STALEMATE continues in the ongoing dispute over proposals to carry out much-needed repairs to Warrington’s rusting swing bridges over the Manchester Ship Canal.
When approaches for an update more than two years after the works were promised another war of words has again erupted between Peel Ports – who own the infrastructure and are responsible for the upkeep of the bridges – and Warrington Borough Council.
The swing bridges span the Manchester Ship Canal at Chester Road, Walton, Knutsford Road, Latchford and London Road, Stockton Heath.
The row centres on a long-running dispute over closing the highways in order to carry out work at the bridge on London Road.
And it seems neither side is prepared to budge.
Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “The bridge has not had any investment for many years, and the uncertainty regarding these works is very unhelpful for local residents and businesses.
“We are fully committed to discussing plans for these much-needed refurbishment works, but we remain resolute that the costs should be covered by Peel Ports and not local people.
“We urge people to engage with us and the people of Warrington, so that a way forward can be worked out.”
He said the initial plans that were presented by Peel Ports to refurbish Stockton Heath swing bridge would have been hugely disruptive.
“We can’t support plans that may cause a significant amount of disruption, without there being appropriate contingency plans put in place.
“To that end, we would require a financial commitment from Peel t underwrite the cost of such plans, given the level of disruption the bridge maintenance is likely to cause.
“Peel have so far failed to provide this commitment.”
He pointed out that Stockton Heath swing bridge is “owned by Peel Ports, and is theirs to oversee and maintain.”
He added: “We have been clear from the start that the full costs of the project including mitigation measures should come from them.
“We are disappointed that, up to now, Peel have not committed to underwriting the costs associated with providing mitigation against the most severe impacts of the plans.”
But a spokesperson for the Manchester Ship Canal Company, which owns Peel Ports, said: “We share the frustration of residents and road users, and we remain committed to the renovation of Warrington’s Swing Bridges.
They said “this significant project requires a collective effort and cooperation on all sides, and MSCC has been prepared to fund the £8m project.
“However, these efforts have been severely hampered by Warrington Borough Council’s rejection of our Temporary Traffic Regulation Order – which is essential to ensure contractors can safely carry out necessary works – and its failure to fund elements of the mitigation costs, for which responsibility firmly lies with the council.
“To allow us to move forward, we urge the council to re engage to find a solution that will work for all involved.”
The spokesperson explained the bridges “remain safe and fully operational for users and routine maintenance will continue as normal.”
A major investment in Stockton Heath’s swing bridge was announced two-and-a half years ago.
The project would have seen it shut for nine months to allow work to be completed.
Warrington Borough Council refused the Manchester Ship Canal Company’s application to shut the road.
And the two sides have been at stalemate ever since despite attempts to find a solution.
