EXECUTIVE members of Warrington Borough Council will support plans to build a toll bridge in Runcorn despite fears that traffic through Warrington town centre will increase.

Clr Bob Barr (LD - Lymm) asked members at the meeting at the Town Hall last Monday to approve the continuation of talks between council officers and Halton Borough Council in preparation for the Mersey Gateway Bridge going ahead, if plans are approved.

The construction would be one of the biggest infrastructures in the country and would be placed alongside the Silver Jubilee Bridge, which stretches from Runcorn to Widnes.

The work is needed to reduce the congestion experienced on the existing bridge which is expected to need repair work in the near future.

Clr Ian Marks, leader of the council (LIB DEM - Lymm), said: “The idea of having another bridge is a great idea. I think the issue is simply the level of tolls. There are serious issues if there is going to be less traffic using the crossing.

“There are precedents in other parts of the country that show tolls can change. They are not necessarily here forever.”

Clr Bob Barr said a greater charge would encourage more people to use Warrington’s already congested roads to avoid the fees.

He said the council should agree to the project at the public inquiry in May at the Stobart Stadium, Widnes, on the understandings made with neighbouring Halton Borough Council.

A fee would have to be introduced on the crossing to fund the development.

Measures would be enforced to reduce the increase of traffic in the town.

“The new bridge would offer a lot of opportunites, During the current credit crunch we should ensure that emoloyment is maintained in the region,” said Clr Barr.