THE Cleddau Bridge toll is a ‘real problem’ according to Edwina Hart AM.

These remarks come as the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport met with Marc Tierney, Labour’s Assembly Candidate for South Pembrokeshire to discuss jobs and improvements to the local economy.

The meeting follows a campaign by Marc Tierney calling for an end to the Pembrokeshire County Council tolls on the Cleddau Bridge.

The petition has attracted hundreds of signatures following a launch at the Pembrokeshire County Show earlier this summer after questions were raised over the confusing state of the accounts.

The Bridge is governed by the Dyfed Act 1987, which allows three accounting options for the calculation of its financial position.

Based on the figures for 2013-2014, the different options meant the Bridge either had an “accumulated deficit” of £60.7million, an “accumulated surplus” of £9.3million or an “accumulated surplus” of £17.6million – a staggering £80million difference.

The council has since confirmed the £60.7million deficit in the accounts of the Cleddau Bridge is “notional”, and does not exist.

Edwina Hart AM said: “The Cleddau Bridge toll is a real problem, especially for those who have no option but to cross on a regular basis.

“In the context of developing the Milford Haven waterway area, it is my priority to increase investment and secure jobs. Any decision over the toll rests with the local authority at present. Marc has highlighted that local people and businesses agree that the charge is hurting the economy. The local authority will, I am sure, listen to those views.”

Marc Tierney said: “One of the most important issues is the toll on the Cleddau Bridge. Local people are rightly concerned that for too long the Council has kept us all in the dark about how much it has been making over and above the cost of maintenance.”