PLANS to build Poole's desperately needed second harbour bridge are millions of pounds adrift.

Poole council is looking to plug the gap by seeking more government funding for the Twin Sails Bridge.

The iconic bridge was tied in to the development of the former power station site, with around £11m required from landowner Gallagher Estates and Lands Improvement Holdings. But the company is still in protracted negotiations with the council.

As the economic slump hits and the housing market contracts, the Borough of Poole is seeking alternative sources of funds.

"We are committed to delivering a second crossing for Poole, but equally we are determined that it cannot be a bridge at any cost," said council leader Cllr Brian Leverett.

"Delivering any major transport scheme of this size and complexity is a considerable challenge and can be subject to changing circumstances.

"Our vision has not changed, but it makes sense for the council to explore every viable option for delivering the bridge at the earliest opportunity."

Fears have already been raised by the council's Liberal Democrat opposition that the bridge will never happen unless it gains government support. Last week, Upton residents demonstrated in support of it as a cure for their road congestion woes.

The council has spent £7.5 million on preparatory work necessary to build its bridge across the Back Water Channel and secured £14.15m from the Department for Transport towards the £32-34m cost of the Twin Sails and the road network.

"One per cent on council tax raises £600,000," said Cllr Leverett. "There is no council tax solution."

The authority is chasing a wide variety of government funds, many of which were not available when the project was begun, and has secured £630,000 but a bid of £5.2m from the Community Infrastructure Fund was unsuccessful.

However, cabinet will be asked at its meeting next Tuesday to approve a £13m bid under the government's Regional Funding Allocation programme.

"We are exploring all the options available," said strategic director Jim Bright. "And we are still seeking a positive outcome to our continuing negotiations with Gallagher."

The council's vision is for a high quality development of housing, job creation, open space, waterfront walks and community facilities.

He added: "We are not giving up on the total package. In the current market circumstances there is a recognition of a possible way forward to deliver the road solution first."

l Water under the bridge - see pages 18 and 19