1,350 sign paint swing bridges petition

A PETITION  calling on Manchester Ship Canal owners Peel Ports to paint the swing bridges at Warrington has now been signed by more than 1,350 people.
More than 400 people signed in Stockton Heath on a single day.
The petition was started by Liberal Democrat campaigner Denis McAllister, of Lymm.
He said: “I am delighted with the support we are getting.  It started with a paper petition in our Focus leaflets and then I was asked to set up an on-line version to widen the appeal.
“We have also been out on the streets gathering names.  Thanks to everyone who has signed and we are pleased that it has gained all-party support including the backing of leading politicians from the Conservative and Labour Parties.”
The petition calls on Peel Ports to clean and paint the swing bridges over the Ship Canal in Warrington and show support for local people who take pride in the look of the area.
Mr McAlister said At present Peel was treating the town and its residents with contempt.  Not only were they refusing to improve the look of the bridges, but they caused chaos and gridlock in the town when the bridges swing.
“The company hides behind laws drawn up in the days of horse-drawn carriages.  It also annoys residents by refusing to strengthen the flimsy fences that run beside the canal.
“We need to keep up the pressure on Peel to get them to change their minds.  Please sign our change.org petition by visiting  www.tinyurl.com/swingbridges   Persuade your friends and colleagues to do the same and use the Facebook and Twitter links too.”