PLANS to improve the road network and give a 'brilliant first impression of the town' around Runcorn Station have been unveiled.

Halton Council has submitted a planning application for the improvements which aim to enhance the connectivity between the station and Runcorn town centre.

The blueprints submitted last week would provide a further opportunity for future developments that could include new leisure facilities, housing and space for businesses.

The council has taken the decision to carry out the work now, while the Silver Jubilee Bridge is closed to vehicles, to avoid further disruption at a later date.

This means that drivers will have to a longer wait to cross the Silver Jubilee Bridge, with the reconfigured bridge and road network expected to be completed in early 2020.

The bridge closed one year ago after the Mersey Gateway opened on October 14, 2017 to help relieve congestion in the Halton area.

The improvements are part of a longer term vision to create an 'impressive gateway’ to Runcorn as part of a new Runcorn Station Quarter.

Council Leader Cllr Rob Polhill said: “The opening of the Mersey Gateway has given us this huge opportunity not just to give the Silver Jubilee Bridge a much needed makeover, but to transform the area in front of Runcorn Station.

"We want people getting off the train at Runcorn Station to get a brilliant first impression of our town and for there to be new places for local people to live, work or enjoy.

"Doing this work now means we are in the best position possible to achieve these things moving forward.

"We know that local people are eager to see the Silver Jubilee Bridge open again, as we are, and we thank them for their continued patience, while we make these important improvements.”

If approved, it is hoped that the work could begin as early as spring 2019.