A Green Party candidate has attacked Cheshire East Council chiefs’ claims how the HS2 rail project will boost Crewe and Nantwich.
John Knight labelled HS2 an “expensive vanity project” and believes Cheshire East has been “betrayed” by the Government.
Cheshire East Leader Cllr Michael Jones claimed last week a new HS2 hub station in Crewe could attract a new tram system and bus routes around the town to ease congestion.
They launched a “yes” campaign backing the £50 billion HS2 project.
But Mr Knight (pictured) said: “Do the Conservatives think if they build a station on the HS2 line, then trains will automatically stop there?
“They’re called “High Speed” for a reason, and that’s because they won’t be stopping anywhere between Birmingham and Manchester Airport.
“Crewe’s Labour Town Council also think that HS2 will benefit the town.
“Hard to see how, except maybe for trainspotters, who will be able to spend some quality time at Basford watching the trains hurtling into the tunnel under Crewe.
“HS2 is an enormous white elephant, currently expected to cost us £50 billion that could be going towards real improvements to the transport system, such as the electrification of the Crewe-Chester line.
“Manchester-London train journeys being diverted onto HS2 could actually mean fewer direct services from Crewe, Macclesfield and Wilmslow.”
But Cheshire East Council Leader Cllr Michael Jones has thrown his backing behind HS2 if it means Crewe gets a new hub and a new train station.
Cllr Jones said: “Crewe is unique in that it offers a gateway to the north and south of the country and already has a rich heritage embedded within the railway industry.
“We need to regenerate the town centre and bring people in as well as improve the retail offer. To do this we need better transport links.
“The future is extremely bright for Crewe but effective travel links and a high-quality retail offer is vital and we believe this could be the answer.”
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