BODMIN'S own Lady Godiva will be leading a procession of protesters tomorrow who are demanding a say in the future regeneration of the town.
A scantily clad woman on horseback will be at the forefront of a march through the town centre by members of the Bodmin Pride Of Place (BPoP) action group, who are appealing to Cornwall Council to suspend further progress on the Bodmin Masterplan for residents to put forward their own recommendations.
BPoP chairman Orlando Kimber hoped that the publicity stunt from Priory Park would attract Bodmin residents out on the streets.
"A young woman who at the moment wishes to remain anonymous has agreed to be Lady Godiva on Saturday,'' he said.
"We believe half the people of Bodmin don't even know what's in the masterplan, and if 50 per cent of residents come out onto the streets to watch the protest, they will be able to find out more about how they can have a real say in what is planned for their town.''
Mr Kimber continued: "We are a fast-growing movement of local people which is determined that everyone in and around Bodmin is aware of the plans which threaten to double the size of the town and affect both the Camel Trail and Bodmin Moor, after no effective consultation with local people or any commitment to improve the infrastructure of the town.
"We're here to provide a platform for the voices of the people of Bodmin,'' said Mr Kimber.
"We all understand the need for change and welcome development of the town as long as it's thought through, meets the genuine needs of Bodmin and the values of those who live in Cornwall.
"The town has suffered badly through neglect – economically, socially and environmentally – and we all want to be part of a plan that we can believe in. The current masterplan was created without input from local people and this must change,'' he said.
Mark Kaczmarek, Cornwall Council Cabinet member for planning and housing denied that residents had not been part of the consultation process.
"We have held many meetings and there has been an exhibition about the masterplan, in fact it's something that has been discussed for the past eight years now."
The protest march with Lady Godiva leaves Priory Park at 10.15am for the town centre and will also take in Dennison Road.