Work has started on a controversial link road connecting to the M6 over greenbelt land.
The ECHO reported in November how plans for the development on former Parkside colliery were approved by secretary of state Michael Gove, and had been the subject of great debate across Newton-le-Willows.
Part of the plans included a new £38m link road connecting the site to junction 22 of the M6 motorway, built on land which is currently green space.