THE new Mersey Gateway bridge is set to stimulate around 5,000 jobs as companies capitalise on the new fast transport link.

Constructing the crossing alone will employ at least 500 people.

Merseylink, which is now driving the project, has vowed to use Halton residents as much as possible.

Halton’s economy is expected to flourish from the influx of investment as workers and contracters use local suppliers, cafes, shops, pubs, taxis, hotels and amenities.

Halton Council leader Clr Rob Polhill said: “The construction will provide work for a lot of local people.

“I’m really pleased that this consortia is also supporting apprenticeships.

“Once the bridge is up and running we are confident a lot of new businesses will be attracted here.

“They will no longer be worried about congestion.

“The new crossing will not only regenerate Halton, but also the entire region as traffic will be able to move much quicker.”

A new construction centre opens at Riverside College in September to teach practical skills and qualifications to tradesmen.

Chris Rhead, project director for the Merseyside consortium, said: “We have been talking to colleges, the Chamber of Trade, local employers and unions.

“There are going to be some specialised skills that we have to bring in but there are going to be a lot of jobs.

“We want to work with the local supply chain. It is extremely important that we engage with residents and unions.

“We are going to organise ‘meet the buyer’ days for employers.”

Around 1,000 suppliers have already registered on the Mersey Gateway database.