Parkside 2010, an alliance of groups and individuals who are backing the plans for a new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange in the North West, launched with a bang last week.
The launch took place through events in Parliament and the local area, giving supporters a chance to find out more about the exciting plans for Parkside.
Parkside 2010 members include national, regional and local groups from the rail freight industry, trade unions, the local community, Parliamentarians and business groups.
The proposals are for a new rail freight interchange on the site of the former Parkside Colliery, near St Helens and Warrington. The development will help to deliver a key environmental objective in shifting freight from road to rail, helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Without the delivery of infrastructure such as new terminals, this objective will not be realised.
The interchange will also give a crucial boost to the North West economy, attracting investment to the local area and creating an estimated 10,000 jobs. The proposals include improved public transport links, a new motorway junction and more than 225 acres of improved open space including a new Countryside Park.
Lord Evans, chair of Parkside 2010 said:
“The benefits of Parkside from a local and national perspective are clear, and have a great deal of support across the board. The Alliance is crucial in giving these supporters a voice.
“It also provides a means for people to find out more and show their support without fear of getting caught up in the highly polarised local debate that inevitably comes with significant projects like Parkside.
“The attendance and enthusiastic discussion at both events shows that there is not only cross party support in Westminster, but support among the local community too. Most local people welcome investment in the area, new jobs and training and open space which families, anglers, horse riders, and schools will be able to use.”
Referring to the proposals and local opposition to the plans, Dave Watts MP said:
“If we are serious about transferring tens of thousands of HGV vehicles off our roads and on to rail each year, we will need to build the infrastructure required to achieve that aim.
I believe that the Parkside site is uniquely placed to provide the best rail freight centre in the North West.
I also welcome the thousands of new jobs, the improved public transport network, and the country park that will be created if the scheme goes ahead.
While I am aware that some residents oppose this proposed development, it is clear from the local launch that many other local residents are now supporting the project.”
For further information and photographs of both events please contact:
Matt Bryant - 07968 796808 m.bryant@connectpa.co.uk
Sarah King - 07866 251322 s.king@connectpa.co.uk
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