CORNWALL Council is bidding for funding for two new bridges in Launceston, at a cost of almost £2-million.

One is a separate pedestrian bridge over the River Kensey, that will allow traffic to flow freely over the existing road bridge. The other will link the Ridgegrove Estate with the Newport Co-op so people can walk to the town centre without having to negotiate Dutson Road.

The town’s Cornwall Councillors said Dutson Road is not wide enough for a traditional pavement, but it will also benefit from a raised footway should funding be secured.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Jade Farrington, who represents Launceston South, said: “Local people and councillors have long been campaigning for these basic safety improvements so I’m very pleased to see Cornwall Council finally listening to Launceston and working with the town council to submit bids and secure the necessary funding.

“After an extensive study the council has come up with a host of other proposals to make the town centre more pedestrian-friendly and there will be a series of meetings and consultations so everyone can have their say on these and together we can choose the best options for Launceston.”

Liberal Democrat Councillor Adam Paynter, who represents Launceston North and North Petherwin, said: “The improvements aren’t going to happen overnight, but we now have Cornwall Council’s absolute commitment to building these bridges and supporting further schemes in the town centre.”

Cllr Farrington said the authority also looked at the case for a bypass linking the A30 with the A388 near Homeleigh Garden Centre, but said the estimated £42-million cost was prohibitive.