RAIL bosses have pledged to safeguard the future of Earlestown's historic station buildings.

Save the Station campaigners feared Railtrack would blow the whistle on Newton's railway heritage after the company decided to remove the station roof.

Now St Helens North MP Dave Watts has climbed on board the campaign after Newton councillors Leon McGuire and Keath Deakin approached him for help. He says rail chiefs are drawing up plans to preserve the site.

Said Mr Watts: "Railtrack has promised me that detailed proposals are now being prepared and that action will be taken in the near future to safeguard the station buildings.

"This station is one of the oldest railway stations in Britain and it is the responsibility of Railtrack to ensure the building is protected and not an eyesore.

"Millions of pounds are now being spent on regenerating Earlestown centre and the rail station is at the heart of that development area. I am determined to make sure that Railtrack come forward with a scheme that will help this regeneration strategy."

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