A DECISION to approve the construction of a second bridge crossing over the Mersey could be made this summer following talks between Halton council's chief executive and officials of the Department for Transport.

David Parr presented civil servants and ministers with a detailed programme of extra work which is being carried out by the Mersey Crossing Group which is determined to see the plans become reality.

They were told that the work has involved further in-depth traffic modelling and environ-mental studies which, it is hoped, will put the Government in a position to make an announcement about the crossing later in the summer.

Mr Parr said: 'We had an extremely constructive meeting with the civil servants from the Department for Transport. We are continuing to work with civil servants to finalise matters and are hopeful of a positive outcome in the summer months.'

Cllr Tony McDermott, leader of the council, said: 'The battle for the bridge goes on. I do not believe at the moment that there is any wilful obstruction - however, their sense of urgency is not as well defined as ours.'