MOTORISTS experienced deja vu this afternoon after Stockton Heath swing bridge broke down again – just two weeks after suffering similar fate.

The bridge froze before fully reconnecting to the road, which left motorists in gridlock.

It seemed to be a carbon copy of the events of July 20 which, according to Peel Ports, was down to 'the day's warm weather conditions'.

Cllr Laurence Murphy (LAB – Stockton Heath) has labelled the latest incident as 'unacceptable' and is calling for action to be taken.

"Yet again the Stockton Heath swing bridge has broken down – the second time in as many weeks and the result is utter gridlock," he said.

"The swing bridge is the main arterial route through Stockton Heath village.

"Every minute that it is closed brings heavy traffic congestion on both sides of the Manchester Ship Canal.

"It is clear that the mechanism of the bridge is starting to reflect its derelict appearance.

"It is time for Peel to accept its responsibilities and show some tender love and care for our bridge."

Cllr Murphy was in the village when the bridge broke down and saw 'large vehicles trying three-point turns' on London Road to avoid traffic.

High temperatures were said to have caused the steelwork to expand on July 20 but Peel said it was a 'highly unusual case'.

After being urged to make improvements, the organisation has confirmed it is looking into the matter.

A spokesman said: "We are investigating the cause of the recent breakdown and are continuously exploring ways by which we can minimise future disruptions."