Council asks for clarification on future transport investment plans

Cheshire West and Chester Council has expressed extreme disappointment and is seeking clarification on the future investment in the North West transport infrastructure, following the cancellation today of HS2 north of Birmingham.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: 

“Our Borough, along with the whole of the North West region has been relying on the promised investment in HS2 as a key part of Levelling Up.

“Our rail network is in desperate need of modernisation to allow for the growth in rail travel required for the critical shift from road to public transport to reduce carbon emissions. HS2 was going to increase capacity on our Victorian rail network and provide local people with the modern service they need and deserve. This decision  to cancel the northern leg of HS2 also means we are losing wider investment opportunities it would generate”.

In Cheshire and neighbouring Warrington HS2 would have:

• added £2 billion per annum to GVA,
• created 27,000 new jobs and
• delivered 6 million sq ft of new commercial floor space and 25,000 new homes.

Added Councillor Gittins:

“Following his announcement, we now need much more detail, and clear answers from the Prime Minister about his plans for the still long-awaited investment in our rail networks.

“The Council has fully supported the principles of HS2 while championing the concerns of communities and businesses in the areas of the borough that would have been directly and significantly adversely affected by HS2 construction and operation.

“We consider HS2 as an essential rail connection benefiting Cheshire and Warrington and the wider North West, with the potential to connect people to  employment, to education and leisure and increasing our links with other regions”.