MULTI-MILLION pound plans to develop a rail freight terminal near Selby were unveiled today - and immediately ran into controversy.

The developers say the scheme will create up to 20 jobs and take lorries off the road, but angry villagers have already launched a campaign to derail the scheme.

The proposed container terminal, at Hensall, would enable silica sand for the new Saint-Gobain glass factory at Eggborough to be brought in by rail instead of road.

But villagers said it would still result in 64 lorry movements a day, taking the containers along a one-mile stretch of the A645, which included a school crossing.

At a heated public meeting last night, residents also argued that the terminal would have a devastating impact on nearby householders.

Hensall Parish Council clerk Gillian Scott said more than 200 people were at the meeting. Feelings were running high and the whole village was united in fighting the plans.

She said the site was next door to residential property and although the present plans were for one train a day, there was the potential for three trainloads a day.

Mrs Scott added: "We live in a quiet rural village and we could end up with a major industrial development on our doorsteps.

"It isn't as if there are no alternatives. There's the merry-go-round line for coal trains to Eggborough Power Station and a new spur line at Whitley Bridge for the wood-burning power plant.

"The school crossing is already under review for traffic calming - the whole thing is a recipe for disaster."

The villagers' stance is being backed by Selby MP John Grogan. He said: "It seems a speculative application and I can't support any request to the Government for a rail freight grant when there are other suitable sites nearby."

The plans have been submitted to Selby Council by Chester-based property consultants Franklin and Andrews.

Associate partner Shaun Taylor said today the terminal would be well shielded, no lorries would go down into the village and they had no plans to take the sand anywhere else.

He added: "I can understand the villagers' concerns and I'm arranging a meeting with the council and Mrs Scott to allay some of their fears."

Updated: 15:35 Wednesday, August 08, 2001