Dr Clare Twigger-Ross predicts that Mersey Gateway jobs boost could lead deprived Halton residents to cycle of prosperity

May 28 2009 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE Mersey Gateway project will bring a ‘cycle of prosperity’ to Halton, according to a psychologist.

Dr Clare Twigger-Ross, a consultant at Collingwood Environmental Planning presented her evidence at the public inquiry on Wednesday, May 20.

She divided her predictions into three phases, including during and after construction, and a scenario in which no second bridge is built.

She said the project could lead residents in deprived areas towards a ‘cycle of prosperity’ in which more jobs and better access to schools, shops and leisure would create a feedback loop of higher aspiration, achievement, health and wealth.

She said the main benefit during construction would be in the creation of 370 jobs, 189 of which would likely go to residents living within a 40 minute drive of the bridge, and a further 471 for the North West region. She said, however, that some jobs may be lost because some firms will only be able to relocate outside Halton.

She added that car users, pedestrians and cyclists will experience ‘negative effects’ during construction due to disruption and road closures.

Another problem during construction will be the effect on air and noise quality and Dr Twigger-Ross singled out increases in construction dust, nitrogen dioxide and particulates for nearby areas.

However, she stressed that the success of other projects in Halton such as the 3MG freight park and the Widnes Waterfront development depended on building the bridge.

She added that, when completed, the bridge will encourage cycling and walking and improve residents’ health and well-being.