PUBLIC support for a connecting bridge between Truro's Boscawen Park and Lighterage Quay across the Truro River stands at over 90 per cent, according a group campaigning for it to be built.

The Truro River Working Group Community Interest Company (CIC) cites Cornwall Council's planning portal, which to date has received 158 votes on the planning application, including 17 objections.

The bridge is the flagship project of the £23.6m Town Deal plan to revitalise Truro. It would link Boscawen Park with Newham Industrial Estate, lifting to allow boats to sail through. However, proposals have been roundly criticised by business owners in Newham, who worry pedestrians and cyclists will come into conflict with heavy goods traffic.

But group chair Sue Brown said: “Support for the bridge is very strong.” She urged people to visit the council’s planning portal during the consultation period to comment on planning application PA24/05179. “You can make a real difference by expressing your support,” she said.

It is also possible to discuss the application in person at the Loops Room at Boscawen Park, an information service manned by volunteers at certain times throughout the week.

“Some people we have spoken to wanted to support the bridge project but were not comfortable engaging with the online process, and chose to by adding their names to a paper survey,” Mrs Brown continued. “So far, 52 votes in favour have been recorded this way.”

Newham Industrial Estate is home to 180 companies employing around 1,200 people. Newham Business Improvement District (BID) has called for a riverside boardwalk along Newham Road to maintain separation between pedestrians, cyclists and industrial traffic. Chairman Leigh Ibbotson said: “We’re not against the bridge project, but we maintain the access is ill-conceived and unsafe.”

The application is expected to go before Cornwall Council planners on April 7, although the date is yet to be confirmed.