Dear Secretary of State,

I am writing to you on behalf of Winnington and Castle Residents Voice, a newly formed group that has been established to campaign on local matters.

We are campaigning specifically for a new bridge to ease congestion within our town. 1,800 new homes are currently being built in Winnington Village, Winnington Lane and another 1,200 homes are to follow at Winnington Works. Traffic is already at an uncomfortable level, and extra residents and cars will put the current bridge at breaking point, with regular tailbacks.

Our bridge has traffic coming at it from three directions and is controlled by traffic lights. With the climate emergency that the government has declared, standing traffic will significantly add to the problem. We need a two-lane bridge that will (literally) bridge our two constituencies - Weaver Vale and Tatton.

I'm very encouraged to hear that the government intends to invest in infrastructure within the north and our local government estimated that this bridge would be around £40m. The recent election result in Weaver Vale saw the Conservatives lose by only 300 votes. Funding this bridge will show constituents that you are serious about looking after and investing in our Northern town.

The grade II-listed swing bridge was built in 1909, replacing an earlier version from 1871, and Barnton Parish Council has asked for improvements to enable two-way traffic and footpaths since 1937. It would be a shame if so much traffic would damage this bridge and strand many constituents on one side or another.

It is ironic that 50 yards away from the swing bridge was the scene of the 1659 ‘Battle of Winnington Bridge’. Who would have thought 361 years later residents would still be battling?

Thank you for your time and I look forward to receiving your response.

Lee Siddall
Spokesperson and Founder of Winnington and Castle Residents Voice