MR Pawley's curious argument (Dear Star) concerning traffic congestion at the proposed Carr Mill station site requires only the most basic of answers.

St Helens Council is in step with Merseyside's other local authorities, Merseytravel and the Government in recognising the urgent need to cut traffic congestion by improving transport.

Under Merseyside's pioneering and highly-praised Local Transport Plan, the emphasis is firmly on integrating all transport -- cars, buses and trains. This means building rail stations that are accessible to cars and buses and are customer-friendly, with lighting, staffing and closed circuit television.

Carr Mill is ideally placed near the East Lancs Road to serve commuter traffic, reducing road traffic and town-centre parking problems. Official statistics forecast that the number of cars on our roads will double over the next 15 years unless serious alternatives like attractive public transport systems are developed. Air pollution will almost certainly have overtaken road congestion as the greatest danger to our children, so doing nothing is not an option, Mr Pawley.

Incidentally, Barbara Jakubiak and I have worked to establish the project in principle.

A brief explanation for Mr Rimmer of Sutton Leach might also help. The name Lea Green looks to the future by underpinning the station's link with the adjacent business park of that name.

It strengthens that link between business and efficient public transport, a priority of St Helens Council, Merseytravel and European Objective One.

Councillor Terry Hanley, chair of Rail Merseytravel, chair of Highways St Helens.