Labour-led Cheshire West and Chester Council is expected to back a multi-million pound Levelling Up application to fund the much-needed brand new Winnington Bridge in Northwich.

The single lane swing bridge over the River Weaver can’t cope with existing traffic let alone anticipated levels if a 1,550-homes schemes gets planning permission on the redundant Winnington Works site.

A successful bid to Government, plus council and developer contributions, would enable a new two-way road bridge to be erected nearby, with the swing bridge converted for walkers and cyclists only, who would also benefit from better accessibility into the town centre.

A solution to the traffic pinch point is long overdue. And myself and Northwich Labour councillors are agreed the proposed residential-led scheme should not be given planning permission unless a new vehicular bridge can be delivered.

Government talks a lot about levellling up. Let’s see if they put their money where their mouth is on this project.