IT may have survived two world wars but the town's transporter bridge, now in its centenary year, faces its biggest battle to date.

A Facebook campaign to save the site, which spans 200ft and reaches 76ft in height, from rotting away and collapsing into the Mersey continues to gather pace.

Appleton resident Margaret Ingham, aged 68, set up Facebook page 'Save Warrington Transporter Bridge' in 2013 to save the grade 2 listed construction situated across the river close to Bank Quay station.

After hearing about Margaret's mission to persuade Warrington Borough Council, which owns the bridge, to preserve the site the BBC contacted her and broadcast her views on last Monday's North West Tonight.

Before the broadcast, the Facebook page had 200 'likes' but it has since racked up an impressive 592.

Margaret hopes the recent rise and togetherness from residents can ultimately lead to the council starting work on the bridge imminently, rather than waiting for the development of two potential new crossings in the town to begin.

"It is such a shame that it is being left to rot and it is the only one in the world being neglected and ignored," she said.

"It is getting ignored because it will cost the council money but I am not asking them to get it up and doing anything, I just want it to be preserved until such a time when it might be able to work again.

"I just want somebody to do something to stop it falling in the Mersey - this could be prestigious to the town and will bring people here - I think it can be as iconic as the Angel of the North."

The council's executive director for economic growth, regeneration and environment, Andy Farrall, admitted other issues will take precedence before the council can focus on saving the bridge.

While Cllr Steve Parish (LAB - Bewsey and Whitecross) has raised questions over how any potential renovation will be funded.

Margaret said: "I don't want money out of social care or anything as people always come first with me but I just want something to done to stop it falling and rotting away."

The campaign is looking to recruit local engineering businesses and civil engineers prior to putting forward suggestions to the council.

"Likes are now on 592 but we need this to be translated into actions if we are going to preserve this unique example of industrial heritage," added Margaret.

A public meeting will be held next Thursday, March 19, at the Waterside, on Park Boulevard, from 7.30pm.

For further information e-mail or to get involved e-mail warringtontransporterbridge@virginmedia.com