People living beside derelict railway sidings in Salisbury have expressed horror at plans to build a chemical fertiliser depot in their midst.

Railtrack is set to announce a plan to bring the former east goods yard adjoining the city's railway station back into full use.

They are suggesting the railway sidings, overlooking the Central car park, should be developed as a 200-space car park to serve the railway station, an estate of new homes and a chemical depot for the storage of fertilisers.

Gordon and Joan Dale, who have lived in George Street South for 30 years, said they would oppose a chemical depot on the derelict land just yards from their home.

Mrs Dale said: "I don't object to the car park or the houses, but definitely not a fertiliser depot."

Condemnation has also come from Salisbury MP Robert Key. He said: "It is madness to even suggest a chemical depot in the city centre - let alone a fertiliser plant."

He feels the idea is "nothing more than a compromise" to keep South

West Trains, Railtrack and English Welsh Scottish Freight happy.

While Railtrack say discussions have taken place with Salisbury District

Council, chief planning officer Cliff Lane said he was not aware of an application.