ST HELENS Council is negotiating to buy three former colliery sites for £1 each.

They will be restored under the 'Wasteland to Woodland' project as part of the Mersey Forest.

In an innovative partnership with the council, British Coal - owners of the three sites at Bold, Clock Face and Sutton Manor - will pay for restoration works.

At a meeting of the council's Development Committee councillors agreed in principle to the scheme but requested further reports on the sites.

Plans include returning the derelict sites into public amenity areas as part of the woodland project. Officers are also exploring the possibilities for European funding of the scheme at Sutton Manor, and talks are also going on with Groundwork over the possibility of transferring ownership at Bold to contribute to the successful 'Changing Places' Millennium project. Commercial forestry to generate income is also one possibility.

Development chairman, Councillor John Fletcher says: "There are many advantages of ownership of the sites. If they are disposed of on the open market it is probable they would go for private use and things like waste tipping could not be ruled out. By purchasing the sites for a nominal fee we can ensure their maximum use for the enjoyment of residents as a major environmental amenity."

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