Dear Editor,
This proposal for a new rail line through Cheshire feels like an attempt to revive the failed and unwanted HS2 project under a different name.
Cheshire residents have already spent years opposing HS2, which was cancelled due to escalating costs, significant disruption, and a lack of meaningful benefits to local communities.
Now, this “alternative” is being presented with similar promises, raising concerns that it is more about pushing through a poorly considered project than addressing the actual needs of the region.
For starters, the report lacks clear costings, relying on vague promises of “private sector financing” while suggesting that local governments would cover the remaining expenses.
This seems like yet another uncosted plan, echoing the same unrealistic rhetoric seen with HS2.
Without a clear price tag, it’s difficult to take the proposal seriously.
The lack of detail raises questions about whether this is a carefully thought-out scheme or just another ill-conceived project being advanced without fully understanding the wider impact on the region.
For Cheshire East Council, the proposal seems to bring little benefit.
It would cause significant disruption to local communities without addressing the genuine transport needs of residents.
At best, this new line feels like a rerun of the HS2 project, offering minimal advantages at a considerable cost.
What gain would this rail line bring to Cheshire East, and at what cost to its communities?
The claim that a slower, scaled-down project could deliver “85% of the benefits” of the original HS2 Phase 2 is hard to believe, especially when outdated rail technology is being considered.
It’s far from the comprehensive solution that Cheshire deserves.
Cheshire East residents deserve better than a project that risks high disruption and costs with questionable benefits.
This proposal falls short of addressing the true transport and infrastructure needs of the Cheshire East.
Yours,
Cllr Hague
High Legh Ward
As above, capacity is the real requirement, not speed. There are only two tracks for all traffic to Manchester. The lower speed solution will not need long straight concrete-bedded (i.e. enviromentally expensive) track but will still solve the original problem. BBC have recently produced a useful article which exlains this.
HS2 is needed in order free up space on the West Coast Main Line. The original HS2 line was planned to a much higher spec than was needed. The new plan is to build it using private finance to a much more sensible specification. It was not designed to benefit Cheshire East, but the whole of the North West. In doing that it will bring huge benefits to Crewe. You don’t like it because it will go through High Legh, so I can understand your concerns.
Seems you haven’t read anything or if you did you didn’t understand it.
FACT HS2 failed as it was planned by civil servants and started at the most expensive end with very little actual benefits.
This new plan is actually planned by those who know what’s needed.