outages.

“But digging up town centre streets was always going to be challenging and, while the team has done a great job in trying to minimise disruption, Richard and I heard concerns about what more needs to be done to improve signage to show Falmouth’s traders are still open for business, soundproofing needs to be better and people need an extra shuttle bus to get to work.”

Richard, who is standing in the up-coming Smithick by-election, added: “This work is essential but difficult because it’s a busy town centre. For instance, a number of people with disabilities and health conditions told us they struggle to get up and down the steep hill to Quarry car park.

“Sarah and I will feedback all these concerns to Cornwall Council and partners and do everything we can to support the town team and local traders at this difficult time.”

Sarah praised the work already done by Falmouth BID manager, Richard Wilcox, and town manager, Richard Gates, which has included securing an additional shuttle bus service and free parking in every council-owned car park on every Saturday during the works.

She will now work with the town team to improve signs approaching Falmouth so people know the town centre shops are still open and discuss making the fencing around the roadworks more sound proof. She has already asked if an extra shuttle bus could carry workers from the Quarry at 8am and return at 5.30pm to make it easier for people to get to and from work up and down the steep hill to the Quarry car park.