MP Mike Hall backs Mersey Gateway Project as closing statements begin

Jun 25 2009 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

RUNCORN MP Mike Hall has voiced his support for the Mersey Gateway Project as the six-week public inquiry into the scheme nears its conclusion.

But Mr Hall also echoed calls by fellow MP Derek Twigg for free passage for Halton residents or ‘significant’ discounts.

In a letter submitted to the inquiry inspector, Mr Hall said the project was needed for the regeneration of Halton.

He said: “The new Mersey Gateway will make a massive contribution to the borough of Halton.

“It will provide the North West region with a strategic north-south transport link.

“It will tackle congestion and provide opportunities for development and regeneration, air quality will be improved and local and regional transport links will be significantly enhanced.

“The issue of tolls is probably the only controversial part of the proposal and my preference has always been that the new Mersey Gateway should be free to local traffic.

“This still remains my preference and I have made the case to Halton Council that I hope they can devise a scheme to enable local residents to use the new Mersey Gateway and the Silver Jubilee Bridge for free, or be given a significant discount.”

Closing statements will begin today, (Thursday) after a number of objections were withdrawn.

Cllr Tony McDermott, chair of the Mersey Gateway Executive Board, said: “We are very satisfied that the inspector has looked in detail at our plans and heard from everyone who wanted to give their views.

“We believe our plans are robust and are confident that we have put the best possible case for this project to the inspector.”