THE boss of HS2 would not speculate on whether the high speed rail line will still cut through Warburton, despite announcing that an interchange will now be built in Crewe.


Speaking at the launch of the latest HS2, which was held at Manchester City Hall on March 17, Sir David Higgins said: “I don’t want to pre-empt anything on that.
 

“It’s really for the Government to consider all those submissions, and I have no doubt they will consider them carefully.”


Under current proposals, the HS2 line splits in Little Bollington, with one spur terminating at Wigan and another stopping at Manchester Airport – the Wigan spur cutting through Warburton en route and the airport spur affecting properties in Hale Barns.


If plans were to stay unchanged, a concrete viaduct will cut through the middle of Warburton, destroying some residents’ land and homes and creating a ‘serious eyesore’, according to Altrincham and Sale West MP, Graham Brady.


Mr Brady is awaiting a response from the Secretary of State as to whether it would be possible to tunnel under Warburton and also whether the route could be moved to the other side of the M56, therefore avoiding Hale Barns.


However, when Mr Brady spoke to Messenger last year he said there was a ‘logical argument’ for an interchange at Crewe, pre-empting Sir David’s announcement.


Mr Brady argued that such an interchange could eradicate the need for the spur to cut through Warburton, but a confirmation of this is not expected for some time.


The MP said: “I have already met with the Secretary of State to call for the removal of the proposed line through Warburton.


“Now in the light of HS2’s revised proposal for a connection to the West Coast Mainline at Crewe, I have tabled a written question urging him to look again at the proposed Golborne spur.


“As far as I can see this greatly strengthens the case for axing it.”


Mr Brady added that while there is strong support for HS2 in Parliament, he will vote against the proposals if the changes he has petitioned for are not made.