RESIDENTS of Lowton are opposed to the route of the proposed HS2 high speed railway.
This emerged from a packed public meeting called by Leigh MP Andy Burnham.
But residents agree with the MP’s suggestion that the HS2 project might provide an opportunity to get a railway 
station at Leigh – one of the largest towns in the UK without a station.
Mr Burnham (pictured) is seeking an early meeting with the Transport Secretary after hearing the concerns of Lowton people.
The MP said: “I told the meeting that, If HS2 is to go ahead, I will work to get the best possible deal I can for Lowton, reflecting the concerns of local people.
“A whole series of crucial points were raised by residents which require a detailed response from the Government. I will be raising these with the Secretary of State on behalf of the Lowton community and, in particular, will be calling for a more generous compensation scheme than that currently on offer.
“I believe that HS2 can be good for the Borough, but I don’t want to see Lowton and Leigh get all the disruption and none of the benefits.
“Cutting journey times to London will help the North. But, if this is the only tangible benefit Government can claim, then it will be a huge missed opportunity. It is essential that, as part of this investment, the Government opens up rail travel to more people and re-connects communities like Leigh to the rail network.”
A straw poll on the night showed clear opposition to the proposed route but the meeting was open to the proposal by the MP for a local train station.
Mr Burnham added: “While many people oppose HS2, I was pleased to find considerable support for exploring the idea of an interchange station linking us to Manchester, Merseyside and HS2. I will now put this proposal directly to the Secretary of State.”
He said he would convene a further public meeting later this year to follow up on all the issues raised.
