HS2: We want the best deal for Warrington

1

WARRINGTON Borough Council’s executive board has agreed to finalise a detailed response to the HS2 high speed rail consultation and is determined to get the best deal for Warrington.
The council supports the principle of high speed rail but will be making strong representations to high speed rail developers HS2 Ltd about certain aspects of the proposals – particularly relating to the route to ensure that Warrington benefits from the multi-billion pound development. At the moment the Government’s preferred route by-passes central Warrington but cuts through the eastern part of the borough, having a substantial impact in the Culcheth area.
Leader of the council Terry O’Neill (pictured) said: “The council is in favour of the concept of high speed rail in general as a solution to improving the current outdated rail system in the UK and to tackle frequency and
capacity issues.
“However, it is important for us to fully understand the impact of these proposals and provide constructive feedback to make sure that Warrington does not lose out, but in fact flourishes from the benefits that high speed rail could bring, particularly in terms of our booming economy.
“We support the choice of route to connect London to Manchester via Birmingham, Crewe and Manchester Airport, but do not support the Hoo Green to Bamfurlong ‘spur’ line, which is proposed to connect from Manchester Airport to the West Coast Main Line north of Warrington.
“The council’s strongly held view is that the Government should reconsider its preferred route and develop an alternative proposal to improve the West Coast Main Line from Crewe to Wigan with the provision of an enhanced Warrington Bank Quay HS2 station.
“The council seriously questions the benefits and value for money of the section of route which passes through the borough.
“We are particularly concerned about the impact of the preferred route on communities in the eastern part of the borough. The route is proposed to cross the Manchester Ship Canal on a 30m high viaduct, which would have a devastating impact on nearby villages including Rixton and Hollins Green. Furthermore, it would pass straight through the Taylor Business Park, meaning the loss of some 500 jobs to the local community. It would also have a substantial impact on Culcheth and other nearby areas and would sever the Linear Parkway.
“Our support is also dependent upon a range of infrastructure upgrades, including the electrification of the Liverpool to Manchester route via Warrington Central station, a new station at Warrington West and a range of other improvements to the rail network. All of these are vitally important for Warrington’s economic growth programme – Warrington Means Business.
“We will also be referring to the need for a ‘Warrington Connectivity Package’, as an absolute minimum, that will include a wide range of rail connectivity investments to help support and boost Warrington’s economy including the electrification of the Manchester to Chester rail line running through Warrington Bank Quay and enhanced and direct rail links from Warrington to Manchester Airport and the proposed new Manchester Airport HS2 Rail Station.
“As Warrington is one of the UKs most successful economic locations, we strongly believe that high speed rail should act as a catalyst for growth and that Warrington should be a key player in this. We believe there is a danger that the current proposals could actually damage Warrington’s economic future and it is crucial that we do everything we can to ensure that residents and businesses are being properly served.
“We will provide a clear and detailed consultation response and we will continue to work closely with HS2 Ltd during this process to get the best deal for Warrington.”


1 Comments
Share.

About Author

Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

1 Comment

  1. The best deal for Warrington would be if HS2 was cancelled. Unfortunately our MP and local politicians seem quite happy to support the project but shed a few crocadile tears when it has an impact locally.

    The only way to stop the job losess and the destruction of homes and the environment is if Parliament halt this badly thoughtout scheme that will cost every household £3000. For this to happen, Helen Jones, along with other MPs, need to stand up, represent their constituents and actively oppose HS2.

Leave A Comment