The Runcorn & Widnes World has been praised for its part in a successful campaign to build a new bridge over the River Mersey.

The Newsquest paper joined forces with Halton Council to bid for a new crossing which would create 5,000 jobs in the area.

As part of the campaign the World asked its readers to send in letters of support, and these were sent to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling as part of the council’s official proposals.

The Government said “yes” to the plans and the new £335m bridge could be open in 2008 to coincide with neighbouring Liverpool’s tenure as Capital of Culture.

Council leader Tony McDermott said: “The Runcorn & Widnes World’s campaign has made all the difference. The support from World readers has been absolutely brilliant.”

Editor Carla Flynn said: “Traffic congestion on the current bridge is the bane of people’s lives. This second crossing will not only make life easier but will give the local economy a massive boost.

“We led a high profile campaign for the past year and I’m proud that the paper and its readers have played such an important part in getting Government approval for the new bridge.”

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