THE Mersey Gateway project, set to create 5,000 new jobs, alleviate congestion and regenerate the region, has won the support of Chancellor George Osborne.

Speaking on the BBC’s Politics Show on Sunday, he said: “The Mersey Gateway is an incredibly important project that I am really keen to see go ahead.”

The £431 million bridge linking Runcorn and Widnes was shelved in June until the Treasury spending review, later this month.

Mr Osborne did not commit any cash but confirmed the project was one of his priorities.

He added: “That is something I am really number crunching now to make sure that we’re in a position to say something positive.

“I want to invest in the big infrastructure projects, the big investments that are going to help our economy grow in the regions, not just in the south east of England.”

His comments have been welcomed by Halton Council chiefs, who have battled for 12 years for a second crossing.

Council leader, Clr Rob Polhill, said: “The Chancellor’s statement has given us a lot of optimism and sounds very very positive. “It is excellent news.

“We believe the numbers do add up. This bridge represents value for money, will create jobs and opens up the region for inward investment.

“We are only asking the Government to contribute 70 per cent, of the cost, £86 million. The rest will be paid for by the private sector.”

David Parr, council chief executive, said: “I think it is very positive that the Chancellor is speaking so constructively about Mersey Gateway.

“We always knew the case is a strong and powerful one.

“Mersey Gateway offers economic, environmental and social benefits, as well as reducing congestion suffered on the Silver Jubilee.

“The Chancellor controls the country’s money. To have him as an ally and supporter has got to be very very encouraging.”

Halton MP Derek Twigg, who has campaigned tirelessly for a second crossing, said: “These are very positive comments.

“I am pretty confident that even this Government can see that the case is overwhelming.

“An independent report said that 5,000 jobs could be created as a result of this investment.

“At a time when jobs are difficult and the economy is difficult, hundreds of construction jobs could come to this area.”

The Mersey Gateway is a six lane toll bridge, linking the Central Expresswayin Runcorn to the Eastern Bypass and Speke Road in Widnes.

It has all party support across the region and the backing of many major businesses, including Stobart and Liverpool Airport.

The 50-year-old Silver Jubilee bridge would become a tolled crossing and reduced to a single lane in each direction, with more access for pedestrians and cyclists.