Newquay BID Calls for Improvements to Town Infrastructure

Newquay BID has called for urgent action on the condition of key infrastructure across the town, warning that ongoing issues are creating safety risks for both residents and visitors.

The organisation says it remains committed to keeping the town centre safe, clean and welcoming, but is now urging infrastructure bodies to take greater responsibility for maintaining public assets.

Focus on safety and cleanliness

As part of its “Safe, Clean and Green” focus, Newquay BID continues to work closely with town rangers and police. This includes providing ShopWatch and PubWatch radios, as well as body cameras for local businesses, funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The BID has also strengthened its efforts around cleanliness, working with Biffa and Cornwall Council. Regular walkarounds, coordination with environmental health teams, and action on waste collection and dumping are all part of this work.

Recent efforts have included removing stickers from lampposts and signage to improve the town’s appearance.

Newquay BID also takes part in monthly Newquay Clean Groups meetings alongside Newquay Town Council, Cornwall Council, and community organisations focused on protecting beaches and green spaces.

Supporting art and tackling graffiti

The BID is working with organisations including Your Art Connect to support projects such as the legal graffiti wall at Trenance.

It is also partnering with the Probation Service and Newquay Town Council to remove tagging across the town centre. At the same time, a growing number of large murals and smaller door artworks are helping to reshape the town’s visual identity.

Road and infrastructure concerns

Despite these efforts, Newquay BID says there are serious ongoing problems with road infrastructure.

Issues highlighted include worn signage, faded road markings, damaged yellow lines, deteriorating tarmac and potholes.

Specific locations have been identified:

• Fore Street car park, where unclear markings are leading drivers to turn into oncoming traffic
• Marcus Hill, where vehicles are entering a one way system in the wrong direction
• Wesley Yard, where faded yellow lines are causing parking and safety concerns
• Gover Lane, where road conditions and markings are affecting access
• The Crescent, where unclear yellow lines are leading to long term static parking

Mark from Newquay BID said:
“These are not just maintenance issues they are public safety concerns. While we recognise the pressures on highways teams, issues like these should not be left unresolved for months or years. These areas in particular require urgent attention.”

The BID is now formally challenging Cornwall Council’s highways department to prioritise these risks and ensure roads and signage are maintained to a safe standard.

Mark added:
“We’re not just raising problems, we’re offering to be part of the solution. But organisations must take accountability for the infrastructure they install and maintain.”

Mayor backs concerns

Newquay’s mayor Drew Creek has also voiced support for the BID’s position.

Drew Creek said:
“I fully support Newquay BID in raising these concerns. The state of some of our town centre infrastructure including faded road markings, unclear signage, deteriorating road surfaces, is not acceptable, and in several of the cases highlighted, these are genuine safety risks that need urgent attention.

As Mayor, I have heard these concerns from residents and businesses on a regular basis, and I share the BID’s frustration that issues of this nature are allowed to persist for months/years without resolution. Newquay is a town with real momentum, growing its reputation as a vibrant, year-round destination and it is important that our public infrastructure reflects that ambition.

I want to recognise the significant work the BID does to keep our town centre safe, clean and welcoming, often going well beyond what should reasonably be expected of a business improvement district. That effort deserves to be matched by the statutory bodies responsible for maintaining our roads and public assets.

I would urge Cornwall Council’s highways department and all relevant infrastructure owners to take the concerns raised here seriously, prioritise the specific safety issues identified, and work with the BID and the wider community to bring our town centre up to the standard Newquay deserves.”

Public encouraged to report issues

Businesses and residents are being encouraged to report problems such as unsafe signage or damaged road markings through Cornwall Council’s online system.

You can report issues here: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-parking-and-streets/roads-highways-and-pavements/report-a-problem-with-a-road-or-pavement/

Over the coming weeks, Newquay BID will carry out a full visual audit of the town centre, documenting issues and submitting them to the relevant organisations.

Looking ahead

The BID says this work forms part of wider efforts to support Newquay as a strong year round destination, with growing events, improved transport links, and continued investment in local businesses, arts and wellbeing.

Mark said:
“Newquay is evolving into a strong, all-year-round town. But to support that growth, we need all organisations to step up, take pride in their presence, and ensure their infrastructure reflects the quality and potential of our town.”

Newquay BID is also in discussions with Openreach regarding the condition of green street cabinets in the town centre, many of which are affected by graffiti and poor maintenance. Improvements and refurbishment are expected in the coming weeks.