No public walk ‘won’t spoil’ Gateway opening

HALTON Council has moved to reassure residents the opening of the Mersey Gateway bridge will be a cause for celebration after disappointed residents complained there will be no public walk across the structure.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said more details of the planned celebrations will be released in coming weeks but a fireworks display is already booked in to herald its completion some time in September or October.

She said a public walk was ruled out due to health and safety but a bus tour is to take place.

Residents on neighbourhood social media pages have contrasted their lot with the Queensferry Crossing in Scotland, which according to The Guardian has given 50,000 Scottish residents a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to stroll across the bridge before it opened.

Halton Council’s spokeswoman said: “A public walk over the new Mersey Gateway Bridge for the general public was considered and discussed at length in the development of the opening events for the new crossing.

“For a number of reasons including legal, contractual, financial, health and safety, along with commercial implications for our contractor, a walk over the bridge was not feasible.

“We know our local community are fully engaged with the project and want the opportunity to celebrate the completion of this piece of iconic new infrastructure.

“This is why we have organised a spectacular fireworks display for the community of Halton and others to enjoy.

“The display is the first of a number of ways we are planning to commemorate this momentous occasion.

“We will also be announcing community events incorporating a bus tour of the crossing in the near future.

“More detail will be shared closer to the bridge opening date – we encourage everyone to keep an eye on www. merseygateway.co.uk and our social media channels.”