WARRINGTON South MP Faisal Rashid believes the town's proposed new multi-million pound bypass should include a congestion charge or be tolled if built.

The Labour politician made his way to Crosfields Club last Thursday to discuss the Western Link scheme with the public.

He said he would 'do what is right' for residents and be a 'voice' for them.

"I have been put into the deep end with the Western Link and local plan," he added.

"I am fully engaged with the council leader, chief executive and officers.

"We all need to work together.

"I have been living here for 20 years and am personally going to be affected by this.

"If we don't get free (Mersey Gateway Bridge) crossings then we need to make this tolled for non-residents of Warrington, otherwise it could be a rat run.

"Then you can generate income from that to invest in Warrington.

"The other thing we could do is to introduce a congestion charge."

Anthony Towers, from Warrington Western Link Rainbow Action Group, urged residents to unite during Thursday's meeting.

He said: "Everyone is affected if one of these six routes goes through.

"We all need to come together."

Dale Solan, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road member, labelled the proposals as 'divisive'.

He said: "We are affected personally by specific routes but when you think about the bigger picture it is a whole community.

"There is a lot of anxiety, frustration and backbiting."

Jenna Murphy, from Say No to Warrington Western Link, also put her views forward.

She said: "I really believe the best way we can fight this is together.

"It is pointless going all your individual ways – if we do then we have lost."

The consultation roadshow came to King's Community Centre on Thursday.

During the evening Anthony Woods, Sankey Squash the Orange group chairman, handed Richard Flood, project manager for transport for Warrington, more than 760 forms from residents objecting to the orange route.

Mr Woods believes 'emotions are running very high'.

He said: "I honestly don't want any of the routes.

"I am pleased with the turnout at all the roadshows, everyone has asked the right questions."

Sankey Squash the Orange has been criticised after the group's objection forms gave residents the chance to tick why the red route should be selected.

But Mr Woods has been calling for members to refrain from ticking any of the boxes.

He added: "I, sadly, was ill and could not attend the meeting when they were distributed.

"I have asked people not to tick these three boxes on the form.

"I have not ticked any of the boxes on my form, I have just spoken about the orange route.

"It is not my position, nor anyone else's in our group, to say send it there, some have but I don't agree with them."