Political leaders in Crewe and Nantwich say a High Speed Rail link to Crewe will be a huge economic boost to the region.
The Government announced the HS2 route north of Birmingham today, and confirmed there will be a connection point to the West Coast Main Line south of Crewe.
Two trains an hour from Liverpool will be able to switch to the new high speed line at Crewe to London, reducing the journey time from South Cheshire to the capital to 58 minutes.
The maintenance depot for the Manchester branch HS2 line will also be at Crewe, creating more than 300 jobs.
Cabinet Minister Theresa May (pictured) was in Crewe today as the announcement was made.
Cheshire East Council Leader Cllr Michael Jones said: “This is great news for Cheshire East and for Crewe in particular.
“This decision firmly demonstrates the government’s belief in Crewe and puts it firmly at the centre of the North West’s growing economy.
“Throughout the process we raised concerns about the line of route and raised the profile for a common sense solution, which I believe we have achieved.
“I will continue this fight to ensure we get the best deal for all the people of Cheshire East. This is great news for the 44,000 people who live in Cheshire East and own a business in the area and beyond. It is great news if you are seeking to invest.
“However, as we celebrate, we should also strive to ensure any disruption is minimised and also that our beautiful land in Cheshire East is protected.”
Cllr Jones vowed to lobby for a new dedicated HS2 station at Crewe in the tunnel directly under the existing station, creating a fully-integrated £200 million hub station between HS2 and the existing Rail network.
Edward Timpson, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said: “HS2 is a vote if confidence in Crewe and Nantwich in so many ways.
“It opens up South Cheshire to international business by providing the extra rail capacity and speed from London we so badly need. This can only mean more jobs for our residents.
“It is a boost for our rail services industry, who will have access to the line to ply their trade.
“From the passenger’s point of view, it will provide comfortable, fast travel to London and Heathrow Airport, freeing up space on the
currently overcrowded West Coast Main Line for commuters. Everyone wins.
“But perhaps most of all, it cements our position as the gateway to the North West, not only in terms of geography, but also in terms of transport connectivity. The term ‘change at Crewe’ has never been more apt.”
(Pics by Peter Curtis-Brown)
Councillor Jones says “government’s belief in Crewe puts it firmly at the centre of the north west’s growing economy”. Interesting. Has he not heard of Manchester and Liverpool? Perhaps he needs to get out more.