A MOTHER of a Falmouth University student has described her "absolute dismay and horror" at the removal of a bus stop near Perranarworthal.

Denise Anderson-Wharton's son lives in a farm house on the A39 and since the Wood Cottage stop has closed, he now has to walk almost a mile along a dangerous stretch of road to the stop at the Cosawes junction.

In a letter to the council, she said: "You will understand my absolute dismay and horror to discover that this bus stop has been removed due to “safety concerns” raised by the nature of the A39 and its record of serious, life changing and fatal collisions.

"Interestingly on the day that they moved to the cottage, May 14th 2018, the A39 was closed for a fatal or life changing injury collision close to the cottage.

"Thus, my son will now have to walk alongside the extremely busy and dangerous A39 to the bus stop at the Cosawes turning along a grass verge, which is impassable when the grass has grown high."

As the Wood Cottage stop was in a lay-by off the main road, Mrs Anderson-Wharton is confused as to why it has been closed due to safety concerns.

Denise lives in Cheshire with husband Andrew, who is originally from Helston and was born on Flora Day.

She added: "I do not understand how a bus stop in a layby which is not part of the main carriageway could possibly be considered ‘unsafe’ and I do not see how that would aid in the reduction of road traffic collisions on that road.

Her email to Peter Williams, the Cornwall councillor for Mabe, St Gluvias and Perranarworthal, followed a telephone conversation with him.

She said: "You stated and I recorded during our call that the bus stop would 'never be reinstated for just one person'.

"Firstly, we do not know how many people have been affected by the decision to remove the bus stop, do you?

She added: "I find the implication that 'just one person's' life is unimportant, to be highly offensive and your suggestion that my son should move house is both impractical, costly and highly stressful.

"As a regular visitor to Cornwall I have experienced the day to day danger on Cornish roads and I understand your desire to do everything possible to make the roads safer and save lives.

"However, I believe it is naïve to think that removing a bus stop which is not on the main carriageway will achieve this.

"Surely it is Cornwall County Council’s top priority to reduce car usage, improve the environment and air quality by encouraging the use of public transport, this cannot be achieved when bus travel is made increasingly difficult."

Cllr Williams said that he had spoken to the appropriate department at County Hall, asking them to consider reinstating it as a request stop.

He added: "She has not chosen a very suitable place for her son to live. Anywhere in the countryside is a dangerous walk so I'd suggest he finds somewhere to live nearer the university."

You indicated to me during our telephone conversation that you would speak to the people who can help in this matter and would do your utmost to provide as much assistance as possible and I would like to thank you for that.