I know that residents are exasperated with the constant traffic congestion which drivers have been and are experiencing on the A57 driving to and from Irlam and Cadishead.

I have been following this situation closely. I am doing what I can to address this situation with the City Council, who are the Highways Authority responsible for the local road network.

I have raised this issue directly with Jim Taylor, Chief Executive of Salford City Council, a number of times over the past weeks. I have raised a formal complaint with him in writing about the way the recent roadworks on the A57 have been handled. This week I have also sent a follow-up letter to Jim Taylor and to the City Mayor, Paul Dennett, expressing my strong concerns about the delayed opening of the bridge and other issues that local residents have raised with me.

Today I have spoken to Ben Dolan, Strategic Director of Environment and Community Safety at Salford City Council, and asked for an update.

I understand that the Council is still locked in discussion with Peel Holdings about the opening of the new road and the lifting bridge. I understand that Peel are still asking for the Council to take over future liabilities for the lifting bridge, which the Council are not prepared to do.

During my conversation with Ben Dolan I asked him whether there was any intention to close the slip roads onto the M60 at the Peel Green Roundabout (Junction 11). He told me that there is no intention or plan to close the slip roads off the A57 at that roundabout.

I have asked Salford City Council to release a bulletin on these matters as soon as possible.