There was steady interest thoughout his visit, with many keen to sign the petition.
Mr Mann said: “In recent years, two main issues that come up on the doorsteps in and around Camelford are the heavy traffic congestion and poor air quality. My petition has acted as a magnet for these issues and I am overwhelmed by the positive response from the local community since its launch.
“On Friday, November 17 alone, we collected hundreds of signatures to the petition and delivered several hundred petition packs.”
The concern has attracted cross-party support and Mr Mann extended thanks to those from all political parties who have united in support of a bypass for Camelford.
He added: “The recent expansion of the A30 at Bodmin Moor has shown the benefit of infrastructure investment in North Cornwall, so with the government having announced plans for an additional pot of money for bypass projects, now is the time to press home the need for a Camelford bypass.
“Thank you again to everyone involved for your support and I will continue to champion this, both locally and in Westminster.”
Mr Mann was joined by town councillors, including Cllr Claire Hewlett, who is also the North Cornwall Green Party spokesperson.
She said: “Camelford’s air quality is getting worse, Cornwall Council have acknowledged that something needs to be done and that the best long term solution would be a bypass. The alternative being a HGV diversion with ‘intelligent signage’ but that brings traffic past the two schools and land identified in the Neighbourhood Plan as possible housing land, which is not ideal.
“Early next year the petition will be presented to Number 10 Downing Street. It is important that the campaign can show overwhelming public and cross party political support, with the more signatures the better. This road will be of strategic importance for North Cornwall so the petition is not limited to Camelford residents — it’s for everyone who lives, works or visits the area and uses the A39. Petitions are available to sign in local shops or online at change.org, search for ‘reduce the pollution in Camelford’.”
Responding to Mr Mann’s post about his visit to the town on social media, some residents were keen to voice their suggestions.
Adam Harris said: “It’s not just for Camelford residents — if you use the A39 through the town, get stuck in the traffic or visit the town, if the traffic and/or pollution affect you, you can and should sign.
“Collecting signatures will continue for a month or so and there are petition forms in many of the businesses and with the town council.”
However, Jane Stephens said: “It has been concluded that Camelford needs a bypass for years and years and we haven’t got one. There will always be a need but never the money.
“There are simple and cheap solutions to the summertime traffic issue. Re-site the traffic lights to include the narrows above the Co-op, stop the parking outside the Co-op. Every day people ignore the priority signs because they don’t understand them, they don’t care or they can’t tell whether it’s moving traffic or people parked.
“All the money spent so far, coming to the conclusion that there is too much pollution would have covered the above solutions.”
Melanie Young added: “Doesn’t need a bypass just put traffic lights in the right place past the narrows.”
Paper copies of the petition are available in some Camelford businesses and it can also be accessed online at www.change/ord/p/cornwall-council-reduce-the-pollution-in-camelford
Alternatively, petition sheets can be sent out to interested parties, by contacting Mr Mann’s Bodmin office on 01208 74337 or by email [email protected]