The Government has given the go ahead to the proposals for St Mary’s and Penzance Harbours subject to final clearances and securing European funding.

Today’s announcement by Transport Minister Norman Baker MP, means that the works, which involve dredging at Penzance harbour and pier widening and improved freight handling facilities at St Mary’s harbour can now go ahead, subject to final clearances and securing European funding.

Councillor Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Waste, said: “This is a crucial step along the way as it will help to unlock the complete finance package. Mr Baker’s long journey with us will now begin to show positive results and lay the foundations for the future evolution of Penzance.”

Councillor Amanda Martin, Chair of The Council of the Isles of Scilly, said: “The Council of the Isles of Scilly is delighted that the project to develop the Quays at St Mary’s and Penzance has moved another step forward to approval, we would like to thank the DFT and Cornwall Council for all their hard work.”

Councillor Phil Rendle, Penzance Town Mayor, said "I am very pleased at the Minister's announcement that work at St Mary's and Penzance harbours can now go ahead. I believe our ability to demonstrate to the minister in person the consensus that has developed between the three councils as well as on Penzance Town Council and within the town was a key to the Minister's decision.

"I look forward to Penzance Council working with Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport to realise the further phases for the development of the harbour as outlined by the important work already done by Penzance councillors."

The announcement follows a meeting between 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, and Mr Baker in July during which the group stressed the critical importance of the scheme to the Scillies and Penzance.