THE council has denied accusations it intimidated landowners in its bid to build the Ditton Freight Park.

Campaign group Friends of Hale Bank says landowners in Hale Bank Road were threatened with compulsory purchase orders.

But Halton Council said: "The suggestion that the council has intimidated landowners is strongly refuted.

"It is very disappointing to see the Friends of Halebank create worry with the tone and the misinformation contained in their press statements."

The Friends say Bill Langton, an 80-year-old who lives in the centuries-old Linner Farm Cottage, told them the council 'are completely out of order' after he was told part of his land needs to be compulsory bought.

A message has been left for Mr Langton to contact the World directly but he has not replied.

The council said: "Council officers will continue to discuss and negotiate with tenants but not on the basis of an erroneous press statement."

The Freight Park is being built despite strong opposition from Hale Bank residents who fear it will ruin the area with noise, pollution and traffic.

A spokesperson for The Friends said: "This development could easily be accommodated on brownfield land between Ditton Station and the Runcorn Bridge."

The council said: "Following a lengthy Public Inquiry, the independent inspector recommended that the proposed strategic rail freight park was a welcome and desirable policy for the area."