BRIDGE campaigners have won the backing of Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, MP for Tatton.

Barnton Parish Council is calling for a second bridge between Barnton and Winnington to take the pressure off the single lane Winnington swing bridge.

The council has launched online and paper petitions to attract the 3,300 names needed by September to force a full debate at Cheshire West and Chester Council.

A Barnton resident, who did not wish to be named, contacted Mr Osborne’s constituency office asking for his support for the Bridge2Barnton campaign.

“Due to a new urban village being built in Winnington there are great difficulties in trying to cross the small swing bridge, and therefore many traffic delays, which are going to get worse in future with the number of properties being built,” said the resident in her email to Mr Osborne’s office.

"I hope that Mr Osborne will give us all his full support for this urgently-needed new crossing."

She received a reply from Mr Osborne which said: “I absolutely agree, this bridge needs to be built! I am very aware of the concerns the Winnington bridge raises for local residents.

“I have written to Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Transport Secretary. I have also met with Graham Evans, the MP for Northwich.

“I will continue to pass on the concerns of constituents like you. When I have any update I will write to you again.”