ANGRY traders in Penryn are forming a petition to show their objections to plans to redevelop an area of one of the main roads through the town.

Shop owners in the town have said they were not consulted about the Penryn townscape enhancement works which will be carried out at Fish Cross at the junction of New Street, St Thomas Street and Broad Street.

Ryall's Newsagents owners Carol and David Ryall have said they plan to start a petition against the plans and have had 12 other local traders support them.

The plans include widening paths either side of the road, which will make the road narrower, moving the bus shelter down the road to the top of Quay Hill and, removing car park spaces and replacing them with new trees and seating areas.

Carol Ryall, of Ryalls Newsagents, said: "These plans will have a tremendous effect on traders in the town. We have already had so much disruption this year, with the work on the town hall and now the bridge works and now this."

Mrs Ryall added that the works would effect traders business especially as the works are due to begin in September, during the run up to Christmas.

She added: "We are told that the works will take three to four months to complete starting in September, that is the busiest period for many traders. There are also plans to move the bus stop further down the hill which is going to make it more difficult for elderly people to get around."

Mr and Mrs Ryall said they were planning to start the petition this week and had already received 12 letters of support from other traders including Tattoo Bob's, Penryn Fish and Chips, Saracen Wines, W C Rowe, Turton's Pharmacy, Wings and Things, Key Machine and several others.

Kevin Paul, Penryn town clerk, said: "We have a very tight framework to get the funding for this scheme so we need to act quickly. I do understand where the traders are coming from with their objections but this is something that will have a great benefit for the town in the long run.

"I have suggested to Cornwall county council that we have a trial period and mark out the area we plan to develop with sand bags and put a temporary bus shelter 170 yards down the road to see if it will work. If not we will have to reconsider the plans."

David Turton, of Turton's Pharmacy said: "Penryn is a horse and cart town and was not designed to take the levels of traffic that come through now. Narrowing the road will only make things worse. I do not object to improving the town but it needs to be done carefully and with consultation with the local traders."