CAMPAIGNER Nick Bent is calling on Parliament to change the law to force Manchester Ship Canal owners Peel Ports to paint the four swing bridges over the canal in the Warrington area.
Mr Bent – Labour’s spokesman for Warrington South – says it is time legislation passed in 1885 giving the canal owners total control of it and its bridges, was changed.
Nearly 500 people have signed a petition started by Lymm resident Denis McAllister calling on Peel Ports to paint the bridges.
Nick Bent
Today, Mr Bent added his name to the list, which already includes Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians. So far, Peel Ports have flatly refused to take action.
Most local residents are more concerned about the swing bridges closing to traffic and the colossal congestion it causes, but the ugly appearance of the bridges is also a growing concern.
Mr Bent said: “Parliament may have to deal with Peel Ports – laws can be changed, and Peel is not above the law. Parliament gave the ship canal owners sweeping powers in 1885, but Parliament could easily amend them or take them away, as a last resort. Negotiation and voluntary agreements are preferable to parliamentary action, but Peel needs to listen and be a better neighbour.”
He said asking for the bridges to be painted was a “modest request.”
Peel Ports’ own website boasts that its revenues in the last financial year 2015 were £616 million and that its performance over the past five years has been “extremely strong.”
He urged more people to sign the petition to keep up the pressure on the canal company.
To sign the petition visit https://www.change.org/p/peel-ports-our-swing-bridges-need-painting
