SECRETARY of State for Transport Grant Shapps has cast doubt on the future of the controversial HS2 Golborne Spur which would have a devastating impact on areas of Warrington including Culcheth, Lymm and surrounding areas.
Warrington South MP Andy Carter and fellow Conservative MP for Leigh, James Grundy, have welcomed a statement by the Secretary of State for Transport that casts doubt on the future of the HS2 Golborne Spur.
In response to questions from both MPs, both of whose constituencies are heavily affected by the Golborne Spur of HS2, Mr Shapps stated: “The Golborne Spur is currently projected to cost between two and three billion, but delivers very little for that sum. The writing is on the wall as far as the future of the Golborne Spur is concerned. We expect to make the final decision on it in months, not years.”
In response, James Grundy MP stated, “I welcome the strong indication by Mr Shapps that the Golborne Spur of HS2 is to be cancelled. I have been campaigning against this poorly conceived idea for over seven years now, and it will come as a great relief to thousands of my constituents in both Golborne and Lowton, including members of my own family, that this saga is finally coming to a close, and people can again have certainty when it comes to investing in their homes and local businesses.”
“It is now time for Labour-run Wigan Council to withdraw their support for the misconceived HS2 Golborne Spur, and end the uncertainty and blight they foolishly inflicted on local residents by supporting it in the first place.”
“We need instead to concentrate on re-opening local stations like Golborne and Kenyon Junction in order to reconnect Leigh back to the national rail network, and I fully intend that to be my next task.”
Andy Carter added:“I’ve been clear that we need investment into local transport infrastructure to help with journeys to and from work or between town and villages. The £5bn investment in buses and cycling is excellent news and to hear that consultation on Northern Powerhouse Rail between Liverpool And Manchester will start soon is very welcome.
“I’m also really pleased to hear from the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps that the HS2 Golborne Spur is being revisited. This section of HS2 track is currently projected to cost between two and three billion, but delivers very little for that sum. The writing is on the wall as far as the future of the Golborne Spur is concerned. I expect the Government to make the final decision on it in months, not years.”
“I’ll continue to push for better links on Northern Powerhouse Rail so that Warrington residents have easier journeys for their daily commute.
Pictured:Andy Carter MP for Warrington South and James Grundy MP for Leigh meeting Grant Shapps yesterday to discuss the Golborne Spur.
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