for freight link

FINANCE has been secured for a major rail project which could rejuvenate the former Parkside Colliery and bring hundreds of jobs to Warrington and Newton-le-Willows - but the project's supporters are still playing the waiting game.

Government ministers have been assured that the £10 billion needed for the 370-mile freight link, from Liverpool to Lille in northern France, is in place.

Early next month a decision is anticipated on whether MPs can consider a Bill on the creation of the new line, which could lead to five million less lorry journeys each year on Britain's roads.

Central officials have confirmed that the old Parkside site, disused for a decade, is their desired location for a north west terminal because of its strategic location between the M6 and M62. The only other option highlighted so far for a regional terminal is near the M602 at Salford.

Running along the Manchester to St Helens line, the Central route passes to the north of Culcheth and Burtonwood, through Collins Green and Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown stations.

Rail company spokesman Chris Savage said: "We have been in talks with potential investors and we have got a package of letters, saying that they would be willing to consider investing and we recently presented this to ministers."

He also confirmed that the firm expected a decision to be made in early September, when Parliament returns from summer recess.

If a Bill is successful, the project would benefit from similar powers to the Channel Tunnel development.

Only then would consultation begin with Parkside residents - previously the Save Newton and Winwick Campaign has fought ferociously to safeguard the old pit from over-intensive uses.