WARBURTON Toll Bridge Action Group has raised concerns over a 'proposed significant toll fee rise' after a 'contentious' meeting with Peel Ports.

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 booth with a permanent one started on Sunday.

Site owner Peel Ports confirmed tolls will be suspended for the duration of the works, until August 29.

Both parties have responded after meeting yesterday, Tuesday, along with council representatives.

A Peel Ports spokeswoman said: "The primary purpose of the meeting was to update the new leadership of Trafford Council on the history of the toll bridge and the current situation.

"As part of this, Peel Ports reconfirmed our commitment to upgrading the bridges and introducing measures to improve the flow of traffic.

"These works are subject to the completion of statutory process, which Peel Ports is currently progressing.

"In the meantime, it was agreed that Peel Ports will develop a campaign to encourage increased use of day passes and the 2019 annual pass, which will help to limit the number of individual transactions at the booth."

But Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group has raised concerns over a 'proposed significant crossing toll fee rise'.

A spokesman said: "After a contentious meeting, with a new administration from Trafford Council, a positive short-term outcome was agreed for the current tolling system for daily tickets, six-monthly season tickets, and annual passes were heavily discussed.

"However, our mandate from our membership is opposition to the toll itself and also the mitigation of the proposed significant crossing toll fee rise.

"We await details of the Harbour Revision Order, which is currently under negotiation with the Maritime Management Organisation.

"Once in the public domain, we can see it and discuss this, and circulate among group members.

"This will be a critical time in the role of the group holistically to decide how we proceed in the best interests of the membership.

"In the short term, it's vital to work together for the reduction of congestion for local people and motorists on their journeys.

"Another positive outcome is that Warrington Council will complete some investigation work on the A57/Warburton Bridge Road junction lights to look at effective ways to get traffic flowing better – something that is causing queues northbound and also along the A57."