LOCALS will at last have their say on whether Wadebridge's main shopping street should be off-limits to vehicles.

For years people have been campaigning to get Molesworth Street pedestrianised.

Two years ago former mayor Cllr Carole Buchanan urged people to back the project, fearing lives were at risk after a bench was destroyed by a large vehicle using the street as an access route.

Now the town council has backed a proposal by local Cornwall councillor Scott Mann to hold a public meeting for residents to air their views.

One proposal is to close the street between 10am and 4pm.

In September 2007, phase one of a scheme began by installing loading bays elsewhere, including Polmorla Road and The Platt, to facilitate deliveries. Since then the scheme has stalled.

Mr Mann is part of a working group which also includes members of the town council, police and Cornwall Council. He wants a day of consultation with a display from Cornwall Council with proposals, questionnaires drawn up to gauge opinion and a public meeting in the evening. Plans also take into account a long appeal from Wadebridge taxi companies for a taxi rank. Mr Mann said: "The working group have drawn together some plans, and through the town council I have recommended a public consultation.

"I hope that all members of the public will make their thoughts known when the questionnaire is published both on Molesworth Street and on the proposals for a taxi rank on The Platt.

"One idea is to look at extending the loading bay outside the post office on The Platt so the larger vehicles can unload, keep the bus bay outside the Bridge On Wool and change the loading bay outside Boots chemist to a taxi rank."

Colin Williams from Wadebridge Taxis said: "It is about time something is done. Taxi businesses in the town have been badly affected by the introduction of the loading bays as we have nowhere to wait to collect passengers.

"We have an agreement that we can use the loading bays when they are empty and we move when someone turns up but it is about time we have something permanent.

Mr Mann will liaise with the working party and Cornwall Council to arrange a date.