WORK has started on the creation of a new woodland area on the site of the former Sutton Manor colliery.

Over the next two months work will take place to prepare the heavily compacted soil for new tree planting and habitat creation later this year.

The aim of 'Wasteland to Woodland' project is to create a new recreational area for local residents to enjoy.

The 62-hectare former coal pit is being leased from St Helens Council by the Forestry Commission and it forms part of the North West team's Capital Modernisation Fund Project (CMF) a Treasury-funded scheme to create new woodlands on derelict and under-utilised land in and around towns in the Mersey Forest.

Tim Oliver, project manager for the CMF team, says: "We have planned the work in order to keep any noise or disruption to local people to an absolute minimum.

"This work on the ground at Sutton Manor is necessary if the new trees we plant are to be given the best chance to survive. At the moment it would be like trying to plant them into concrete.

"We hope that local people will come to us to find out more about the plans for the site and will be interested in becoming involved with its future".

Many local people have already had their say about what they would like to see on the Sutton Manor site and, over the coming months there will be additional opportunities for people to become involved.

Final site plans and consultation documents are now available from Chester Lane Library or directly from the CMF Team by ringing 01925 859520.