HS2 construction delays

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, and Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, said: “We are naturally very disappointed by the announcement from Government that construction of some sections of the HS2 route, which will affect sections from Birmingham to Crewe, and from Crewe to Manchester, is now delayed.

“This means a delay in HS2 coming to the north, and a delay in the benefits and opportunities it would bring to the north being realised.

“We of course need time to reflect on yesterday’s announcement, and the implications thereof.

“In the meantime, we will continue to progress our petitions against the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill, which remains a live Bill, and work to secure the best possible outcome for Cheshire East and its communities.

“We will be providing an update on our petitions against the hybrid bill for HS2 Phase 2b in the coming days.”