Council disappointed at Glazebrook toll discount refusal

WARRINGTON Borough Council has expressed disappointment at Peel Ports’ decision not to include Glazebrook in its new discount scheme for Warburton Toll Bridge.

The decision comes ahead of a significant toll increase, leaving many motorists facing much higher costs for using the bridge. Earlier this week Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols, said she would be raising the issue in Parliament and with Peel.

Following the refurbishment of the bridge, tolls are to increase from 12p to £1 in the coming weeks.
The council has been liaising closely with Peel Ports over the boundary criteria to ensure the maximum number of local residents are protected from the increased charges.
Peel has put in place a 50% discount scheme, applicable to residents in close proximity to the bridge – specifically Risley (WA 3 6), Lymm (WA 13 9), and Partington (M31 4), covering approximately 7,500 properties across the designated boundary. However, Glazebrook – also in close proximity – is not included in the discount scheme.

Council Leader, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “Despite extensive efforts by the council over many months on the eligibility criteria for the discount scheme, the request to include Glazebrook has been denied.
“We’ve made the case to Peel that including the village would only add around 275 properties to the discount scheme—a small fraction of the overall eligible number – yet it would make a significant difference to the residents of Glazebrook who use the bridge regularly for work and community purposes.
“As a council, our primary objective in this matter has been to protect residents who live near to the bridge – and rely on it – from these major increases, particularly at a time when people are already facing real financial pressures in many other areas of life.
“We’re very disappointed by this decision, which we believe is unfair to the residents of Glazebrook, and we’re urging Peel to reconsider.
“We’ll continue to liaise with Peel Ports and also encourage any residents who have concerns about this to raise them, either by contacting us or by speaking to your local ward councillor. In this way, we can demonstrate the strength and volume of public opinion and continue to push for Glazebrook to be included in this important discount scheme.”