Council pushing for clarity over Western Link as Brexit blamed for delays

WARRINGTON Borough Council is continuing to “push for clarity” on government funding for the proposed Western Link with uncertainty caused by Brexit now being blamed for delays.

Earlier this month “open and honest exchanges” between representatives of two significant campaign groups – Communities United against Warrington Western Link and Objection Group Warrington PDO/TPT Bypass, took place with Council leader Russ Bowden and Chief Executive professor Steven Broomhead, with regard to upcoming future developments concerning both groups.

During the meeting Cllr. Bowden and Professor Broomhead said they were disappointed that there had been no clear indication from Central government regarding a decision on funding the link and feared it had now been confined to “the long grass” and would be hard to get the green light in the foreseeable future.

Last June warrington-worldwide reported that there was a question mark hanging over government funding of more than £140m for the proposed Warrington Western Link Road, which will cost in excess of £212m if ever built.

The Borough Council plan to borrow £70 million towards the cost of the scheme and had expected a decision on funding from the Department of Transport last May – but no decision has yet been made – despite other major highway schemes being approved elsewhere in the country.

Around £2.7m has already been spent on the project.

Warrington Borough Council Chief Executive, Professor Steven Broomhead, said: “Discussions were held at the meeting about the difficulties in securing a Government decision on Western Link and the further uncertainty being caused by Brexit.

“Our official position is that we continue to work with the Government on funding this scheme and we have an application in to that effect. Officially, there has been no decision made and we continue to push for clarity.”

The new road would link Walton and Great Sankey and is intended to ease traffic congestion at Bridge Foot. It is also seen as being integral to the council’s Preferred Development Option, although it is still not clear when this will be announced.

Communities United against Warrington Western Link have been campaigning against the proposal with a number of high profile demonstrations outside the town hall.