We want an HS2 station, says Warrington leader

WARRINGTON wants a high speed train station, arguing that current plans give the town, “all of the pain and none of the gain”.

In a response to the HS2 consultation Warrington Borough Council argues that it supports the principle of high speed rail, but the Government’s preferred route slices through the eastern part of the borough, bypassing the town.

Under the propsals the line will continue north of Knutsford, past Warrington to Wigan where there will be an HS2 depot. The Manchester line will arc around Tatton Park to an airport stop before descending into a tunnel for the final run into the city.

Council leader Terry O’Neill said: “It is important for us to fully understand the impact of these proposals and provide constructive feedback to make sure that Warrington does not lose out but in fact flourishes from the benefits that high speed rail could bring, particularly in terms of our booming economy.

“We support the choice of route to connect London to Manchester via Birmingham, Crewe and Manchester Airport, but do not support the Hoo Green to Bamfurlong ‘spur’ line, which is proposed to connect from Manchester Airport to the West Coast Main Line north of Warrington.

“The council’s strongly held view is that the Government should reconsider its preferred route and develop an alternative proposal to improve the West Coast Main Line from Crewe to Wigan with the provision of an enhanced Warrington Bank Quay High Speed 2 Station. The council seriously questions the benefits and value for money of the section of route which passes through the borough.”

He added: “We are particularly concerned about the impact of the preferred route on communities in the eastern part of the borough. The route is proposed to cross the Manchester Ship Canal on a 30m high viaduct, which would have a devastating impact on nearby villages including Rixton and Hollins Green. Furthermore, it would pass straight through the Taylor Business Park, meaning the loss of some 500 jobs to the local community. It would also have a substantial impact on Culcheth and other nearby areas and would sever the Linear Parkway.”

Mr O’Neill said the authority’s support also depended on a range of infrastructure upgrades, including the electrification of the Liverpool to Manchester route via Warrington Central station, a new station at Warrington West and a range of other improvements to the rail network.