CULCHETH residents fear there will be traffic chaos if proposals to re-open Kenyon Junction railway station are approved.

As reported in Friday's GUARDIAN an outline planning application has been lodged to re-open the station. It will be linked to the proposed Xanadu Project in Leigh, a high-tech sport and leisure facility which includes an indoor snow centre, hotels and cinemas.

But residents say that although they are in favour of the re-opening of the station, they are horrified by the size of the proposed car park. The outline plans show 539 parking spaces and residents think the increase in traffic will clog the country lanes.

Matthew Smith, of Broseley Lane, said: "Were a station to be built, it would need adequate parking, but nothing like 500 car park spaces."

Sue Seddon, of Kenyon Lane, said: "We are all in favour of a new railway station that benefits the area, but we are worried about the traffic."

Engineering consultant Richard Galloway of Manchester-based Parkmans says visitors to Xanadu will be encouraged to use public transport.

"This will not be a park and ride for Xanadu," he said.

"That is categorically not the case. The outline plans show the maximum number of spaces that could be incorporated on the site, it does not necessarily mean that many will be built."

A band of locals have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the proposed scheme.

A council spokesman said that parish councillors and residents' groups had been notified and notices had been posted on site. The planning applications are likely to be considered by the council's development control committee on Wednesday, April 7.

Phillip Johnson, Assistant Director of Transportation and Engineering Services said: "The principles of park and ride, together with the development of good rail and bus connections, are established and recognised methods that encourage travel by alternative means than the private car.

"The principles reflect the aims of Warrington's transport strategy, but any site must be properly assessed against planning policy and justified in terms of need, location and scale."

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