Esther McVey has urged government to invest in rebuilding Winnington Bridge to help meet demands of the growing population and provide essential transport infrastructure for the area.
The Tatton Esther McVey said the original Victorian one track bridge needed the essential upgrade and recent repairs and structural work carried out, while welcome, were not a long term solution.
Speaking in Parliament she said: “Winnington Bridge provides vital access to thousands of homes and businesses in Cheshire. It needs completely rebuilding to cope with the current demand and the increased housing scheduled for that area. Can I urge the Government to provide funding for this as part of its levelling up agenda.”
Cash is available from the £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund will be spent across the country for town centre and high street regeneration, along with local transport projects and cultural and heritage assets.
Ms McVey believes the bridge is worthy of a share of the money and is supporting a bid to secure funding.
Levelling up minister Neil O’Brien said: “I know this is something she has been campaigning very hard for. The next round of levelling up funding will be open in Spring next year and I am sure with her help her local council will be able to develop a strong bid for that very important bridge.”
It is the responsibility of Cheshire West and Chester to submit a fully costed proposal to Government.
Ms McVey said: “It is vital this bridge is rebuilt and I will do everything I can to help support a bid going forward next year. I hope the council will complete a costed businesses case, including environmental assessment, ground investigation work and consider the impact the additional homes on the Tata site will have, along with existing communities, residents, and businesses. We need this infrastructure improvement to meet the needs of Northwich communities.”
Residents in the villages of Barnton, Anderton with Marbury, Comberbach and Little Leigh, have contacted Ms McVey setting out their concerns over the current state of the bridge.