Cllr Herbert Manley of Cheshire West and Chester says authority is now behind Silver Jubilee Bridge tolls

Jun 18 2009 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

HALTON’S newest neighbouring council has performed a major U-turn in its opposition to proposed tolls on the Silver Jubilee Bridge.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has not only backed down in its objection to charges, but said it wants to be actively involved in any tolling regime.

The statement marks a major change in stance for the authority, which replaced Cheshire County Council as well as Ellesmere Port and Neston, Vale Royal and Chester District councils on April 1.

The Weekly News reported in November 2008 how the authority’s shadow executive board had called for the Silver Jubilee Bridge to remain toll free.

However, speaking at the public inquiry last week, Cllr Herbert Manley (pictured) from Cheshire West and Chester, said: “The (Mersey Gateway) project team responded with advice to the effect that the funding model is premised upon a tolling regime on both the new structure and the Silver Jubilee Bridge.

“I would seek Halton’s assurance that we will be afforded every opportunity to contribute.”