Controversial plans on a former colliery have led to a new round of traffic disruption.
The Parkside plans are a joint venture between developers Langtree and St Helens Council which aim to transform the former Parkside Colliery in Newton-le-Willows into a logistics hub which they claim will create 1,300 permanent jobs for the area, with potentially thousands more to come. The plans were approved by Secretary of State Michael Gove last year
Parkside colliery was one of the last coal mines left open in the Lancashire Coalfield, having opened in 1974, and closing in 1993. The plans will also include a new £38m link road connecting the site to junction 22 of the M6 motorway, however the plans have sparked concern among residents, for logistical and environmental reasons.
READ MORE: Prison officer punched inmate so hard he broke his hand
The latest update on the plans involve long term roadworks on a main road in Newton-le-Willows. Church Street, at the junction of Southworth Road and Mill Lane, will see multi-way signals in place from September 28 to November 9.
The signals will be in operation from 7am to 7pm every day due to a gas main being installed as part of the Parkside link road work. Drivers are warned to expect delays with advanced warning signs to be put in place.
The road is one of the busiest in Newton-le-Willows, connecting High Street with Winwick to the south of the town. One frustrated parent said: "I'm sure that will be a lot of fun for people getting to school and work."
The proposed link road would cross 93 acres of Green Belt land, raising concerns from residents and wildlife conservation organisations. Commenting on the environmental mitigation measures adopted as part of Parkside Colliery’s planning permission, a spokesperson for Parkside Regeneration said: “Our extensive environmental mitigation measures that will form part of the proposals for the Parkside site were developed by a team of leading technical experts and tested fully through the planning process and then via a public inquiry, requested by the government. In each case they were found to have met or exceeded what is required."
The aim of the link road is reportedly to connect the site with the M6- with the goal of easing congestion. It is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
READ NEXT
Man called friend a 'future paedophile' then stabbed his mum in the throat
'Beautiful' woman, 21, found dead in Adelphi Hotel room named
'Lovely' grandad dies after thugs torch house while he slept
People in criminal world 'aren't happy' after Olivia's murder
