PLANS to build more than 400 houses near a "dangerous road junction" have been branded "highly irresponsible" by campaigners in Rainford.

Under the council's local plan preferred options, developers could build around 415 homes on Mill Lane, close to the junction with the A570 bypass.

A spokesperson for Rainford Action group, which has been set up to oppose the plans, says the junction is one of the most dangerous in the region, with 20 collisions having taken place there since 2008.

James Wright, chair of the group, said: "It beggars belief that St Helens Council thinks this is an appropriate site for housing development on such a vast scale.

"This is one of the most dangerous roads in the region. To consider such proposals is, in our view, highly irresponsible, especially given the council has not come forward with a plan to deal with the added traffic or improve road safety in the area.

"Major road safety measures would be needed to make the junction with the bypass safe and yet the council has provided no detail on this.

"We're calling on them to tell us what their plans are to make Mill Lane safe. If they don't, we can't see how this site can be included in their plans."

A group spokesperson said: "The council says a field on Mill Lane/Higher Lane should be stripped of green belt protection and handed to developers to build a minimum of 415 new homes.

"Plus the neighbouring field towards the centre of Rainford at Higher Lane/Rookery Lane has been earmarked for a further 170 homes.

"And there are a further four sites earmarked for housing development across Rainford, totalling a minimum of 1,140 new houses.

"Given that the most recent census showed most households in Rainford have two cars, that could mean more than 2,000 extra vehicles in the area."

A consultation on the plans, which affect areas across the borough, is open until January 30.

A council report says there is a need to release green belt so the authority can meet government-set targets for constructing homes and employment-related buildings.

The plans have also earned criticism from groups in Eccleston and Haydock, but some senior councillors say if the developments do not take place, St Helens risks falling behind nearby towns and cities.

The council report states that if the green belt land is released, the borough will still have a higher proportion of green belt than many neighbouring areas including Liverpool, Wirral and Knowsley.

To complete the consultation go to sthelens.gov.uk/localplan or hard copies are available from the town hall and libraries.