A PROTEST will take place at the Mersey Gateway as attempts to 'rescue the situation' and persuade the Government to scrap tolls on the Mersey crossings continue.

Campaigner Karen Forde, from Widnes, has organised the protest on Monday, August 14, following the reaction to an online petition.

It has been signed by more than 3,900 people within two weeks.

But Karen, who has discussed the issue with Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid, is eyeing 100,000 signatures before sending it to secretary of state for transport Chris Grayling.

She said: "I am worrying about businesses in the area and vulnerable people.

"It is already having a massive knock-on effect on residents in Halton and visitors and businesses in the area, many of whom are already struggling in the current economic climate.

"Adding extra pressures of tolls might just be enough to tip some businesses over the edge.

"These tolls introduced to the Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee bridges will only divide Halton, when as a community we want to stick together.

"And people in places like Rainhill, St Helens, Warrington and Cronton might be metres away from the Halton boundary but have to pay £90 a month per car, adding thousands a year to the family budget.

"We can also expect a massive knock-on effect in Warrington as the roads will become heavier due to people not been able to afford £90 a month.

"We believe initial commitments to fund the new Mersey Gateway bridge, as promised by George Osborne at national level, should be honoured.

"With enough public pressure, we can rescue the situation.

"Let's get 100,000 signatures and get them to answer us in Parliament."

The protest will begin at the Widnes side of the bridge, on Irwell Street. It will take place from 7.30am to 9.30am.

Karen added: "We want to line the whole bridge with people.

"We also have Morris dancers coming along.

"We are doing it at that time as rush hour traffic would be going past. This is our last chance."

Trade union Communication Workers Union, which is based in Preston Brook, has also launched a petition in a bid to persuade the Government to abolish the tolls due to the 'impact it will have on the north west'.

So far it has gained more than 260 signatures.

Both petitions can be viewed at change.org.