Businesses concerned over closure of swing bridge

The Ross Bridge will be removed in January for restoration work

A business owner in Penzance has called the planned closure of a swing bridge connecting the town centre to the harbour front a "tragic mistake".

Cornwall Council has confirmed Ross Bridge is to be taken away for restoration and a road closure put in place for four months, it said it is looking at options to reduce disruption.

But it follows four months of roadworks for pedestrian-friendly schemes and utility infrastructure, which some people in the area have said caused chaos and frustration.

Nigel Waller, who owns the Boatshed restaurant, next to the bridge, said: "It's a disaster for us in business."

Nigel Waller, who owns the Boatshed restaurant, said "It's a disaster for us in business"

"It's a main artery into Penzance and the harbour, to cut off this part of Penzance completely will be a tragic mistake," he added.

On the other side of the bridge sits the Old Lifeboat House restaurant, its owner, John Stephens is also concerned about the closure.

"I think it will be a bit of a nightmare if I'm honest," he said.

"Luckily, we're on the right side of it, so hopefully it shouldn't be too bad, but I'm a bit concerned about it, to be honest.

"It's going to be a hard winter, we're going to struggle, I think."

Bethany Tubb from the Dolphin Inn opposite the harbour said they were relying on loyal customers to support them.

Meanwhile, Sarah Raymer who lives in Pendeen but regularly visits Penzance said: "I can understand it needs to be done, but it's been absolute chaos in Penzance.

"One day it took me forty minutes to get from Pendeen, where we live, out the other side of Hayle, which would normally take ten minutes."

Sarah Raymer said: "It's been absolute chaos in Penzance"

Cornwall Council said Ross Swing Bridge is due for major refurbishment after it became stuck in the open position last year.

Several options are being looked at to reduce disruption as much as possible, including the possibility of a temporary pedestrian bridge.