THE potential creation of a factory at the Parkside development site in Newton-le-Willows by high-tech Spanish train manufacturing giant Talgo could be a game-changer for the borough’s economy.

As reported on the Star’s front page, the former pit site – long earmarked as a key regeneration site – has been shortlisted as one of six potential locations for the development.

A decision could be made in the next month. The projected investment is vast and more than 1,000 jobs could be created.

Of all the proposed developments talked about over recent years that can revive St Helens and make it a beating heart of industry and manufacturing once more, this is the one that would appear to have the best fit.

Making things and innovation is woven into the borough’s DNA, the Vulcan works has left historical train building roots and, of course, the Rainhill Trials mean it is known as the birthplace of the railway.

And extensive strategic research has been carried out to ensure the Parkside site can carry a major development and that the appropriate road and rail links will be in place to provide the necessary connectivity.

But this is a huge development and the other shortlisted towns and cities are sure to be putting up powerful cases.

So it is good to see St Helens’ leaders – political and business – making a collective push to ensure the strongest possible case and drawing in support from the wider region.

The Star is throwing its weight behind these efforts. Bringing Talgo to Parkside could be transformational for the borough’s fortunes.

- There has been an understandable sense of deflation since Saints' semi-final defeat to Warrington.

A season that produced so much thrilling rugby, spectacular performances and a top-of-the-table finish (by some some margin) ends without either of the major trophies.

Ultimately, defensive lapses and slipping into a too conservative brand of rugby cost them last Thursday. But we should not lose sight of the tremendous progress since the arrival of Justin Holbrook and – with the arrival of several signings from the NRL and the rich of promise of several youngsters – 2019 should be a season to look forward to with excitement.