MPS DISAPPOINTED AS EDGE HOPES DASHED

12.00.00pm GMT Wed 12th Dec 2007

Cornwall's MPs have expressed huge disappointment at the announcement that the Eden Project will miss out on millions of pounds of Lottery funding.

The ballot for the "Big Lottery Fund's: The People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway" closed on Monday and it has been revealed today (Wednesday) that Cornwall's hopes for 'The Edge' - a phenomenal superstructure based at Eden designed to explore life under climate change - have been dashed as the landmark construction has lost out to a national network of walking and cycle routes.

Members of the public were asked to register their votes online and over the telephone and the winner, 'The Sustrans: Connect2 Project', will receive the funding over five years from 2008, while competing schemes will receive nothing.

Cornwall's MPs, who have been backing the Edge all along, are disappointed that the world class attraction will not go ahead with the lottery funding, but are hopeful that money can be found to complete the project.

MP for Truro & St Austell and Chair of the Team for Cornwall Matthew Taylor said:

"Whilst this is extremely disappointing I hope it will be possible to pursue alternative funding to deliver this fantastic project. After all the wonderful work that's gone in I hope this won't prove the end for the Edge".