AN action group has been formed in a bid to find an “amicable solution” to the ongoing traffic chaos being caused by the Warburton Toll Bridge.
In the space of a week the Warburton Toll Bridge Action Group has already gathered more than 700 members on a facebook group.
The action group says Warburton Toll Booth has become a blight on the local community as far as traffic and disruption is concerned. The group has been established to give all those affected a voice and to work as a community to come to an amicable solution with the owners – Peel Ports.
Earlier this year Peel announced a ‘programme of works’ ahead of a refurbishment of the crossing, which costs 12p to cross, or 25p for a day ticket.
The group has been established by Rixton resident Mark Broadstock to provide residents ‘with a strong voice’ to challenge Peel.
Mark said: “The group was launched to assist local residents in having a voice when it comes to the nightmare that is Warburton Toll Bridge.!
“After having a discussion with a local councillor who said that the council had done all it could but Peel Holdings were a difficult business to deal with, I thought ‘no that just is not good enough’ – surely the local people have a voice and have the right to be heard.?
Mark added: ” Warburton Toll Bridge can take a lot of time out of a persons day especially if you have to cross it on a regular basis like I do to take my son to school. Last week alone in one day I spent over there hours in queuing traffic.
“Imagine how much productive time this is taking out of the local purse from a business and social perspective. Only a few days ago a member of the group posted that she had missed urgent doctors appointments for her child due to how bad the traffic was.
“The aim now for the group is to firstly build in size and then begin lobbying for improvements on behalf of its members. Communication is key although to date many members are highlighting therir frustration that the elected representatives have not been helpful in the slightest.
“The residents in strength have to hold those elected to account,” added Mark.
Mark is now planning to organise a members evening to discuss the next steps.
To join the group visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1854203578242943/
*The original toll bridge was built over the River Mersey in 1866 to replace the Warburton to Hollins Green ferry. The old river bed is now farm land and all that remains of the river is a pond. The original bridge has been buried, and the existing toll booth is for the cantilever bridge built over the Manchester Ship Canal.
