Speaking before the inquiry, Mr Ramsden said: "We are realists and support a new bridge in the area but we object to the route being proposed.

"We don’t want 80,000 extra vehicles travelling through the centre of our town and polluting our air and creating noise.

"It’s basically creating a motorway right in the centre of our town where our children grow up."

He added: "An alternative route is available. We have studied the Astmoor, Daresbury A558, and we want a bypass, an orbital route around our town."

During cross-examination of Halton’s chief executive, David Parr, Mr Ramsden also raised concerns about the new Ineos Incinerator.

He asked if figures on HGVs using the road network to travel to and from Ineos had been added into the traffic predictions.

Mr Parr said: "This has not been done. However, Mr Ramsden is making assumptions that they are all coming in the same direction and that might not be the case."

Halton Council’s QC, Timothy Straker, confirmed traffic would be "constrained" in line with conditions set down by the secretary of state, who granted permission for the incinerator.

In response, Planning Inspector Alan Gray said he would like to see a map of Ineos and a copy of the terms or permission.

WRRA will continue their objections today.