Construction firms back HS2 campaign

MORE than 40 construction firms have thrown their weight behind the campaign for High Speed Rail for the North West.

More than 150 representatives from the sector attended an event last week organised by Greater Manchester Chamber, which heard from Susan Williams, director of the North West Rail Investment Campaign.

Speaking on theme of ‘Why the North West needs high speed rail – the importance of rail for investment and growth’, she said more businesses needed to back the campaign.

If approved, work on the line to Birmingham will be complete by 2026, before the construction of the ‘Y’-shaped branch to Manchester and Leeds, which will be completed in 2032. However, the HSR consultation period ends on July 29 this year.

Richard Critchley, transport policy manager at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: ““Susan put forward a very strong case for the HSR campaign, highlighting its importance for Greater Manchester, the North West and the whole of northern Britain, so much so that 43 businesses signed up to the campaign.

“The project will be a major investment for the construction sector if it comes to fruition, and will be responsible for creating and safeguarding many jobs within the industry. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and a number of other Chambers across the UK are backing HSR, but it’s still essential for businesses to sign up too.”

Businesses keen to back the project can show their support at www.campaignforhsr.com