Bridge of sighs (From Warrington Guardian)

Bridge of sighs

ABSOLUTELY gutted, devastated and exasperated. That's how disillusioned campaigners blasted the Government's shock move to delay a decision on the £335m new Mersey crossing - until 2006.

"We are absolutely gobsmacked and gutted," said Cllr Rob Polhill, board member for transportation.

"The minister says we have done a good job. It's a lollipop today and a knife in the back."

Council Leader, Cllr Tony McDer

mott, said: "I am speechless. 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's bombshell letter acknowledged the "significant economic benefits" of a new bridge but said he wouldn't make up his mind until 2006 "at the earliest."

Halton MP and junior transport minister, Derek Twigg remained tight lipped.

He said: "I'm very limited in what I

can say. I can't be involved in any way in the decision making process with this bridge."

Top regional industrialists joined forces with Halton Council, Merseyside councils and North West MPs to mount a massive lobby.

Up to 7,000 new jobs and £90m annual income, they believe, would be generated from the crossing.

A 'yes' decision was expected after years of painstaking research.

"We have worked tremendously hard to do everything they have asked," said Cllr Polhill.

"That river has been studied to

death and yet they're still asking for information. Everything's all centred round London. The Thames Gateway doesn't have the hurdles we've had to jump. We just can't understand what the hell they're up to."

Runcorn MP Mike Hall is demanding an urgent meeting with the Minister and Cllr McDermott, vowed to continue fighting.

He said: "We intend to challenge this as soon as we possibly can. We will be going to Westminster to ask the Minister why this is happening."