Halton Council has could lose £14m if Meresy Gateway plans fall through

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

UP to £14m could be lost by Halton Borough Council if the Mersey Gateway Project is scuppered.

New figures have revealed that preparatory costs and consultancy fees have already topped £11m, while a further £3m has been spent on relocating businesses.

The £431m project is in the fifth week of a public inquiry, with the secretary of state for transport set to have the final say.

The figure was revealed for the first time in a written answer to the National Alliance Against Tolls.

According to the Gateway team, the council has so far spent £11m from its capital programme – funds normally earmarked for the borough’s physical infrastructure.

The figure includes all preliminary work, wages for the Gateway team and consultancy fees.

The £3m went on relocating businesses to pave the way for the project.

The £3m figure could be reimbursed by a Government grant – but only if the project is given the green light.

Project chiefs said the £11m figure can be recouped through toll income over the next few years if the project receives the thumbs up.

A spokesman for the Mersey Gateway project said: “The £11m represents the council’s contribution up front. Over the 27 year (tolling) period the council will receive £52m from toll revenue.

“This does not include money set aside to fund a sustainable transport strategy.”

He said some of the £52m will be used to fund toll discounts.

But he added that part of the figure would represent a return on the council’s investment.