By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Crewe was not even mentioned in the government’s new £36bn transport proposals – despite being at the heart of the HS2 scheme before it was scrapped this week.
Labour and Independent councillors were scathing in their attack on the government for scrapping the northern leg of HS2, saying it was a ‘slap in the face’ for Crewe, Cheshire East and the North.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan said he is “disappointed” at the Prime Minister’s decision to scrap the HS2 line from Birmingham to Manchester via Crewe.
Business and political leaders in Cheshire East say the decision is a huge blow to the borough.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak finally confirmed the worst kept secret today – that phase 2a of HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe will be scrapped.
The decision will sparked mixed reaction across the political divide and among business leaders in Cheshire East with many fearing it will deal a blow to the local economy.
South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce has urged the Government to press on with HS2 Phase 2 saying a decision to scrap the project now would be “disastrous” for the area.
The Chamber has backed High Speed rail since day one and remains a firm believer in the economic benefits it would bring to South Cheshire and neighbouring communities.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East’s leaders have written to the Prime Minister over the speculation surrounding the future of HS2 and called for an urgent meeting before any decision is taken.
The government has so far refused to confirm or deny speculation that the route north of Birmingham is to be scrapped as the cost spirals.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan has called on his Government bosses to stand by their pledge to go ahead with Phase 2 of the HS2 high speed rail line to Crewe.
It comes as speculation grows that the Tory Government could scrap the line from Midlands to the North West to save up to £150 billion as costs soar.
Minister of State for Rail and HS2 Huw Merriman MP has visited Crewe to discuss the key challenges and opportunities for regeneration in the town.
Cheshire East Council secured commitments from HS2 Ltd and the Government earlier this year which it’s hoped will provide a better outcome for Cheshire East and its communities from the arrival of High Speed Rail.
Cheshire East Council says it has withdrawn its petition against the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill after securing commitments from HS2 Ltd and the Government.
The withdrawal follows long negotiations between the council and HS2 Ltd to address concerns the authority had raised through its petition against the hybrid bill for HS2 Phase 2b.
Ministers have agreed to delay the second of HS2 between Crewe and Birmingham amid soaring costs for the controversial high speed railway.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said they will now prioritise the opening section, which means the completion and opening of Phase 2a to Crewe could be delayed by up to two years.
A new report from Cheshire Wildlife Trust has uncovered what it describes as “shocking failings” in the high-speed rail scheme’s standard of work.
The trusts says it has been fact-checking the nature-loss claims of HS2 Ltd for the past 12 months.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East will have a greater say in decisions on HS2 construction and design after voting to become a ‘qualifying authority’.
The council is already a qualifying authority for phase 2a – the route between Birmingham and Crewe.
Cheshire East is set to give the go ahead for two funding bids for the Nantwich Road enhancement schemes linked to the Crewe hub, writes Belinda Ryan.
The government launched the second round of bidding for the Levelling Up Fund, in March.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East has agreed to petition against the HS2 Phase 2B Bill but stressed the council is not opposed to the principle of high speed rail.
Conservative group leader Janet Clowes was concerned the wording might lead residents to think the council is objecting to HS2, which it isn’t.
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