VIBRANT plans for the future of the former Parkside pit could soon 'plug' St Helens into the heart of Europe.

The colliery shut down amidst anger and controversy almost 10 years ago.. but now a new project could breathe new life into the decaying shell of a once thriving industry zone.

Railtrack has submitted a planning application to St Helens Council and Warrington councils for a rail freight distribution facility on the site of the former Parkside colliery at Newton-le-Willows.

The company says the facility will provide much-needed economic regeneration to the area in terms of investment and employment. An estimated 1,800 to 3,600 jobs will be generated, creating a substantial number of both skilled and unskilled opportunities for the local workforce.

It will also create indirect benefits including new business opportunities for the network of business suppliers and service companies already operating in the area.

Railtrack is committed to consultation regarding its proposals for the former Parkside colliery and over the past year has been in dialogue with the local community, local councillors, MPs and North West business organisations through letters, leaflets, one-to-one discussions and formal consultation meetings.

Following this consultation, Railtrack has sought to review and enhance its development plans, especially with regard to transport and site access. Together with the local authorities it will continue this discourse throughout the planning and development process.

The application is for a total site area of 116 hectares, which includes the regeneration of a significant redundant colliery site, together with a dedicated link road to junction 22 of the M6. The proposal comprises an open-access rail freight terminal (capable of handling ten trains in and ten trains out per day) and two million square feet of rail-related warehousing distribution units.

The warehousing is intended for occupiers who wish to be linked directly to the rail system via sidings or who want immediate access to the rail freight terminal.

It is anticipated that the freight transferred from road to rail as a result. Parkside will reduce HGV movements on the national road network by 37 million kilometers per annum, delivering substantial social, safety and environmental benefits.

The proposal will help to fulfil the Government's wish to expand the rail freight system and thus contribute towards the expansion of UK industry.

Given the strategic location midway between Liverpool and Manchester, with excellent road and rail links, the site represents an important opportunity for developing an integrated freight facility.

Julie Wrigley, development manager for Railtrack at the Parkside site, said: "This is an important scheme for the development and growth of rail freight in the North West and beyond. It is clear that a strategic rail freight facility to serve this part of the country can play a major role in developing the UK's freight network enabling sustainable growth in the rail freight market.