THE Warrington villages of Culcheth and Croft are facing years of disruption over the uncertain future of the proposed route for HS2 says local businessman Paul Taylor.
No decision has yet been reached on the high speed Golborne Link, which would pass through Culcheth Linear Park, destroying over 700 local jobs, and threatening the future of the communities it passes.
However, a representative of HS2 made it clear at a recent consultation meeting at Warrington town hall that it is intended that it will go ahead, despite reassurances given to many including local MPs that it would be cancelled.
It was also made clear at the meeting that there might be some small adjustments to the route. The HS2 representative admitted that this would mean moving the line away from some communities but closer to others- but would not comment further.
The line to Crewe will go ahead and be built by 2027, and the line north to Manchester and Golborne will be completed by 2033.
Mr Taylor, from the under threat Taylor Business Park, said: “Construction will bring severe disruption, and the line when completed will bring no benefits to the area.
“The decision on the Golborne Link is being delayed in part at least so it can be integrated into proposals for the so-called “HS3” , a line from Liverpool to Manchester, Manchester Airport, and Leeds. These are being planned by Transport for the North.
“A possible route would be along the existing Chat Moss line which runs through Newton-le-Willows station and along the back of the golf course in Culcheth.
“This line could connect to the Golborne Link to provide a route from Liverpool to London and also to Manchester Airport.
Mr Taylor added: “The threat to Culcheth and the surrounding area from HS2 is still very real and in addition we are threatened by the possible HS3 proposals as well.”
Chris Vobe
Local councillor Chris Vobe has added his voice to growing conerns adding:”The sudden suggestion by HS2 Ltd that the “spur” which runs through our eastern villages may yet go ahead will be greeted by resounding dismay by people in Culcheth and Croft.
“HS2 Ltd have implied that the “spur” may be moved towards Croft village, to avoid the Linear Park and the Business Park, putting a cloud of uncertainty over exactly where will be affected and what the impact on Croft will be.
“The Conservative Party have already delayed their final announcement on the route. Now we are told that we will have to wait until autumn this year before the Secretary of State makes clear his plans. This delay and uncertainty goes beyond even the blight which currently afflicts homes on the proposed route – there is now a real and serious danger to the future of Croft village.
“As a local councillor, I am not prepared to simply sit back in silence while this blight hangs over us. It is callous of HS2 Ltd to suggest that the “spur” could be moved yet fail to give us any insight into what is being considered and which areas of our village are being sacrificed by the Conservatives.
“I will be asking the Leader of Warrington Borough Council to join me in writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, and demand that he provides clarity over their plans for Croft. The Conservatives are putting our homes and our futures in jeopardy by drip-feeding us hints and intimations in place of fact and certainty.”
Culcheth and District Rail Action Group (CADRAG) was represented at the meeting and we will continue to oppose these proposals vigorously.
The group continues to need support from the community and will be holding an open meeting in the near future to inform the public, and they welcome anyone wanting to become actively involved in the campaign. Any one interested in offering support should contact Frank Allen on 01925 76 5017.
