A 114-YEAR-OLD steamship set sail along the Manchester Ship Canal for the first time since 1984 – but the voyage was delayed after Latchford swing bridge broke down.

A £3.8 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant was used to restore The Daniel Adamson, which had been used as a troop carrier in the First World War.

Enthusiasts gathered at Latchford Locks to witness the vessel’s voyage to Salford along the canal on Saturday.

But their jubilation was halted when the swing bridge, on Knutsford Road, broke down and refused to open for 75 minutes.

Politicians in the town have continued to press Peel Ports, which owns the town’s three swing bridges, to improve the state of each of the structures.

Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town’s Liberal Democrats, has responded to Saturday’s incident.

He said: “Peel’s public relations disaster with the ill-fated first voyage of the Danial Adamson is richly deserved. Warrington Liberal Democrats hope that it teaches the company a lesson.”

“Peel have ignored, and refused to acknowledge, petitions from thousands of residents concerning the state of the swing bridges.

“They refused to acknowledge the role poor maintenance and dubious operational practices had on the flooding of parts of Thelwall and Lymm at Christmas 2015.

“The company takes no responsibility for the congestion and air pollution slow bridge swings and swings during peak hours cause.

“While claiming to be a socially responsible company, Peel treat Warrington’s citizens with total disdain.

“Perhaps a charm offensive involving some much-needed investment in their assets in the town may pay dividends and foster a better relationship between Peel and Warrington’s residents.”

Peel did not respond to requests for a comment.

The firm has previously confirmed it has a routine maintenance and repair programme in place across all of its sites.

The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society did not wish to comment on the incident.