RAILTRACK have attempted to allay residents' fears over plans to store chemicals in the middle of Salisbury.

After a widespread outcry, Railtrack said their plans for the east goods yard involve a small area of the derelict sidings to be used as a railhead for the transportation of a range of freight, including fertilisers and grain.

They emphatically deny the storage depot will be used for dangerous substances.

Opponents of the scheme, however, point out that fertilisers contain potentially explosive nitrates.

Salisbury MP Robert Key has described the possible storage of nitrates as "madness".

A Railtrack spokesman said that English Welsh Scottish Freight - which lease the sidings - are looking for a railhead in the Salisbury area and their plans, although in an early stage, include fertiliser as a potential material to be moved, along with grain and other products.

Railtrack's planning application for the former sidings area behind Fisherton Street, where they own about seven acres, includes a 200-space car park for the railway station, the storage depot and homes.

Railtrack say the proposed allocation creates "unique challenges" due to its town centre location.