A BID to bring a Spanish train manufacturer to Newton-le-Willows is set to receive a huge boost this week as St Helens Council expects to secure £24 million for a vital link road.

The Parkside site is one of six locations shortlisted by Talgo to host its first UK base, which could deliver more than 1,000 jobs.

On Friday, the council anticipates it will secure infrastructure funding for the Parkside Link Road from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The Parkside Link Road project connects the A49 in Newton-le-Willows directly with the M6 at Junction 22, which will act as a by-pass to divert traffic away from Newton-le-Willows, Winwick and Hermitage Green.

The scheme, which is subject to planning approval, will cost around £40 million.

Cllr Derek Long, leader of St Helens Council, said: “As a member of the combined authority I have been keen to see this project get to this stage.

“For the city region as a whole the potential of Parkside is important especially as it is one of the city region projects referenced in the Northern Powerhouse Economic Review.”

This week Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said St Helens is the “frontrunner” to bring Talgo to the UK, saying it would be “transformational” for the city region.

The combined authority will meet on Friday where members are expected to approve £23.8 million for the scheme, from its Single Investment Fund (SIF).

St Helens Star:

Talgo has shortlisted Parkside as a potential development base

Mr Rotheram said: “The combined authority’s key priority is to drive economic prosperity for the whole city region and ensuring that we have the right transport infrastructure in place is absolutely vital.

“This new link road is a key element of the future economic development of St Helens, and the rest of the city region, which is why officers have recommended that the combined authority support this project.”