The team behind Truro Loops is keen to push for a pedestrian and cycle lifting bridge across the Truro River between Boscawen Park and Lighterage Quay in Newham.

Truro River Working Group Community Interest Company (TRWG CIC) has created a survey to collect information to support the Truro Town Deal project to build the bridge.

The survey aims to gather information on how often people would use the bridge and if it would encourage them to travel more sustainably.

A petition in favour of the bridge will follow shortly, to be signed both online and in person at the Truro Loops centre in Boscawen Park.  

Cornwall councillor Cllr Loic Rich, who is also chair of the Harbours Board, was also going to put forward a resolution at a meeting of Truro City Council on Monday night, to recognise that the city community is “strongly supportive” of the bridge proposal.

Cllr Rich described the bridge as “a key part of the Truro Loops concept”, which would make a Truro River Loop “a reality”.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bridge the gap and transform the entire area forever,” he added. 

“The most important thing people need to know is that we want this bridge. In terms of positivity from the public, I can’t think of many other things so many people support.

“It could improve Truro, bringing more investment and jobs as well as making it easier for people to get around.

“The pressure is on the council and other organisations to understand how much people want to see that bridge – we don’t want the Town Deal think we’re not interested in it.”

It is hoped the bridge would provide a much-needed connection between Truro’s biggest park and one of its busiest industrial estates, benefitting a wide range of users including residents, visitors, and employers.

Supporters claim a safe and easy connection between the east and west banks of Truro River would support sustainable travel, health and wellbeing by plugging into a wider walking and cycling network from the city centre to Newham Trail, Malpas and Tresillian.

It would also provide an economic boost and create a landmark feature for generations to come.

More details about the lifting bridge proposals, and general information about Truro Town Deal from the November 2023 public consultation, can be accessed at www.trurotownfund.com/projects/