A CAMPAIGN group in favour of the Parkside development planned for the border of Winwick has been launched.

Parkside 2010 is an alliance of people and groups who are in favour of the proposed development of a rail freight terminal on the site that straddles Winwick and Newton.

People from the rail freight industry, trade unions, parliamentarians and business groups have joined some residents from the area to make up the group.

It held a number of activities to publicise its launch last week, with both information events at Parliament and in the north west.

Astral Developments, which is behind the plans, believes that the terminal would lower the amount of lorries on the country's roads, as well as creating up to 10,000 jobs.

Newton MP Dave Watts said: "While I am aware that some residents oppose this proposed development, it is clear from the launch that many other residents are now supporting the project.

"I believe that the Parkside site is uniquely placed to provide the best rail freight centre in the north west. I also welcome the thousands of new jobs, the improved public transport network and the country park that will be created if the scheme goes ahead."