Views along the River Avon could be ruined, says the campaigner

James Philpotts, who led a campaign to save the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, said did not want the bridge.

His comments came as representatives from Warwickshire County Council launched an international competition in France to design the bridge.

The council said it was early days and the public would have a chance to have their say before it is built.

It is not wanted, it is unnecessary - 68% of people in Stratford don't want it James Philpotts

Mr Philpotts, 70, who lives in Shottery, said a survey by the county council had showed that more than two-thirds of people in the town did not want the bridge.

"It will destroy the vista from the tram bridge. That is what I call the billion pound view.

"If these philistines, and I use the term advisedly, have their way, that vista will be closed.

'Attractive prospect'

"It is not wanted, it is unnecessary - 68% of people in Stratford don't want it."

Council officials were launching the bid competition at an international conference in Cannes in the south of France on Wednesday.

John Deegan, director of environment and economy at the council, said: "There is no doubt the prospect of designing a new bridge for the town will be extremely attractive to many architectural practices.