THE controversial Western Link proposal is a 'mixed blessing' for the town, according to Warrington's Liberal Democrats.

The council believes the £212.74 million scheme would finally solve the borough's long-standing congestion issues, while unlocking key development land.

But concerns continue to be raised by campaigners across the town.

Warrington's Liberal Democrat group admits it 'fears' the proposed route may not reduce congestion – and instead be used by motorists to avoid tolls on the Mersey Gateway Bridge.

In a statement, the group said: "The Western Link road proposed for Warrington is a mixed blessing.

"We welcome any means of reducing congestion in the centre of Warrington but fear that the link may not be effective because it will become a way of avoiding tolls on the Mersey crossing.

"We are also concerned that once the route has crossed Sankey Way, inadequate provision is being made for the additional traffic using Cromwell Avenue to reach the M6.

"We also strongly object to any use of the Western Link to target green belt land between Warrington and Halton for development or any loss of existing nature reserves.

"Port Warrington has a useful function to play to take traffic off the roads, by providing a place where containers can be moved from canal barges to rail, but must not become a major logistic centre served by road."