I AGREE with Chris Coffey that the forthcoming proposals from Network Rail for the redevelopment of St Helens Junction Station will need to be carefully scrutinised (Coffey Time March 17).

This is especially so in the light of Network Rail’s work on the Grade II listed New Street bridge in Sutton, which they undertook in 2013 as part of their electrification programme.

 In their planning submission to St Helens Council, Network Rail had promised that the work on the bridge's parapets would be a "relatively small-scale alteration" and would "match the existing masonry as closely as possible" and would "not fundamentally alter the bridge's character".

The reality is that the rebuilt bridge could not be more different, with both of the new parapets in stark contrast with the original stone below.

 I complained to St Helens Council about this in August 2013. Despite repeated promises over a period of weeks that they would discuss the matter with Network Rail, nothing came of it.

I find it very surprising that the council did not inspect the work on this historic structure as it was being undertaken to ensure that it fully complied with the conditions of their planning permission.

Network Rail also wrote in some length in their planning application about the heritage of New Street Bridge, which was built by George Stephenson in 1830 for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, and originally known as Workhouse Lane bridge.

They stated that the electrification work would be the first of significance made to the bridge in its near 200-year history. Network Rail were fully aware of its historical importance, so their future proposals for the redevelopment of the equally historic St Helens Junction station will need to be very carefully examined and guarantees obtained.

I agree that the Junction station needs to be made fit for the 21st century and also have better car parking provision. However I hope that St Helens Council will this time ensure that any assurances made to them by Network Rail concerning the preservation of the character of the historic station will actually be carried out and that they will properly supervise and inspect the work. The protection of its heritage assets should surely be a high priority for any local authority. 

 Stephen Wainwright, Holbrook Close, Sutton.