Great news for Halton

I am absolutely delighted with the news from this week's Spending Review that the Mersey Gateway project is being supported by the Treasury.

The hard work done by Halton Borough Council, the Mersey Gateway Team (led by Steve Nicholson), and local and national politicians of all parties looks to have paid off. They all deserve great credit for their commitment and endurance during this long campaign.

It is also a great tribute to this Government, who has recognised that although paying down the deficit (after Labour's decade of debt) is our priority, so too is investing in key capital projects which will deliver jobs and prosperity for our country. As I have written many times before, the Mersey Gateway project will benefit not just the people of Halton, but the whole North West region.

In these dark economic days, this is a ray of bright shining light. Well done to everyone involved.