RESIDENTS are once again calling for a state-of-the-art bridge to be built to boost connections to the rest of the North West.

Ambitious plans to build bridges across Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary are projects that have been talked about in the area for decades.

These bridges would radically cut down journey times to Lancashire and beyond, in addition to making south and west Cumbria far more accessible for people wanting to visit.

<strong> Read more: Multi-billion pound game changer would link Millom, Barrow and Heysham </strong>

People across the area have spoken out in favour of the work, with residents in Millom saying it could even be a matter of life and death.

One Evening Mail reader, Victoria Markendale, said: "There would probably be fewer accidents on the notorious road to Barrow if there was a bridge and it would cut the travel time down as well. This bridge has been talked about for years."

Another reader, Paul Sheldon, added: "If Millom is to ever be truly prosperous again, then better transportation links are needed, but will they ever spend millions of pounds on a bridge to benefit a few thousand people?"

Last week people across Cumbria received news about a list of prioritised infrastructure projects that needed to be addressed across the area.

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The study, conducted by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, highlighted a number of problem points across the Millom, Barrow and Ulverston areas but did not categorise either bridge as a priority.

Meanwhile, private sector groups are continuing to research the idea and are pleased to have gained some support.

North West Energy Squared came to Barrow last year to exhibit the work it had carried out so far.

Bosses are hoping to create a series of tidal-powered barrages along the west coast of the UK to generate renewable energy and create a new road network for people in the North West.

These barrages would include both Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary, in addition to the Solway, Ribble, Dee and Mersey estuaries.

Alan Torevell, chairman of North West Energy Squared, is continuing to lobby the government for support.

He said: “This is a potentially world-leading development which combines green energy and vital infrastructure improvements and will be a magnet for private investment .

"Our research has shown there is a real appetite for the tidal gateway among local stakeholders, but it requires some enthusiasm from the government to get it under way, and to fund the initial work required to give the scheme critical momentum.

"Compared to HS2 or nuclear power stations, the £8bn cost of the Morecambe Bay Tidal Gateway delivers much better value for money and a shorter payback period.

"Moreover, it directly addresses two of the government’s biggest headaches – green power and infrastructure improvements and is a perfect fit for the Energy Coast, the Northern Powerhouse and for the Lake District National Park, which is desperate to have another route into the Lakes."

As many Millom residents continue to support the idea of the bridge, NWE 2 bosses are eager to demonstrate their commitment to the cause.

Mr Torevell said: "The tidal power gateway at Duddon is seen very much as an integral part of the whole Morecambe Bay project, because it provides the vital infrastructure road link to the west coast of Cumbria."