LEMON Quay could soon become a platform for top theatre and dance companies to promote their shows under a new alliance between the Hall for Cornwall and Truro city council.

A meeting is due to take place this month between town clerk Russell Holden and the the director of the HFC, Tim Brinkman, in which they will discuss ideas for new entertainment on the multi-million-pound square.

Mr Brinkman said: "The Hall for Cornwall will be taking an active role in the up-and-coming meetings about Lemon Quay and is keen to see that the Quay is well used and well managed."

Mr Holden suggested one possibility was to use the piazza for short "taster" performances by acts due to appear at the Hall - enabling the council to offer first-class shows on the square for free.

He said: "It's a great opportunity. We have got this open space right by the Hall - there aren't any places like this in the country."

Already there has been a close relationship between the HFC and the city council concerning Lemon Quay, evident in such events as the Creative Arts Festival two weeks ago.

Mr Holden believes that such events are the way forward forward for the piazza, and hopes that a partnership with the Hall will bring a real sparkle to the jewel in Truro's commercial crown.

But the move could prove controversial with some businesses on the Quay, who have already raised objections to recent pop concerts during opening hours, which they say have driven away customers.

Last week managers at Bradford and Bingley estate agents complained to Mr Holden about music from a backing CD outside their Lemon Quay branch.

Assistant branch manager Mike Williams said: "There was some music here last week and it was just deafening because they were outside our office."

Mr Williams added that he was in favour of music on the piazza but felt it had to be kept within reasonable limits.

His views were echoed by John Roach, proprietor of Quay Foodmarket, who claimed that amplified music had ruined the Saturday farmers' market.

He said: "It's a learning curve. The music has got to be suitable for the event. Brass or steel bands are OK. Amplified bands would be OK after 6pm when the shops have closed - but not during the day. Last week my head was banging."

The chairman of Truro Chamber of Commerce, Simon Hendra, said: "We are very keen to see the Quay used for the benefit of members of the public - the more people that come to Truro and use the Quay, the better. We are delighted to see as much variety as possible.

"However, we do share the concerns of people who work in the area - it can be difficult if there is particularly loud music being played during office hours."