No Mersey crossing decision until 2006 (From Warrington Guardian)

No Mersey crossing decision until 2006

A DEVASTATING blow has hit campaigners as the quest for a second Mersey crossing has been aborted until 2006.

A 'yes' decision had been expected any day for the £335m Mersey Gateway after a decade of intensive lobbying.

Halton Council leader, Cllr Tony McDermott, said: "I am speechless with exasperation. It's frustrating because the longer it goes on, it's costing us money, not just in extra work but in the future cost of steel with inflation."

Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman delivered the bombshell in a letter, saying that no decision will be made until early 2006.

A full story will appear in The Runcorn World & Widnes World next week.