BUSINESS leaders from some of Merseyside's biggest companies have joined forces to demand the Government gives the go ahead to the new Mersey bridge.
Supporters of the Mersey Gateway campaign sent a letter to Whitehall just hours after the Government was re-elected.
Even before Prime Minister Tony Blair had completed his cabinet re-shuffle, a letter had been sent to Alistair Darling, the Secretary of State for Transport, urging him to make the proposed crossing a priority.
The letter, which has been signed by prominent business leaders such as CBI director general Digby Jones, United Utilities managing director John Roberts, Littlewoods managing director Alistair McGeorge and Jaguar director of manufacturing Colin Tivey, says: 'The business community across Merseyside is united in its support for the Mersey Gateway and in its views that time is of the essence.
'We appreciate the considerable effort that the Department for Transport has taken in its thorough assessment of the comprehensive case submitted by Halton Borough Council and its partners, but feel now is the time for action.
'With a powerful and robust proposal in place that commands resounding support, the time is right for a positive statement from Government. We would now urge your support for the Mersey Gateway so that work can begin to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure for the future economic growth of the North West.'
Halton Borough Council leader Tony McDermott, who is also chairman of the Mersey Crossing Group, said he was delighted with the support from the business community.
'Many of the region's largest and most prestigious businesses recognise the vital need for the new crossing and we are grateful for their continued support,' he said.
'They have been very prompt in sending this letter to the Secretary of State and we look forward to a positive response.'
It is hoped that the Government will make a final decision on funding for the crossing shortly, with a fast-track target timetable following that could see the Mersey Gateway open to the public by 2012, or sooner.
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