Senior Labour figures in Wirral are urging colleagues across the Merseytravel committee to support their call for tunnel tolls to be frozen.

The travel organisation caused an outcry thi sweek wehn it announced its intention to raise the toll by a further 10p raising the cost of a one-way trip to £1.80.

Wirral Council leader Phil Davies said: "While this is a region-wide authority, this decision mostly impacts the residents of Wirral who rely on the tunnel for commuting to work, going to the match and enjoying the shopping and entertainment on offer in Liverpool."

"I have spoken with Mayor Anderson in Liverpool and we are in agreement, with more than 40% of tunnel users from Wirral and 35% Liverpool-based, it’s an extra tax we don't believe is in the interest of residents either side of the Mersey.”

The proposed increase has already come under fire from politicians in Wirral.

Tory group leader Cllr Jeff Green blasted it as "absolutely outrageous" while Wallasey MP Angela Eagle urged travel bosses to “have a re-think.”

Wirral South MP Alison McGovern, and Wirral West MP Esther McVey also opposes the rise.

Members of the Merseytravel committee are due to meet to discuss the recommended increase tomorrow, with the Combined Regional Authority due to meet on Friday to have the final say on the tolls.