I hope Northwich gets the thumbs up from Government later this month over a £45m levelling up funding bid to deliver a new bridge.

Such is the paralysis in Whitehall that a decision over the proposed new Winnington Bridge has already been delayed twice.

This bridge is desperately needed because the existing 1908 swing bridge over the River Weaver is failing. Very soon weight restrictions may have to be imposed that would cause huge problems for the movement of freight by HGV.

If levelling up is to mean anything then surely funding this key piece of infrastructure is a no-brainer. Cheshire West and Chester Council’s excellent bid for a new bridge would deliver transport improvements as well as unlocking regeneration. 

Because anyone with local knowledge knows the single lane swing bridge can’t cope with current traffic let alone anticipated levels if a 1,550-home scheme gets planning permission on the redundant Winnington Works site.

In fact, the stance of myself and local Labour council colleagues is a firm: no bridge, no development. To say otherwise would be irresponsible.

But if the new site can be opened up for housing, it’s estimated the economic benefits could be in the region of:

• £16m per year extra spend in local shops and services

• 300 additional full-time permanent jobs

• Up to 2,000 extra temporary full-time jobs during construction

CWaC has done everything in its power to make this £51m bridge project happen.

Aside from designing the two-lane structure, which can be raised to allow boats to pass underneath, the council has put in a first class £45m levelling up bid and agreed to stump up £3m itself in addition to the almost £3m that would be expected in private sector contributions.

Northwich Guardian: An artist's impression of what the new Winnington Bridge would look likeAn artist's impression of what the new Winnington Bridge would look like (Image: CWAC)

Under the proposals, the grade II-listed swing bridge would be converted for walkers and cyclists only, who would benefit from better accessibility into the town centre along Winnington Lane corridor through road and junction improvements.   

In a rare moment of unity, the bid also has the backing of the neighbouring MP for Tatton.

This week I cheekily asked the Secretary of State in Parliament when constituents could expect a positive outcome. Not prepared to be drawn on the actual decision, she insisted all bids are ‘under consideration’ but said we would hear before the end of the month.

I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed.