RESIDENTS are to get a chance to air their views at a public meeting next Tuesday evening following proposals to restore freight rail services at Preston Docks.

The meeting follows Preston council's ruling to defer the decision -- made by Totalfina Bitumen Ltd and Ribble Steamport Ltd to restore rail freight so that Bitumen products such as road tar be transported to the Totalfina plant based at the docklands.

Councillor Harold Parker, resources, finance and property portfolio holder at the council, said: "Before making a decision we want to make sure local residents have all the information and we can hear their views.

"The public meeting will help us to do this. There is an open invitation and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along."

The meeting will take place on Tuesday October 24 at Larches Club, Catforth Road, Preston, starting at 7pm and will be attended by various ward councillors together with the MD of Totalfina Bitumen Ltd and representatives from Ribble Steamport Ltd.