By Julia Penhaligon

The politics of Truro’s £220 million Pydar regeneration project have forced their way into the general election campaign, with the two leading contenders to become the city’s Member of Parliament taking opposite positions on Cornwall Council’s decision to spend another £10 million on the scheme.

The council has spent eight years and £8 million but has so far achieved nothing more than a big hole in the ground.

Officials admit that construction will still not start for at least two years and that even if everything goes according to plan, the project will still be only partially complete by 2030.

Yesterday (Tuesday) saw the council’s Conservative and Labour groups take opposite sides in a vote over whether taxpayers should pour another £10 million into Pydar.  The cash will be spent on architects, consultants and council officers – not on building anything.

Tellingly, several senior councillors – who in 2017 had been enthusiasts for the project - were among those who voted now to put a brake on the spending.  There have long been concerns that the Pydar scheme is not viable and undeliverable.  One former cabinet portfolio holder warned that Pydar could drag the council into bankruptcy.

Cornwall’s Tories are also divided on Pydar, but Truro and Falmouth Tory MP Cherilyn Mackrory said: “Labour in Cornwall have shown their true colours today, with their group on Cornwall Council voting on block against investment for Truro.

“Labour would rather Pydar stayed a big hole in the ground, than endorsing plans delivered across political parties by successive administrations at Cornwall Council. They have no plan and no alternative.”

But Labour councillor Jayne Kirkham, her party’s Parliamentary candidate, said:  “The Conservatives have, yet again, showed us that they cannot be trusted with our finances, locally or nationally.

Yesterday's extra £10 million will not result in any change to Truro's Pydar area before the general election - but might have set Cornwall Council on a course for bankruptcy in 2025/26.  None of the political parties has so far advanced any alternative plan for the site.

“Asking for an extra £10 million so soon after agreeing a budget for Cornwall, calls into question the financial competence of this Conservative administration.

“Labour has a plan for our high streets. Replacing business rates, revamping empty shops, face to face banking and more police and PCSOs.

“We will make sure that local government has the benefit of long term settlements so they are not left scrabbling around for money with no ability to plan.  We will support investment into our communities and make sure that truly affordable housing is built in our towns.

“But we simply will not support the Conservatives playing fast and loose with Cornish taxpayers’ money."

Some local residents have suggested leaving Pydar as an open green space, possibly used for allotments.

juliapenhaligon@cornwallreports.co.uk