RAILTRACK have denied rumours that they are planning to create a rail terminal for stone storage at the former Parkside Colliery site in Newton-le-Willows.

The site is no stranger to controversy. In January, 1996, a planning application for a £20 million distribution centre for supermarket group Morrisons was called in by the Government for a public inquiry after residents had campaigned against the scheme. Five months later Morrisons withdrew its application.

Now, Railtrack have denied they have advanced plans for a rail terminal complete with a new road layout incorporating two major service roads through neighbouring farmland.

A spokesman for St Helens Council told the Star that no planning applications for the site had been submitted by Railtrack.

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