GRAHAM Brady MP and Trafford Council leader, Sean Anstee, are spearheading the campaign to prevent the HS2 line cutting through Warburton.


Under current proposals, the line splits at Little Bollington with the ‘Goldborne spur’ cutting directly through the village of Warburton via a 100ft viaduct – destroying farmland and creating a ‘serious eyesore’, according to Mr Brady.


Although the Altrincham and Sale West MP is in favour of HS2 in principle, he does not believe it is necessary for the line to cut through Warburton.


Mr Brady 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.”
 

Cllr Anstee, who is a councillor for the ward, said: “The Warburton HS2 Group make a strong case for the removal of the spur and continue to have my full support, as without its removal the environmental and visual damage caused to Warburton will be irreparable.


“Any infrastructure scheme will have consequences, both positive and negative, for communities however in this instance this particular section of the route is wholly inappropriate.”


The line is set to cut through the land of Warburton farmer, Richard Clegg, whose farm has been in his family for more than 100 years and whose land will be ‘very difficult’ to farm if proposals go ahead.


Mr Clegg said: “We haven't been contacted at all by the Government, just left to piece together what's happening from all the rumours and different sources.”
 

Marion McNaughton, chairman of Warburton HS2 Action Group, said: “We see no merit whatsoever in the Golborne spur, and are dubious about the optimistic claims that a high speed railway to London will bring benefits to the north, in fact we fear it will do the opposite.”

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.”