EMBARGOED TILL MIDNIGHT

SALISBURY RAILWAY STATION - EAST GOODS YARD

Housing, Parking and Chemical Depot - an explosive mixture Robert Key has condemned as "daft and dangerous" a planning application by Railtrack Property to turn the East Goods Yard into a mixed-use site for a 200-space car park, residential development and a chemical depot for the transhipment of fertiliser.

"People want to let the train take the strain - but the lack of adequate car-parking at the station is a major stumbling block. South West Trains know this and want to turn the derelict East Goods Yard into a new car park. First the Liberal Democrats refused because it conflicts with their policy of keeping cars out of Salisbury. Now we have a hare-brained scheme for a weekday car park which reverts to a freight terminal at weekends. Who would want to live between a railway line, a car park and a chemical depot designed for weekend working?"

Robert Key said, "The Liberal Democrats have already given support in principle to this madcap scheme. They should have just said no. It is madness to even suggest a chemical depot in the city centre - let alone a fertiliser plant."

PRESS CONTACT:
SALISBURY 01722 782793