After welcoming the announcement that Railtrack was to become a not-for-profit company, Dave Watts, has reaffirmed his support for the proposed rail freight development at Parkside in Newton.

The St Helens North MP criticised "inaccurate and misleading statements" made by opponents of the Parkside scheme and called upon them to consider the wider benefits of the development.

He said: "The scheme will create thousands of jobs and will cut unemployment and poverty in the Newton area. It is not true that the increase in jobs will be restricted to just those outlined in the Railtrack proposal. Other operators on the site will create thousands of office and warehousing jobs and figures do not include employment for HGV drivers.

"Many local people are still finding it extremely difficult to find work and consequently to provide for their families. The Government and the council have already targeted the area through the Newton 21 regeneration programme, however, regeneration can only succeed if new jobs are created".

Opponents of the venture have claimed that old industrial sites in Newton could be used as alternative sites. But Dave said: "This suggestion ignores market forces. The creation of so many jobs is only made possible by the development of this site, which is next to the West Coast line and the M6 motorway".

And he responded to criticism that the development would be environmentally unfriendly, saying: "This proposed development will take place on a disused colliery site and will help to reduce road congestion and pollution. It is in line with the policy of many environmental groups who want to see our railways used to move freight across Britain and into Europe".