A SALTASH councillor has challenged the decision to hold a key Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry meeting in Bodmin – claiming the location risks “disenfranchising” the people who use the crossings.

Cllr Steve Miller has raised his concerns in an email sent to Richard Orpwood, democratic officer at Cornwall Council, ahead of tomorrow’s meeting of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee.

He said he was unhappy that the public meeting was being held almost 35 miles from the Tamar Bridge, arguing that the location would make it more difficult for residents and ferry users to attend.

“It is a public meeting where most of the interested users live within 15 miles of the Tamar Bridge, including ferry users,” said Cllr Miller. “Bodmin is nearly 35 miles distant, meaning travelling more than three times as far for most people.”

He also questioned the public transport options available to people travelling from the Tamar area to Bodmin.

Cllr Miller said there were viable public transport links to locations including Plymouth, Torpoint, Saltash and Liskeard, but claimed there was no comparable option for those travelling to Bodmin.

“As such it tends to disenfranchise public representation,” he said.

Cllr Miller said he had been told the meeting was being held in Bodmin because there was no venue large enough in South East Cornwall. However, he questioned why Plymouth had not been considered as an alternative, arguing it would be considerably more accessible for many of those with an interest in the bridge and ferry.

“Plymouth is far more convenient for the vast majority of relevant people,” he said.

He is calling for the issue to be addressed during tomorrow’s meeting and wants an explanation for the choice of venue.

“I hope this topic can be addressed during Friday’s meeting, and the reason for its choice explained,” he said.

Cllr Miller also criticised what he described as a “Truro-centric administration” approach to choosing a venue, arguing that the cost and inconvenience for people who regularly use the Tamar crossings should have been given greater consideration.

He said he could see “no valid rationale” for the decision beyond a desire to hold the meeting somewhere within Cornwall.

The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee brings together representatives from Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council to oversee the operation of the two vital crossings.