Winnington bridge levelling up bid decision delayed once again

Cheshire West and Chester councillors were informed of this second delay on Tuesday, December 20, and told to expect a decision some time in February.

The project includes the conversion of the existing Grade II-listed Winnington Turn and Stone bridges into cycle and pedestrian only crossings, and two new road bridges for vehicles - one fixed bridge across the Weaver, and another across the Navigation with the ability to lift to allow river access.

It will also include a new toucan crossing to allow access to the Trent and Mersey Canal and Barnton through Nursery Wood.

Cheshire West and Chester councillor for Witton, Sam Naylor, said: “It’s been put back twice now, and it is typical of the chaotic state of the current government.

“But we're still hoping for a positive response. We’ve been asking for a new bridge since Adam was a lad, and we are hoping that they will deliver for Northwich.

“The existing bridge was constructed in the early twentieth century, and it was designed for horses and carts. Traffic being what it now is, the need for a new bridge has been an ongoing problem for 30 to 40 years.

“But it’s not just the bridge; it's that whole Winnington corridor. It will include junction improvements all the way into town."

Levelling up funding bids are highly competitive, with towns up and down the country competing for a share of one £4.8 billion pot.

Applications are usually limited to a maximum of £20m, though an upper limit of £50m exists for significant strategic infrastructure schemes, like this one.

Cllr Naylor added: “We’ve got to look at a plan B if we’re not successful.

“We’ve got £7m of Cheshire West funding allocated to the project, and we have to ask, if we’re not successful, what can we use that £7million for in terms of projects within Northwich.

“Alternatively, we could keep that £7m aside and look for other funding streams to continue to press for the new, much-needed bridge.”