WHENEVER I discuss traffic issues with residents living in south Warrington, at some point the conversation will turn to the fabled north-south high level crossing which has been talked about for at least 30 years.

Earlier this year I took Greg Clark, the Minister for Regional Policy, on a trip to ensure he better understands the issues we have with the canal crossings and Bridge Foot.

Greg met with the leader of the council and the chief executive, both of whom are also fully committed to getting the issue resolved for Warrington.

We drove from Daresbury to the Town Hall and I was keen to show the 'traffic chaos' that usually exists, particularly through Bridge Foot.

Rather unfortunately, the roads were clear and the journey took about 10 minutes! Nevertheless. We made our point.

Greg has accepted our submission that something should be done.

Government funding was agreed by Greg in June and the cabinet in July.

The first bridge will cross the Mersey between Chester Road and Slutchers Lane.

It is due to be completed by 2017 and will allow traffic to flow directly from Chester Road to Bank Quay station without going round Bridge Foot.

This will make a massive difference to Bridge Foot and will mitigate much of the impact of the tolls on the Mersey Gateway as well as opening up Centre Park for more business activity.

The second, even more ambitious, project will see a new high level bridge constructed, which will link the A56 and Sankey Way across both the Mersey and the Ship Canal.

No final route has been decided, but the council is currently looking at options and some local funding will also be necessary.

The added benefit will be an opening up of a great deal of unused land in Arpley Meadows for development.

This is the bridge that Warrington has been crying out for for years.

There are still barriers to overcome, but I believe we are seeing the council working effectively with Central Government to deliver sorely-needed local priorities.

You wait for ages for one bridge to come along.....