PARKSIDE 2010 has come out fighting in the battle over plans for the massive rail freight terminal.

In a broadside to concerned residents in Newton and the surrounding areas, Parkside 2010 chairman Lord Evans has defended his group's stance on the planning application.

In a letter to Parkside Action Group (PAG), which was also sent to the Warrington Guardian, Lord Evans answered questions raised about his involvement with Parkside 2010.

In the letter, Lord Evans admitted that Astral Developments, which is behind the planning application for the rail freight terminal, funded the start-up of the pro Parkside campaign.

The former MP for Newton and St Helens North also outlined that he had volunteered to become the chairman for the group.

Lord Evans said: "I campaigned for the redevelopment of the former Parkside Colliery site from the moment it was shut down and destroyed in the 1990s.

"I was always willing to meet any developer who had any reasonable proposals that would have generated jobs."

The letter goes on to state the groups who are involved with Parkside 2010, who include Dave Watts MP, Newton-le-Willows Anglers' Association and Warrington Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking about PAG's concerns about the health of residents living nearby, Lord Evans said: "All major schemes of this nature are governed by national and European criteria on pollution, emissions, health and safety at work and the protection of the environment.

"Highly qualified and entirely independent officials will judge the scheme on its merits.

"They will not be swayed by rhetoric, lurid accusations or claims by supporters or opponents of the scheme. I will accept their verdict whatever it may be."

Brendan Page, PAG Chairman said in reply: "Your Alliance lost all legitimacy the second it accepted financial support from Astral. Parkside 2010 is pro-Strategic Rail Freight Interchange because it is an extension of Astral Developments.

"Take a good look at the Parkside plans and then you will realise that you should be backing the Parkside Action Group in 2007, not 2010."