Container port given green light

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Liverpool could become the country's major gateway for container trade with the United States as plans for a new shipping terminal have been approved.

Mersey Docks and Harbour Company (MDHC) says the Seaforth River Terminal will see the Port of Liverpool double the amount of cargo it can handle.

The £80m container port will go from Seaforth Dock to the river wall at the Gladstone River entrance.

It is thought the new terminal will create about 180 jobs.

Environmental impact

Transport Minister Gillian Merron said: "It will bring significant economic and social benefits to Merseyside and the wider North West region."

She added: "It will create up to 180 directly employed jobs, with many more indirectly created jobs for the local area."

MDHC said it would be able to accommodate larger container ships allowing Liverpool to become the country's major gateway for container trade with the US.

Some residents, along with The Ramblers Association, have been concerned about the scheme's impact on the environment and last year a public inquiry was held.

But the minister said she was satisfied Mersey Docks and Harbour Company had worked with other agencies to minimise the possible adverse effects from the development.