CAMPAIGNERS against industrial development on land bordering Winwick and Newton are calling on residents to oppose planning changes.

Parkside Action Group has voiced its concern over St Helens Council’s proposals in its latest changes to the local development framework (LDF), which would see the former Parkside Colliery and green belt land surrounding the site remain available for industrial use.

The move comes after the group spent years fighting off an application from developers Astral, which had wanted to create a rail freight terminal on the site. A group spokesman said: “In spite of several years of community objection to the policy, the council is still persisting with an approach to lay the ground for the development of a huge freight terminal with a declaration of support for removal of land from the green belt both to the east and west of Parkside Road.

“Parkside Action Group has always ascertained that the environmental impacts of a freight terminal in the area outweigh any alleged benefits, particularly given the potential destruction of vast areas of open countryside and massive increases in traffic and air pollution.

“There is also strong evidence to suggest that a scheme like the one previously proposed by Astral would not be viable.

“The policy also prohibits any other form of development at the site other than a freight terminal, limiting future opportunity at the site.”

The closing date for comments on the plan is tomorrow, Wednesday. To find out more about how to comment visit parksideactiongroup.org.uk