New group will speak up for borough on HS2 rail link

A NEW HS2 liaison group is being set up at Warrington – to make sure the town’s views on the controversial rail link are heard loud and clear.
Volunteers and the views of local people are being sought to help shape the new group, which will provide a forum for the wider Warrington community about the proposed introduction if High Speed Two, phase two, in the North West.
The borough council is facilitating the group on behalf of a range of interested parties including local residents and communities, businesses, the voluntary sector, academia and environmental groups to help ensure that Warrington receives maximum benefits from the implementation of HS2.
Key aims of the group include providing:
*Advice to HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and other relevant bodies on how best to engage across Warrington.
*A forum where people can discuss the impact of HS2 and ensure that Warrington has a strong voice in positively influencing the project.
The council is asking anyone who lives or works in Warrington for their views on the terms of reference for the group and would welcome requests from representatives of key groups such as local community groups, parish councils, businesses, the voluntary sector, academia and environmental groups to be members.
Cllr Terry O’Neill, leader of the council, (pictured), said: “This group will play a very important part in making sure that our community understands the impact of HS2 on Warrington and will represent a strong and positive voice for Warrington when it comes to making our views heard.
“Warrington is a key player when it comes to business in the UK as we are one of the top performers in the country. We are committed to making sure that HS2 acts only to boost our economic profile and does not hamper our growth and development in anyway. We have ambitious plans for Warrington that are coming into fruition and we will do everything we can to make sure that we get the best deal we can for Warrington.”
Cllr Linda Dirir, the council’s lead member for highways, transportation and climate change, said: “HS2 is high on our agenda and it is important that we understand what people and organisations think about how the HS2 proposals will affect them.
“Facilitating a liaison group is a positive step and will enable interested parties to come together to discuss the proposals and lobby effectively.
“The liaison group, and the council, will be closely scrutinising the HS2 plans as they develop to establish the impact they may have on our local communities and at the same time the opportunities that may also exist for the town.”
Anyone with comments about the terms of reference or who would like to be considered for membership of the new group should email Steve Hunter, Transportation Service Manager – [email protected]
The closing date for the consultation is the August 31.