MEMBERS of the Sealed Knot have re-enacted the 1648 Battle of Red Bank between Oliver Cromwell's Roundheads and the Royalists at the historic site in Newton - almost 350 years on.

The battle was part of a bloody three-day running fight from Preston through Wigan to Warrington. And although not given prominence in the history books, it was one of the most significant battles of the Civil War as it removed the last hope of assistance for the captive King Charles. Five months later he was executed.

To mark this moment in history, St Helens Council are forming plans to create a Heritage Trail which will feature the site as well as other key features in Newton.

The heritage trail is being proposed as part of the Newton 21 Single Regeneration Budget initiative in which £14.6 million is being used to carry out a comprehensive package of works and projects aimed at raising the quality of life for the people of Newton-le-Willows.

As well as key historic sites, the trail will also promote the local natural environment in which it is hoped to open up currently inaccessible areas of Newton Brook to create a wildlife and heritage walk from the boundary with Wigan through to the Sankey Valley and border with Warrington. The Newton Brook Greenway will be an important link in what could eventually be a complete circular trail around Newton-le-Willows.

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