THIS week has been fairly momentous for two massive proposals that have the potential to change the town significantly.

Firstly, the Government announced on Thursday that funding is in place for a new bridge across the Manchester Ship Canal.

This is separate to the one which will cross the river Mersey from Slutchers Lane to Chester Road.

This new high level bridge, similar to the Cantilever, will cross the canal from somewhere near Chester Road.

While both the Government, the council and David Mowat MP are all supportive, the devil can be in the detail in these proposals.

The Government and Conservative Mr Mowat say funding is in place.

The Labour-run council says the money has not yet been agreed.

Both agree that the bridge is vital.

Not only in giving an extra option for drivers sat in their cars when the swing bridges get moving but also for a wider development of that side of town.

But it seems this story is far from finished.

It will be interesting to see when the deal is finally agreed, where the bridge will actually go and what the timetable will be for all this.

Either way, it will be very welcome for drivers. And it is a major boost for Mr Mowat with an election now around 90 days away.

AND you wonder if the election is behind the hesitancy over the future of the Mr Smith’s building.

Labour group members of the council, or at least the half who attended Thursday’s meeting, voted in favour of supporting a £3million investment in ‘youth provision’ for the town.

So it looks as if this will be at Mr Smith’s but there is still no commitment until the budget meeting next month.

Sound clear enough?

At the moment, Mr Smith’s is the only option on the agenda.

Given that no deal is yet in place to actually buy the building, how long before the owner loses patience and decides to sell to someone else or flatten the building anyway?

A full risk assessment will now be carried out to look at the long-term sustainability for the scheme.

Councillors are clearly wary about what could happen if they spend £3million and the youth centre closes two years down the line.

For now though, it is hoped it is all systems go and we are somewhere closer to getting a final decision that is the right one for all taxpayers.

WARRINGTON Wolves kick off the new Super League season on Saturday – and it is welcome relief for fans starved of competitive rugby league for the past four months.

It promises to be another successful year at The Halliwell Jones Stadium as the Wolves seek a first Grand Final win.

First off though, the chance to beat the Aussie stars of St-George Illawarra Dragons on February 20.

A mouth-watering start to a potentially tremendous year.