THE future of the Parkside Colliery site is in limbo - with two different plans for the land.
A source said that Warrington Borough Council is against plans to construct a freight terminal on the land, believing it will exacerbate current traffic congestion on the M6 and along Warrington's A49.
The historic area in Newton-le-Willows contains two grade two listed building dating back to 1066.
Plans have already been submitted to regenerate the listed buildings and create a purpose-built village, but may be threatened due to the upcoming rail bid.
The planning application is due to be submitted in May for a rail freight warehouse which could create 6,000 jobs.
A spokesman for St Helens Council said: "Network Rail recently sold this land to a company called Astral Holdings and although there are no current plans for the site we are expecting a planning application in May."
Council officials in the borough are thought to back the blueprints.
Although John Groves, head of development control at Warrington Borough Council, said: "We are expecting an application to be submitted with regard to Parkside, but, at this time, we have no further details."
Uncertainty over the former colliery site has also been expressed by the surrounding community.
The issue came to a head at a recent meeting of Winwick Parish Council
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