DAVE Watts has given his backing to a proposed plan for a new rail freight distribution facility in Newton.

But the Rail Track planning application outlining the building of a new rail freight facility on the former Parkside Colliery site, has already come under fire from people living close to the planned development.

The St Helens North MP, however, believes that the plan is in line with the Government and St Helens Council's plans for regenerating the Newton area. He said: "This development could have a major impact on unemployment in the Newton area and offers a one-off opportunity to secure a North West freight operation in Newton. The development of the facility and warehousing units could create between 1,800 and 3,500 new jobs.

"Many other areas were trying to attract similar developments but the location of the Parkside site which is close to the West Coast/Trans Pennine railway line and the M6/M62 motorways made it a perfect site for such an operation.

"I would ask the people of Newton and the whole of St Helens to see the positive effects that such a development could have on the local economy and the regeneration process.

"Newton and St Helens have faced major job losses over the last few years but this development will provide the opportunity to create thousands of new jobs for local people.

"I understand that there will be some local opposition to the proposal but I believe that this scheme has the potential to regenerate the Newton and St Helens area and I ask them to consider the benefits this development would bring".

Dave pledged to do all he can to secure the development, which he feels is crucial to the local and North West economy.

He called on all political parties to support the application and said that they should not allow short-term narrow political interest to stand in the way of the long-term interests of thousands of local families.