THE public is being urged to get behind a £300,000 bid for lottery cash to fund a safe crossing over the River Stour.

Since more than 70 horses became landlocked following flood prevention works in the 1970s, Cllr Ron Whitttaker has been campaigning for a new route across the Stour.

The route between Bournemouth School for Girls, spanning the existing weir near Throop Mill would link up to Bournemouth Airport and Hurn Forest.

Cllr Whittaker's hopes could finally be realised now Bournemouth council has applied for financial aid from the Connect2 Big Lottery Fund.

Bids will be featured in the television programme Living Landmarks next month. On-line voting starts on November 26.

The Bournemouth council application is part of a wider bid by 79 community-based projects around the UK to transform local travel and quality of life.

Cllr Whittaker said: "Over the years there has been a long struggle to establish a safer crossing over the Stour but funding problems and difficulties with landowners have hampered our efforts.

"Costs have increased and this lottery bid is so important. The present weir bridge is more than 40 years old.

"If we secure lottery funding we can at last achieve a proper crossing for cyclists, walkers and horse riders as well as making the whole route travel-friendly for all ages and disabled groups.

"It's a win-for-all situation but if we don't get the votes this money will go elsewhere. Let's ensure that after more than 16 years Bournemouth finally secures £300,000 to wards this much-needed project."

The borough council's green space project officer Michael Rowland said the Stour crossing would "make a real difference to the local environment and the health of future generations".

To find out more about the Bournemouth council bid and to register your support, visit sustransconnect2.org.uk or text Connect2 to 80010.