WARRINGTON Borough Council (WBC) has been left 'very concerned and surprised' after Peel Ports caused 'unnecessary inconvenience' to motorists by closing Warburton Toll Bridge.

The bridge was closed from 9am to 3pm today, Wednesday, while work to install a new toll booth took place.

It is also planned to be shut between the same times tomorrow and Friday.

The payment booth at the site, near Lymm, was destroyed following a suspected arson in the early hours of May 10.

Council chief executive Steven Broomhead said the 'amount of notice and lack of co-ordination and communication' from site owner Peel Ports 'is unhelpful'.

He added: "Peel Ports informed our Streetworks team at 3pm yesterday, Tuesday, of their intention to close the road for three days, starting today, between the hours of 9am to 3pm each day.

"The council was advised by Peel Ports that they intended to proceed with these works on the basis that the work was 'an emergency'.

"It is the council's view that there is nothing to suggest any element of this work is 'an emergency'.

"WBC subsequently urged Peel Ports to delay these works to allow time to install diversionary signage and signs on street warning of the planned closure.

"Despite this the closure was put in place this morning.

"Peel Ports have only provided very limited advanced notice of the works and have not put out warning signs.

"After repeated attempts to contact Peel Ports, they have finally agreed to get diversionary signage out in time for tomorrow's closure.

"WBC is very concerned and surprised by these actions and hope to be able to talk to Peel Ports' management to prevent further incidents of this kind that cause unnecessary inconvenience to Warrington's drivers."

Yesterday, Peel said it was unable to say when it anticipates the payment booth to be back in operation, although it is due to confirm later this week.

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

The Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group, which has more than 2,600 members, was created to challenge Peel over traffic disruption.

The firm's actions have also been met with criticism from motorists.

Dave Morgan, from Grappenhall, said: "It is absolute chaos.

"They have created chaos today and have not put any diversions up.

"It is not fair that this situation has been caused."

Peel has issued a statement following the concerns.

A spokeswoman said: “We are in discussion with both WBC and Trafford Council to resolve the situation and agree a mutually convenient time for the continuation of the works.

“We will issue further updates in due course.”