ASTONISHING scenes were played out last night as residents of Penzance turned out in force to voice their concerns over plans to build a new ferry terminal.

There was standing room only at St John's Hall when the capacity of 400 was quickly breached, followed by scenes of vocal disappointment by those denied access.

At one point, Andrew George, the MP who called and chaired the meeting, went to the door of the hall to reassure the 100 or so people outside that they would get their say.

After wrangling with health and safety issues, including a brief notion that those stranded outside could be accommodated on stage behind the speakers, the people were let in and allowed in to a side hall to hear the debate.

Mr George said he was staggered by the turnout, especially given the murky, wet weather which drew in over Penzance in the evening. But, he said, it remained a testament to how deeply people felt about the plans for the harbour and the future of the iconic ferry link between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.

"I thought we would fill the hall, then when the weather came in, I started to think we might struggle.

"This is sending a message that people are very keen to be engaged about the future of the harbour.

"It also sends a message to the people of the Isles of Scilly that we care about the link as well. These people are here because they're proud of the link to the Isles of Scilly."

Mr George poured scorn on comments made by Cornwall Council transport supremo Graeme Hicks, who last week accused him of "dithering." Mr Hicks had declined an invitation to come to the forum, dismissing it as "hot air".

As he surveyed the packed hall, Mr George told the Western Morning News: "Does this look like hot air?"

He also urged County Hall to take note of the fact people had flocked to the meeting and given up their Friday night to take part in the debate.

"I hope those who have declined to come this evening will reflect on it."

Joining Mr George on the platform were local councillors and John Maggs of the Friends of Penzance Harbour campaign group.

The organisation has fought the Cornwall Council-led consortium Route Partnership over their favoured plans for a single passenger and freight handling facility which, it is feared, would destroy the historic Battery Rocks area.

The group instead prefers an out-of-town freight depot at Long Rock and converting the former Trinity House Museum in Penzance into a passenger terminal.

Speaking in favour of the Route Partnership all-in-one option, was Mike Waters, chairman of Penzance Chamber of Commerce, who said businesses across the town were behind him.

Plans for the Isle of Scilly end of the scheme were approved in July.

Two planning applications – for both options – are expected to be submitted to Cornwall Council next week

To keep within a timetable, the £44 million scheme needs to be approved by early next year.

For more on this story, see Thursday's Cornishman.