Timothy Straker QC, makes opening statement for Mersey Gateway project at at Stobart Stadium, Widnes

May 21 2009 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A LAWYER opened the case in favour of the Mersey Gateway (MG) project at the public inquiry on Tuesday.

Timothy Straker QC, delivered his statement to Alan Grey, Government planning inspector.

Mr Straker outlined the need for the bridge and highlighted current problems including traffic jams on the Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB) and the economic strain of maintaining it. He said the MG project is key to Halton and the region’s social and economic regeneration, and that doing nothing would hold Halton back.

Although challenges exist, he said the project team had ‘sought to deal with such matters’. Challenges include tides, Wigg Island conservation area, Halton’s industrial legacy, contamination, and navigation rights.

He lauded the project benefits, from health improvements and quick journey times to a jobs boost.

On the controversial issue of tolling, he pointed to European toll roads and said tolls made the positive effects of the bridge more certain. He added that prosperity can help to defeat climate change.

In summing up, Mr Straker said: “The case, fully set out in the evidence submitted to the inquiry, is a compelling one for a new bridge across the Mersey and, in particular, for the construction of the MG bridge. The project has been developed in a way which avoids significant impacts and constitutes more than merely a bridge.

“Consequently, it will aid the regeneration and economic and social life of this important part of the UK. Accordingly, the project can be commended to the secretaries of state.”