A CAMPAIGN has been launched today to press Chancellor George Osborne to offer discount tolls for Halton businesses.

Many firms fear the additional cost of crossing the new Mersey Gateway and the refurbished Silver Jubilee bridge will make them less competitive.

Some companies - whose employees cross the river several times a day - are worried about the future.

Halton Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise has vowed to lobby Chancellor George Osborne and the Treasury for more central government funding.

The chamber wants a better deal for Halton businesses, including local commercial transport operators such as coach companies and haulage firms.

It follows a recent meeting between coach operators, Mersey Gateway, Halton Council, Halton Chamber and Halton MP Derek Twigg.

The chamber has pledged to press George Osborne to deliver on his pre-election pledge to support Halton businesses and make bridge tolls more affordable.

Paula Cain, Halton Chamber chief executive, said: “Halton businesses will face additional financial challenges due to the introduction of tolls on the Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee bridges.

“In the absence of sufficient funding, we recognise the bridges must be tolled to pay for the improved infrastructure but Halton businesses will be hit disproportionately as they use the bridges more frequently than other business users.

“We call on George Osborne to deliver on his pledge to look after local businesses and not penalise them.”