MERSEYSIDE won’t get a new bridge spanning the Mersey unless land is compulsorily purchased.

That was the conclusion yesterday of Alan Scarisbrick, who said the project had the most compelling case in the public interest he has seen over his 22-year career.

Mr Scarisbrick, who is leading Halton Council’s compulsory purchase of businesses affected by the Mersey Gateway Project made his remarks at a public inquiry into the project.

He said the council had acquired 60% of the total 387 acres of land it needs for the £431m project, making more agreements each day.

He said: “From my experience over the past 22 years, I regard the Mersey Gateway Poject as having the most ‘compelling case in the public interest’ justifying the use of CPO powers.

“It is highly unlikely that construction of the new bridge would be achieved without the availability of CP powers over all the relevant land.”

He added: “Without the orders, there is no reasonable prospect that the required land could be assembled within an acceptable timescale. And without the orders, the Mersey Gateway Project will not proceed.”

Talks began with affected businesses back in February 2008, some even earlier.

Of 42 businesses objecting, 14 have been withdrawn after reaching agreements with Halton Borough Council.

A further 16 are in discussions about a possible relocation deal and five more are in advanced talks.

One of the firms who were due to object at the inquiry, Ventcroft Ltd are the latest to agree a deal for their premises on the Astmoor Industrial Estate.

One possibility for a relocation site is using a council-owned brownfield site off Johnsons Lane, Widnes, as a business development.