He said it was his aim to continue to campaign to ensure money was found for a residents’ discount or a frequent-user discount scheme.

Mr Twigg was joined by Cllr Herbert Manley, portfolio holder for prosperity at Cheshire West and Chester council, who also spoke in support of the project.

He said: "We have greater reasons than ever to support Halton council because we are on the other side of the Mersey.

"Many people cross the Mersey to carry out their work and for the prosperity of the area we need to ensure we have good links and get business and investment in our area in the future."

Cllr Manley said the bridge would play a major role in the Merseyside region acting as a "driver for the country" – particularly for Liverpool’s expanding John Lennon Airport.

The two witnesses gave evidence in the same week the project received a letter from the Environment Agency which withdrew its objections.

Earlier residents expressed fears for their health should the bridge be built.

Mark McLaughlin said he and other residents had concerns about extra traffic speeding past their estate and the issue of air quality.