AN update has been given on the refurbishment of a swing bridge on one of Warrington’s busiest roads.

In March 2022, it was announced Stockton Heath Swing Bridge was set for a £8 million investment which could see it closed for up to nine months.

Plans included work undertaking a complete structural, mechanical, electrical refurbishment and repainting programme to improve the longevity of the key asset.  

The major refurbishment, which involves both Peel Ports, the owners of the Manchester Ship Canal, and Warrington Borough Council, was due to start in April of this year.

However in January, the Warrington Guardian revealed the plans had been delayed following a cash row.

At the time, The Manchester Ship Canal Company (MSCC), which is owned by Peel Ports, said this was due to a refusal of its Temporary Traffic Regulation Order by WBC.

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

However, WBC 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 pedestrians across the canal to any compensation bids from businesses affected.

The Warrington Guardian has now asked both MSCC and WBC for an update regarding the refurbishment.

MSCC said they have made several attempts to refurbish the swing bridge which have been rejected by the council, but they remain committed to ensuring the bridge continues to work efficiently.

Warrington Guardian:

A spokesperson said: "We have made several attempts to refurbish the Stockton Heath swing bridge, which were rejected by the local authority as there is no consensus on how they would manage the inevitable disruption caused.

"We remain committed to ensuring the bridge continues to work efficiently for drivers and pedestrians, and welcome further engagement with Warrington Borough Council to try and secure an agreement that would enable us to deliver the refurbishment project.”

WBC has said that it is continuing to hold discussions with Peel to seek a resolution and that is it ‘not fair’ that the local taxpayer should be expected to foot the bill for the mitigation measures.

A WBC 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. 

“We continue to hold discussions with Peel to seek a resolution.

“It is not fair that the public and businesses should be inconvenienced and disrupted in this way.

“Nor is it fair that the local tax payer should be expected to foot the bill.”