 KEY supporters of the campaign to build a second Mersey bridge crossing will be treated to a bird's eye view of the proposed site this weekend. The Mersey Gateway is under consideration by the Government and those who have fought long and hard for the vital link are anxiously awaiting a decision. In the meantime, a specially commissioned charter flight on Saturday will provide guests - and you could be among them - with an exclusive perspective of the proposed crossing site. The trip is being provided by VLM Airlines, which set up a direct service from John Lennon Airport to London City following the Daily Post's Fight for a Flight campaign, and Peel Holdings, which runs Liverpool's John Lennon Airport. Both companies are stongly behind the campaign to end the current congestion on the Silver Jubilee bridge by adding an additional crossing between Widnes and Runcorn. Cllr Tony McDermott, leader of Halton Council, and chair of the Mersey Crossing Group, said: "This unique opportunity has been made possible by the generosity of key supporters of our campaign, VLM Airlines and owners of Liverpool JLA, Peel Holdings. "Like many others in the region, they believe securing the Mersey Gateway is essential if they are to achieve the full potential for their business." Guests will be treated to a champagne breakfast at JLA at 9am on Saturday before a half-hour flight over the site of the proposed bridge, the Mersey waterfront, key strategic sites and the traffic network. Cllr McDermott said: "Seeing the region from such a vantage point will leave people in no doubt of the urgent need for the Mersey Gateway." While campaigners have insisted they prefer a free crossing, information has also been submitted about the possibility of a tolled route. That is perhaps the most likely scenario for the £335m crossing - expected to be built under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) if approved by the Government. It is hoped a decision will be forthcoming before a general election. The new crossing will link Runcorn and Widnes, a third of a mile to the east of the current bridge, which carries 10 times more traffic than intended. * WOULD you like to enjoy a superb half-hour flight over Merseyside's finest sights this Saturday morning (March 19)? The Daily Post has got a pair of tickets for the VLM flight plus the champagne reception beforehand. All you have to do is answer this easy question and be available to attend JLA at 9am: Which two towns would be linked by a new Mersey crossing? Answers via e-mail only please to andykelly@dailypost.co.uk by 6pm today with contact details. The first correct answer wins. andykelly@dailypost.co.uk | 
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