WARRINGTON Borough Council is to continue its battle against the proposed route of the HS2 high-speed railway line.
The council has signalled that its formal response to the HS2 consultation will express “very serious concerns about the potential economic and environmental impacts” of the route proposed for the 200mph railway.
Town Hall chiefs have previously said the proposed route might offer Warrington “all pain for no gain” – and the formal response, to be delivered this week, will question the economic benefits of the proposed route and will draw attention to:
*The proposal to drive the line through the highly successful Taylor Business Park at Culcheth, which is home to 50 companies employing some 500 staff, closure of which would mean the loss of £640,000 per annum in business rates.
*The “significant environmental impact” on the local communities of Lymm, Agden, Broomedge, Croft, Culcheth and Rixton with Glazebrook, including Hollins Green.
*The missed opportunity to radically improve Warrington Bank Quay station to take “classical compatible” high-speed trains.
A council spokesperson said: “It’s disappointing that Warrington is effectively bypassed by the proposed HS2 route.
“It’s also inappropriate that a town as important to the region’s economy as Warrington is only being offered the prospect of a limited hourly service running between London and Preston.”
The formal consultation will finish at the end of this week. But council leaders have pledged to continue discussions with HS2 Ltd “to get the deal that Warrington deserves”.
