TRANSPORT ministers will continue discussions over how tolls on the Mersey crossings will be scrapped for Warrington motorists in September – 16 months after the pledge was made.

Former Chancellor George Osborne announced his intention to remove tolls on both the new crossing in Runcorn, as well the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, just before last year's General Election.

But the Tatton MP failed to clarify how the move would be funded before he was succeeded in the top job by Philip Hammond after Theresa May became Prime Minister.

People travelling from the town were expected to face paying a 'discount pass' rate of £90 per month to pass the crossings.

But Mr Osborne's announcement meant they were due to save the £1,080 a year charge.

Council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill has continued to push the Government on the matter ever since but is yet to be given any clarity.

He said: "I am holding the Government to account. George Osborne made a specific promise to the Warrington people.

"I am going to continue to write to Government and the appropriate ministers to see how they will implement it and to ensure it happens.

"We shouldn't have to do that – a specific promise was made."

But Warrington South MP David Mowat has blamed the failure to thrash out a deal on those in Warrington, rather than Westminster.

He said: "A few months ago the Conservative Government was close to agreeing a deal with the two Cheshire councils and Warrington, which would have included local control and Government financing of toll schemes.

"Labour councillors scuppered this deal because they were too busy fighting with each other.

"I have held several meetings with transport ministers and officials about constructing a scheme to protect those Warrington residents who use the bridge regularly.

"That dialogue will continue once Parliament returns in September."

However, Cllr O'Neill (LAB – Burtonwood and Winwick) has dismissed the claims from Mr Mowat.

He added: "The Government made their announcement on tolls prior to any talks over devolution. Therefore, it would not be accurate to make a link between the two.

"Talks over devolution are progressing well, with an all-member task group set up to consider the benefits and disadvantages of devolution and what geography would best suit Warrington and its aspirations for the future.

"This will recommend a way forward to the council's executive board next month.

"Far from fighting, Warrington's elected members are taking a very considered view of devolution, with all political parties involved in the debate."

Stockton Heath Labour parish councillor Nick Bent was among those calling on the Government to scrap the tolls for Warrington motorists before Mr Osborne's announcement last year.

He said: "Warrington residents deserve details of how this Tory election promise will be kept, especially given the uncertainty over the Northern Powerhouse.

"Having successfully forced the Tories to make this pledge, I will hold them to it.

"£1,080 for the so-called 'discount pass' won't feel like a discount – it will feel like a hefty extra tax. It is time for Whitehall to show us the money."