In business questions to the Leader of the House of Commons on Thursday, Warrington South MP Andy Carter raised the continuing deadlock over essential maintenance works needed for the swing bridge crossings over the Manchester Ship Canal.
The MP's intervention comes as the repair works, initially due to commence in April, were put on hold following the Ship Canal's owners, Peel Ports, failing to agree mitigation for necessary road closures with Warrington Borough Council. Andy Carter called for a review of the Manchester Ship Canal Act 1885 which regulates the obligations of the Canal's owners.
Asking for time to debate the outdated Act of Parliament, Andy Carter MP said: "The bridges need urgent essential repair, but because the Council and Peel Ports can't agree a closure schedule, they're frequently breaking down, stuck open so cars can't get across the Manchester Ship Canal.
"Can we have a debate to look at reviewing the 1885 Act, so that the highways infrastructure in Warrington isn't under the control of a business that isn't playing its part to minimise delays and disruption in my town?"
Responding, the Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt MP, concurred and recommended the Warrington South MP apply for an adjournment debate. She called on Peel Ports and Warrington Borough Council to sit down and find a way forward for Warrington residents.
