WARRINGTON Borough Council's campaign to oppose 'potentially disastrous' tolls on the Mersey bridges has received further endorsement from the Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Trust.

Under current plans, tolls will be imposed on all Warrington motorists using the Silver Jubilee Bridge and the new Mersey Gateway Crossing at Runcorn.

A 'discount pass' would cost £90 per month but it is hoped that the current campaign can prevent the charge from coming into force, with suggestions that any such measure will have a 'detrimental' impact on access to hospitals for patients, visitors and staff.

The hospital trust believes that, if a toll was imposed, motorists in the town will subsequently look for alternative routes which could spell more congestion issues in the town centre and have an impact on the shuttle bus provided by the NHS trust between the two hospitals of Warrington and Halton.

The latest support follows registration of support from 256 businesses in the town last month, including that of the support of Warrington Chamber of Commerce.

"This further endorsement from the NHS Trust against the implementation of bridge tolls outlines just how unpopular these tolls would be for everyone," said council leader, Terry O'Neill.

"We have had a very strong response to the campaign so far and rightly so - the negative impact that the tolls could potentially have on essential public services, such as access to the hospitals, really drives home just how disruptive the tolls could be.

“I feel that the effect on Warrington could be potentially disastrous and I would encourage other businesses and organisations to join the lobby to ensure that the bridges are toll free for Warrington residents.”

The issue has also took centre stage for Halton residents but Chancellor George Osborne's announcement last year that the bridge will be free for motorists from the area to use was no doubt warmly received.

Halton Borough Council revealed it has 'no intention to change the arrangement' but whether Warrington residents can experience the same outcome remains to be seen.

"Tolls are still being paid, but by the council and Government grants," said David Parr, chief executive of Halton Borough Council.

"If anybody else wants residents to travel free of charge they have the option to do the same - that is an option for them."

Warrington South's Labour candidate, Nick Bent, has praised the trust for backing the campaign but remains critical of MP David Mowat.

“I welcome the heavyweight support given by the trust to the campaign to get these unfair road tolls scrapped and it's a disgrace that the sitting Conservative MP has not raised this vital issue in Parliament for over two years," he said.

Mr Mowat previously said his lobbying for two new bridges will 'benefit many more commuters' in Warrington.

For further information contact the council on 442243, or to join the lobby e-mail toneill@warrington.gov.uk.