A COUNTRYSIDE park promised to the people of Newton may be ruined by a new development, say residents.

Bosses at Cory Environmental have started discussions about a new recycling plant at the site of the former Wood Pit colliery buildings.

The company has submitted a report outlining its proposals, which it says will increase recycling and reduce land filling in St Helens.

But residents are not happy with the plans and say promises made to them seven years ago have been broken.

The facility would be built to the west of the B5209 Vista Road, near the landfill site between Haydock and Newton, which Cory Environmental says is being restored to create a country park.

Don Crook, Common Estate Tenants and Residents' Association Newton (CETRAN) chairman, says they have been let down by the company.

He said: "When they put in the original application for the landfill seven years ago, we backed them all the way.

"They said when they had finished they would build a countryside park, but where they want to build this is right next to where the park would be.

We wouldn't be able to go with children and have a picnic because of the noise and all the work."

Mining finished at the colliery in 1971 and it remained derelict for 30 years.

The Banks Group controversially gained permission to restore the site in 1999, allowing non-hazardous waste material to be dumped there to enable its restoration over an eight-year timescale.

The traffic implications of any development are also a concern. Under the new bid, the existing entrance would provide access to the plant from the A49.

Newton Residents' Association has been working with Cory to stop HGVs thundering through the town after the Vista Road company agreed to ensure only lorries with business in Newton could cut through on their way to the landfill site.

Paul Taylor, association chairman, said: "The road network is still overloaded. I wouldn't jump the gun on the proposal, but I'm pretty sure we will be against it."

Cory Environmental is asking for comments on its plans to help form an environmental assessment.

Gerald Owen, Cory Environmental planning and development manager, said: "Our intention is to build a mechanical biological treatment plant to process waste for recycling and re-use.

"Once this plant is operational, it will reduce the amount of waste that needs to be land filled in St Helens.

"This sustainable waste management plant will help the area meet Government waste targets and will help avoid potential financial penalties in the future."

A copy of the report is available at coryenvironmental.co.uk

It can also be inspected at Haydock East Library and Newton Library and at the council's planning office during normal opening hours.

What do you think about the plans? Click here to vote in our online news poll.