CAMPAIGNERS objecting the controversial £212 million Western Link scheme have expressed 'dismay' and 'disappointment' after the bypass was approved.

The 'red' route was given the green light by executive board members at their meeting inside a packed Town Hall chamber on Monday.

The decision sparked fury among campaigners in attendance, with some calling for council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill and his Labour colleagues to resign.

The highway, which would link the A56 Chester Road with the A57 Sankey Way in Great Sankey, was initially priced at £145 million.

However, the figure rose to £195 million before a further increase to £212.74 million.

Transport chiefs believe the project will relieve the town's long-standing congestion issues but campaigners have disputed the claim.

Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, said the project has been 'long overdue', while Cllr O'Neill (LAB – Burtonwood and Winwick) admitted it has been a 'difficult process'.

He added: "We have been growing so much but the infrastructure has not been growing with it.

"It has not been easy this."

The business case is expected to be presented to the Department for Transport next month and, if the bid is successful, construction could begin on the road in the early 2020s.

Campaigners have responded to Monday night's decision.

A Communities United Against the Warrington Western Link spokesman said: "Our reaction was one of disappointment and dismay after they went ahead and approved the Western Link – and approved the air quality action plan.

"The Western Link is going to open up land for houses and allow the expansion of Port Warrington – both of which will increase traffic and air pollution and take away green space, such as Sankey Valley, Morley Common, the Trans Pennine Trail, plus Moore Nature Reserve.

"They may have revised the route to save houses but more people will now have to live with this road in very close proximity to their homes.

"We will be having a meeting soon, of all groups, to see how we move forward as one community."