A STRETCH of the M53 which had to be closed after a collision involving a lorry and a tipper truck resulted in a large oil spill has now reopened.

The northbound side of the motorway was closed between Junction 9 (Station Road) and Junction 8 (Rossmore Road) for resurfacing work last night (Wednesday, February 14).

In a traffic bulletin, National Highways said: "The incident resulted in a spillage of hydraulic fluid spanning 200 yards along the carriageway.

"This has left the road surface dangerously slippery and too unsafe for traffic to run on."

The repair work has since been completed, with the carriageway reopening shortly after 5.30am this morning (Thursday, February 15).

An air ambulance was required at the scene of the collision yesterday morning, with one man being freed from a vehicle by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service using specialist recovery equipment.

The man was subsequently taken to Aintree Hospital, where his injuries are believed to be serious but not life-changing.