LOOKING down at the Mersey as part of an aerial tour of the region, supporters were urged to anticipate the vital differences a new bridge would make.
Taking on board with them a deeper understanding of how key economic sites might flourish, figures including chief fire officer Steve McGuirk and David Knight of the Department for Transport, were shown the importance of a Second Mersey Crossing from a fresh perspective.
As the VLM aircraft flew over the estuary at 500 feet, the vital importance of the crossing was highlighted as the plane passed a number of key strategic sites like the Mersey Waterfront.
Other industries which were singled out as likely to benefit from the new bridge included the Jaguar factory at Halewood, Littlewoods - which is relocating to the Estuary Business Park in Speke - the proposed Ditton freight park and variety of projects which fall under the multi-million pound Widnes employment development zone.
And as the plane passed over Daresbury Park, The Heath Business Park and Ineos Chlor, David Parr, the chief executive of Halton Borough Council, spoke about how the development of such sites would create a major impact on driving down unemployment figures.
He said: 'The current bridge is like a blocked artery to the continued redevelopment of the area. It is something that will benefit the entire region with links to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which is the fastest growing airport in Europe.
'The Mersey Gateway would widen existing employment opportunities and open up access to the M56 Chester corridor.
'The new bridge will continue the development of the Liverpool city region and the wider geographical area.'
According to bridge campaigners, the Government has received the full package of support for the bridge, but there are outstanding details to be considered at the planning and legal stage.
This includes the environmental impact which is being closely considered by campaigners, but has been a contentious issue for the Mersey Conservator, a body which oversees the Mersey.
Cllr Tony McDermott, leader of Halton council, told the Weekly News: 'I attended two meetings with the Mersey Partnership Group last Tuesday and we're at the stage now where we've done the work we think is necessary to satisfy the Department for Transport to give us the go-ahead.
'We're hoping for the decision within the next few weeks, if we get that we can start to address new protocols along the way. The environmental problems can be addressed at planning but we've got the momentum now and don't want it to start to falter.
'The flight has been used to highlight the issue before the General Election because then there's the problem of referring to the government afterwards, which could lead to a massive delay.'
So far, 20 MPs have backed the Mersey Gateway at a House of Commons Early Day Motion, calling on the Government to agree funding arrangements and a construction time-table.
The motion, tabled by Knowsley North and Sefton East MP George Howarth, notes that the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, which was built in 1961, is in excess of its current capacity.
Mick Noone, the head of transportation and traffic services at Knowsley Borough Council, said: 'The bridge is important, not only in terms of regenerating businesses in Merseyside including Knowsley and Halton, but also in ensuring traffic can move more easily.'
Although there was no one to represent the North West Development Agency, they have been key players in backing the bridge.
The leader of the North West Regional Assembly, Cllr Derek Boden, said: 'I am confident the Government is sincere in its stated commitment to boost the prosperity of the English regions, and now is the time for it to back these good intentions with action and put its money where its mouth is.'
