How HS2 might look
THE HS2 rail link is still on track to carve a path of environmental destruction through Warrington – but it is not too late to derail it.
That’s the message from Frank Allen, chairman of the Culcheth and district Rail Action Group (CADRAG).
He wants local people to voice their opposition through local councillors and MPs so that Warrington’s voice is heard in Westminster, where the decision will finally be made.
“If enough people take action now, we can still stop this,” he said.
Mr Allen said a HS2 held a poorly publicised “drop in” session at Culcheth Sports Club on May 12.
He said: “Their message was clear. The HS2 Golborne link will still go ahead, and they were there to explain to local residents what, if any, compensation they might be given.”
More drop in sessions are planned on September 6 at Culcheth Sports Club (6-8pm). And at Golborne High School on September 14.
More information can be obtained by emailing [email protected]
Mr Allen said he and several other CADRAG members, and members of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council, had attended the May session.
“I talked at length to one of the HS2 representatives. I argued again that the Golborne link was unnecessary, expensive, and very damaging to the local economy, environment and community.
“He said that the decision had not yet been taken although the Secretary of State intended to go ahead with the Link.
“I asked how we could get our message across. His response was that our best route was through our elected representatives – that means your borough councillors and your MP, Helen Jones for Warrington North or David Mowatt for Warrington South.
“The HS2 argument for the Golborne Link is widely held to be wrong, and we have argued long and hard that the alternative, to upgrade the West Coast Main Line at certain locations between Crewe and Wigan, is cheaper, less destructive, and brings significant other benefits.
“However, the decision is now linked to HS3, the High Speed line proposed from Liverpool to Manchester and on to Leeds.
“Liverpool proposes that a new high speed line should be built from Liverpool to Golborne to connect to the Golborne Link and so to Manchester, Leeds and London. This will cost more, bring more destruction, and no benefits.
“Although this decision will be taken in Westminster, it will be based on recommendations by Transport for the North, a local government group, at which Terry O’Neill, the leader of Warrington Borough Council, is our representative.
“If you want to stop the Golborne Link being built, you must tell your so they can continue to press for the route to be changed. To stop the Golborne Link we need people to write or email telling them that we are still opposed to the idea, it does not make sense and we want it stopped.
“We should do that even if we have done it before.
“It is also important to tell HS2 again that we do not want the Golborne Link.”
Anyone who wants to help with the campaign should call Mr Allen on
01925 765017.
Although the main disruption caused by the HS2 Golborne Link would be in the Culcheth area, it also affects Rixton, Warburton, Lymm and High Legh.
Warrington’s MPs, Helen Jones and David Mowat have both indicated their opposition to the proposed route.
