Gordon Brown assures Halton MP Derek Twigg over Mersey Gateway

Mar 26 2009 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE Prime Minister has claimed he will ‘look very closely’ at the Mersey Gateway bridge crossing project.

Gordon Brown was responding to Halton MP Derek Twigg’s request for an assurance there would be no delay in approving the project following the public inquiry, which begins on May 19.

Gordon Brown said Derek Twigg had worked hard to present the case for Halton constituents and that the Government plans to increase public spending in the forthcoming financial year to boost jobs in every area.

Mr Twigg also said the previous Tory Government had rejected the project and swift approval would help to bring the project forward.

He said: “It’s important everyone connected with this scheme plays their part in keeping it moving forward so we can bring benefits like new jobs, regeneration opportunities and improved transport benefits to fruition as soon as possible.

“Government has played an important role in contributing a significant proportion of the funding for the project and, as the local MP for Halton, I want to ensure the report that is produced after the public inquiry is considered as soon as possible and final approval given.”

Cllr Tony McDermott, Halton Borough Council leader and chairman of the Mersey Gateway executive board, said: “I’d like to thank Derek Twigg for raising the Mersey Gateway project with the Prime Minister and his parliamentary colleagues.

“It is good to know the importance of this project is being discussed at the highest levels in Parliament as it is vital for our long-term economic future here in Halton and across the Liverpool city-region.”