A CAMPAIGNER has called on residents keep the pressure on Peel Ports bosses in order to influence them to change their stance over repainting the town's swing bridges.

Lymm resident and Liberal Democrat member Denis McAllister created the petition calling for the organisation to repaint and clean the three sites which cross the Manchester Ship Canal on Chester Road, London Road and Knutsford Road.

A total of 1,350 signatures have been collected, which includes those from more than 400 people in Stockton Heath on Saturday.

Peel, which operates the canal, confirmed it has 'no plans' to carry out the work in December but Mr McAllister has no signs of giving up.

"I am delighted with the support we are getting," he said.

"It started with a paper petition in our Focus leaflets and then I was asked to set up an online version to widen the appeal.

"We have also been out on the streets gathering names. Thanks to everyone who has signed and we are pleased that it has gained all-party support including the backing of leading politicians from the Conservative and Labour parties.

"The petition calls on Peel Ports to clean and paint the swing bridges over the canal in Warrington and to show support for people who take pride in the look of the area.

"At present Peel is treating the town and its residents with contempt. Not only are they refusing to improve the look of the bridges but they cause chaos and gridlock in the town when the bridges swing.

"The company hides behind laws drawn up in the days of horse-drawn carriages – it also annoys residents by refusing to strengthen the flimsy fences that run beside the canal.

"We need to keep up the pressure on Peel to get them to change their minds. Persuade your friends and colleagues to do the same."

The online petition, which has gained 754 signatures, can be found at tinyurl.com/swingbridges