THE refurbishment of Stockton Heath swing bridge in April is now off due to a cash row.

The swing bridge was set for an £8 million refurbishment which would see it closed for nine months.

But earlier this week week, the Warrington Guardian reported that the plans looked to be under serious threat unless Peel, the owners of the Manchester Ship Canal, agrees to either keep the road running during the work or pay for mitigation costs which would run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The Manchester Ship Canal Company, MSCC, which is owned by Peel Ports has now confirmed works have been put on hold due to a recent refusal of its Temporary Traffic Regulation Order by Warrington Borough Council. 

In March 2022, MSCC applied for a nine-month road closure to ensure contractors could carry out the works.

However, WBC has recently refused to permit the closure which was scheduled to begin in April 2023.

Without the order, the work cannot be carried out.

The mitigation costs would be used to fund everything from extra bus services needed to get pedestrains across the canal to any compensation bids from businesses affected.

But MSCC says it remains committed to the renovation of the swing bridge.

A spokesperson for Peel Ports said: “We are regretful that the planned works have been delayed and remain committed to engaging with the council to find a viable solution.

“We aim to deliver the works required while minimising disruption as much as possible for the local area. From the offset, it was made clear that contractors could only complete the work if the nine-month road closure was agreed upon, for safety reasons. No contractor has been willing to take on this work without the closure.  

“Whilst disappointed, we remain hopeful of finding a solution that will work for all involved.”

The bridge remains fully safe and operational for users, and routine maintenance will continue as normal.

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “We have always been clear that any disruption as a result of the decision by Peel to close the bridge for road or pedestrian traffic would require mitigation measures paid for by Peel. 

"Stockton Heath swing bridge and canal is owned by Peel. 

"The bridge has not had any investment for many years and it is the decision of Peel to carry out the work in this manner which benefits their commercial position and allows ships to continue to travel. 

“It is not fair that the public and businesses should be inconvenienced in this way. Nor is it fair that the local tax payer should be expected to foot the bill. 

"Nevertheless, we hope that a solution can be reached.”