TOLLS at Warburton Toll Bridge will be suspended while a new payment booth and extra security measures are introduced – but concerns have been raised over 'abuse' to staff.

Tolls returned to the site, near Lymm, in June following the installation of a temporary payment booth after the previous structure was destroyed in an arson on May 10.

And work to replace the temporary structure with a permanent one will commence this Sunday.

Site owner Peel Ports confirmed tolls will be suspended for the duration of the works, from 8am on Sunday until August 29.

Charges are planned to be reinstated in both directions on August 29.

Warburton Bridge Road will be closed for one hour at 8pm on Monday and again for one hour at 8pm next Friday, while temporary traffic lights could be installed at other times.

Peel Ports confirmed it 'remains committed' to addressing the concerns raised by residents and 'recognises' that maintenance and upgrading work is needed

A spokeswoman said: "Following the arson attack, we were unable to secure a satisfactory toll booth at short notice.

"This is why a temporary booth was employed.

"Under the Rixton and Warburton Bridge Act of 1863 (later subsumed into the Manchester Ship Canal Acts), the toll covers the entirety of Peel Ports’ undertaking, from Warburton village to the A57.

"We plan to undertake necessary maintenance and life extension works to the bridges, raise the weight limit to 7.5t mgw, install an automated tolling system to improve the flow of traffic, resurface and introduce traffic calming measures to accommodate 10,000 vehicles per day.

"We are also planning to introduce HGV restrictions and turning areas.

"However, as the road and bridges are subject to an Act of Parliament, we are required to undertake a statutory process, which includes conducting a public consultation and applying to Government for a Toll Bridge Order.

"This process is time consuming and we are committed to working collaboratively with Warrington Borough Council, Trafford Borough Council and the Toll Bridge Action Group in order to speed up this process, in so far as is possible within the bounds of the relevant statutes and procedures.

"It is important to note that disruption, including the recent arson attack on the toll booth, does not change this statutory process nor the timescales involved."

Peel Ports also raised concerns over recent incidents.

The spokeswoman added: "Additional security measures have been put in place following the arson attack and the new toll booth will also include additional security features.

"We are concerned that some members of the local community, purporting to represent the action group, have condoned the arson attack and our staff have been subjected to verbal abuse both over the phone and in person at the toll bridge.

"Peel Ports staff have also been subjected to abusive messages in e-mails and on social media.

"We remain committed to working with the official representatives of the action group to speed up the statutory process of public consultation and permissions which are required in order for us to proceed with works to improve the bridge and install an automated tolling system."

The bridge costs 12p to cross, or 25p for a day ticket.