Urgent calls for bridge repairs
LOCAL politicians and fed-up residents are calling for a bridge which has been closed for months to be urgently repaired.
Hobb Lane bridge has been out of action for months after being damaged by HGVs taking the wrong diversion when Daresbury Expressway was closed.
Mike Ryan, Labour councillor for Daresbury, Moore and Sandymoor, said he is demanding action over the Grade IIlisted structure, which is the responsibility of The Bridgewater Canal Company Ltd, part of Peel L&P, according to Halton Council.
He is backed by Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury and Labour Halton Council election candidate Neil Connolly.
Cllr Ryan said: “For the past eight months, Moore village centre has been cut off to vehicular access from Hobb Lane, due to the closure of the bridge.
“Hobb Lane residents wishing to travel to Sandymoor
or the wider Halton area are forced to either turn left onto Chester Road and travel via ‘toast rack bridge’ or turn right across Chester Road, a fast and busy carriageway, towards the M56.
“People have been in touch because it’s causing a lot of inconvenience. Moore Parish Council has also been vocal. The ask is for Peel to repair the bridge and reopen it as quickly as possible.”
Lorries are banned from using the historic bridge, which is subject to a 7.5 tonne limit.
Labour candidate Neil Connolly, who is seeking election to the ward alongside Cllr Ryan, added: “I just think it’s appalling a private company is holding residents captive because they’ve not fixed the bridge.”
Mike Amesbury added: “Come on Peel, do the right thing!”
According to Mr Amesbury’s team, Halton Council chief executive Stephen Young has confirmed the authority is in dialogue with Peel who are gathering quotations for the repairs.
Any restoration work must be approved by the council’s heritage officer and Peel’s own insurers.
Peel did not respond to requests for comment.