HALTON firms fear bridge tolls could hit their livelihoods.

Halton Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise is lobbying Mr Osborne to honour his pre-election pledge and provide cut-price tolls for businesses.

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

Many companies say they can’t pass on the additional toll charges to customers because it will make them less competitive.

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.”

Yvette O’Rourke, 49, from Hough Green, who runs a dog walking business, Poshpaws Pet Services, fears jobs are at risk.

“It’s going to kill small businesses because the £90 a month toll fee on top of all our other costs is a huge chunk over the course of a year.

“I might have to say goodbye to some customers in Runcorn because I can’t afford to go over as many times as required.”

It takes years, she said, to build up trust with owners and their pets.

“I would be devastated to have to lose clients because of something out of my control.”

Runcorn taxi driver Steven Cliffe, 40, from Norton, said: “A lot of people in the old town go to Widnes for shopping.

“If they realise there is an extra £2 each way on the fare they might not go.

“We are offering a public transport service yet we are being penalised.

“It is a worrying time.”

The dad-of-three says taxi drivers regularly ferry doctors, patients and schoolchildren across the bridge.

“Disabled people rely on us,” added Steve. “It is not fair to expect them to pay an extra £4 a day in tolls.”

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill said the council was investing £4.5 million a year, with a top up from the government, to offer residents free tolls.

“We support the chamber asking the Chancellor to look sympathetically at Halton businesses,” he said.

“Our hands are tied, the government is adamant both bridges have to be tolled.”