THERE is a ’real threat’ to the future of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry unless the government provides financial support, Cornwall Council has warned.

Toll collections have been suspended since the end of March but the council is aware of how vital the two services are for people.

Both the bridge and the ferry are operated jointly as Tamar Crossings by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council.

Cornwall Council leader Julian German said that both authorities would be calling for ’vital financial support for the bridge and ferry’.

He added: ’Without government support there is a real threat to the viability of the whole operation.

’These services are vital to our residents, particularly people living and working in South East Cornwall.

’I have asked our MPs to use their contacts to make the case for funding from the Department for Transport.’

The bridge is used by around 40,000 vehicles a day and is one of the main routes into and out of Cornwall.

Both the bridge and the ferry are vital for emergency services to attend incidents in South East Cornwall and for ambulances to take people to hospital.

Cllr German also said that the council had been supporting other ferry services in Cornwall including the King Harry Ferry, Bodinnick Ferry and Polruan Ferry.

And he added that the council was also continuing to suspend car parking charges in Cornwall Council operated car parks to help essential workers who need to use them.