Plans to build new bus stops sticking out into Coinagehall Street would harm the unique appearance of the road and cause gridlock, Helston's mayor said this week.

The county council is proposing to put ramps over the town's historic kennels and create platform waiting areas protruding at least 2.5 metres into the road as part of a scheme aimed at providing easier access from the pavement onto special low-floor buses.

Town mayor Nick Martin said the "chicane" effect created by having the new bus stops on both sides of the road would be a disaster.

He said: "The traffic going up through Helston is bad enough now. If we start having buses stopping in the middle of the road we will end up with gridlock."

Mr Martin said he felt so strongly that the scheme was wrong for Helston that he would consider mounting his own personal protest.

"I think it is an extremely bad idea and I would be prepared to stand in front of the workmen and stop them starting work," he said. "Coinagehall Street is unique. There is nothing like it in Cornwall and this scheme would completely alter the character of the street.

"We already have one of these bus stops in Meneage Street and I have never seen anyone in a wheelchair using it. It's mostly used for unloading heavy goods vehicles."

Discussing the proposals at a meeting last week, town councillors were unanimous in their opposition to the scheme.

Members questioned whether the need for such bus stops had been established and said they would have a "disastrous" visual impact on one of the most important town centre roads in Cornwall.

Concerns over major disruption to the flow of traffic and interference with Helston's street market were also raised.

Similar plans for new bus stops in Coinagehall Street were abandoned some time ago following condemnation from the council.

The new scheme involves the use of "sympathetic" materials such as granite kerbing and paving flags, but members have remained resolute in their opposition.

Kerrier district council's conservation officer has also expressed concern at the proposals.