A TRANSPORT minister has agreed to meet representatives from the town over the Mersey Gateway Bridge tolls controversy after being pressed by Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid.

In Parliament earlier today, Thursday, Mr Rashid questioned Jesse Norman, parliamentary under secretary of state who is responsible for the Mersey Gateway scheme, on whether he thought it was 'reasonable' that his constituents should be expected to pay up to £1,080 per year for use of the tolled bridges.

Former Chancellor George Osborne pledged that drivers in Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester would have tolls waived ahead of the 2015 General Election.

But many of the borough's motorists are facing a £1,080 yearly bill to cross the site following a Government U-turn in January.

The Labour politician also asked whether the minister would honour the former Chancellor's 2015 statement.

Last month, ministers declined an offer to hold a meeting with Warrington's politicians over the issue following correspondence through letters.

But Mr Rashid said Mr Norman 'denied any previous knowledge of a meeting request' in Westminster today.

However, motorists in the town have received a boost after the Tory politician agreed to arrange a meeting with Mr Rashid in the coming weeks.

"I was disappointed that the minister claimed to be unaware of any previous meeting requests and I have written to him asking for a ministerial correction to be made on this matter," said Mr Rashid.

"However, I was pleased that in his response the minister finally agreed to a meeting with myself and representatives from the local community.

"I look forward to discussing the issues around the Runcorn and Jubilee bridges with the minister and working to get a better deal for residents in Warrington South.

"We have already seen a significant increase in traffic since the bridge opened and I will continue to press this issue until it is resolved.

"I believe that it should be the Government that funds this type of infrastructure, rather than turning to private investment and then expecting the residents to cover the costs.

"Residents face paying for the bridge, while many of their wages remain frozen, therefore the additional £1,000 per year to carry out daily activities is tantamount to a pay cut, which simply cannot be afforded.

"The financial impact will also damage business and the regional economy, which the Government should be supporting."