A VISIONARY blueprint for a 12-mile bridge linking Heysham and Barrow has run into a major roadblock.

Lancaster City Council has deemed the plans for the pro-posed multi-million pound structure invalid.

The proposal - submitted by Kendal businessman David Brockbank to the city council and Barrow Borough Council - has been handed back because it lacked sufficient infor-mation.

Planners say they require more details about the construc-tion of the bridge and its impact on the environment, ecology and economy before they can make a decision.

A spokesman at the city council told the Citizen yesterday (Wednesday) there was also some doubt whether the proposal would fall within its remit. It may, instead, be a matter to be decided by the Government.

News of the project sparked a split among local community figures this week - even before the latest development.

Morecambe and Lunesdale MP Geraldine Smith described the idea as ambitious, expensive and a real engineering feat and told the Citizen: "The bridge would not open Morecambe up like it would Barrow, which is very isolated.

"Completion of the western by-pass would be more of an economical benefit if we are looking to boost tourism and regenerate Morecambe."

The planned bridge, which would straddle Morecambe Bay's sands, is expected to create 2,000 jobs, reduce travel times between the two ports and produce renewable power through tide and wind turbines, cutting carbon dioxide emissions, according to Mr Brockbank.

But Green County Cllr Jonathan Sear says it could cause huge damage to Morecambe Bay's wildlife.

"Investing in more frequent train services, linking communities around the bay without destroying the tranquillity would be the better option," he says.

Lancaster City Council leader Cllr Tricia Heath backs the idea, however, hailing the bridge as a helpful and direct link to the Lake District'.

"The only problem I can envision is with the environment agencies," she says.

Businessman Mr Brockbank says he has received hundreds of positive' calls and e-mails since submitting his plans last week.

He describes the bridge as a by-product of his idea to use the area to make green energy - and he believes it is something local people could be proud of.

"It is a huge scheme, which would benefit the people of Lancaster and Morecambe. As it will be just 20 minutes from the Lake District National Park it would encourage visitors to the area and fill up the hotels. I want it to be a community scheme with everyone getting involved," he says.

He hopes Lancaster University will spearhead the building research.

Vicky Tyrell, a University spokesperson, said this week it would consider the plans with interest.

April 10, 2003 08:30