MP and councillors say a London meeting with Transport Minister Norman Baker to discuss proposals for St Mary's and Penzance harbours was 'positive'.

West Cornwall MP Andrew George; Councillor Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for transport and waste; councillor Chris Thomas, chair of the council of the Isles of Scilly transport committee, and councillor Phil Rendle, the mayor of Penzance, travelled to London this week to meet with Mr Baker to discuss proposals for St Mary's and Penzance Harbours.

Mr George said he had secured the meeting to ensure that government ministers understood how critically important this project is to the Isles of Scilly and to Penzance.

A Cornwall Council spokesman said: "During Thursday’s meeting with the Minister Mr George and the three Councillors emphasised the agreement on the scheme between their three authorities. This assurance was welcomed by Mr Baker.

"Councillor Rendle told the minister that the town has reached a consensus after a lengthy, robust and wide ranging debate.

"Councillor Thomas then told Mr Baker that the Isles of Scilly wants to secure a durable facility for the sea link and strongly encouraged support for the scheme.

"Mr Baker welcomed the consensus and is keen to move forward. He stated that he would now consider the proposals put forward by the three Councils and respond as soon as possible.

Andrew George MP, who arranged the meeting, said that there was emphasis on the need to act in time to meet the deadlines for EU Convergence funding.