WARBURTON Toll Bridge remains closed this morning, Friday, to allow for the 'safe removal' of the remains of the payment booth destroyed in a fire.

A fire destroyed the toll booth at the site near Lymm in the early hours yesterday, Thursday.

The bridge, which costs 12p to cross, or 25p for a day ticket, has previously been the subject of complaints from motorists over congestion.

The Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group was created to challenge owner Peel Ports over traffic disruption and currently has more than 2,200 members.

Greater Manchester Police officers attended the scene at around 1.30am.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but the force confirmed the incident is being treated as arson.

Peel Ports confirmed the tolls will be back in place 'as soon as possible'.

Today, Friday, a spokeswoman said: "Following the fire at the Warburton Toll Bridge booth in the early hours of Thursday May 10, the bridge will be closed to all traffic from 9.45am on Friday May 11.

"This closure is necessary to allow the safe removal of the remains of the booth.

"We expect the closure to last for several hours and will issue further updates throughout the day."

At 12.45pm, she added: "Works to remove the remains of the toll booth at Warburton Toll Bridge are now complete and the bridge has reopened to traffic.

"Further works to reinstate the booth will be undertaken in due course.

"We would like to thank road users and residents for their patience."

The action group has also issued a statement.

A spokesman said: "While in the short term we hope everyone is ok, we will be in no doubt that Peel Ports will soon rebuild and continue to collect its toll fares.

"As we receive more information we will update our Facebook page.

"At least in the short term, the local road networks around Warburton, Partington and Hollins Green will not have the severe congestion at peak traffic time that has been causing terrible delays to journeys."

Lymm North and Thelwall councillor Bob Barr also responded to the incident.

He tweeted: "I hope that, on investigation, the loss of the Warburton Toll booth will come down to have been a maintenance issue or negligence rather than arson or criminal damage.

"Though no one, other than Peel Holdings will mourn the loss of the structure."


READ: MP left angered by minister's Warburton Toll Bridge snub

READ: Automatic toll system and surface improvements planned at Warburton Toll Bridge

READ: Campaigners call for changes to reduce the ‘misery’ of congestion at Warburton Toll Bridge