RESIDENTS in Stockton Heath are bewildered by a mystery letter which claims the Manchester Ship Canal is about to be given a new crossing.

The strange correspondence arrived at around 50 homes from a firm of chartered surveyors in Cardiff and offers to obtain compensation for residents affected 'when the Manchester Ship Canal crossing facilities open.'

But residents say they are in the dark as to what crossing the company is referring. No-one was aware of any plans for a new bridge or similar development.

But the Cardiff-based company, The William Ricketts Partnership, says it was acting on information given to it by the borough council.

Chartered surveyor Kenneth Cooper said: "We had a plan from the council showing what was a reserved route for the scheme.

"We are specialists in this kind of work and we thought that some properties were going to be affected.

"We have been told that it is likely to be next month before they will know if this is going ahead."

But the council wants to reassure people that it has no plans at present and that the local transport plan for 2001-2006 does not include such a scheme.

However, transport chiefs are investigating possible major schemes beyond 2006.

Mike Batheram, strategic transport planning manager, said: "At present, there is no firm commitment to progress a scheme within this previously protected corridor. The route is being evaluated, along with a number of other potential schemes, as part of the next stage of the Warrington transport study.

"Should the council decide to protect the line of this route, this will be shown in the forthcoming draft unitary development plan, which the council is expected to make decisions on in the next few weeks. The proposals will then be subject to extensive consultation with residents before being finalised."

Should residents have any concerns they can contact Mike Batheram on 442684.