AN information event is being held in Altrincham to ensure people are on track about the latest proposals for the £55bn HS2 rail link.

Residents can learn about the plans at a drop-in session on January 11 at the Best Western Cresta Court Hotel, Church Street, Altrincham, from 12pm until 8pm.

It is one of a series of community information events in January and February to support the two public consultations that are currently underway on the Phase 2b section of the route between Crewe and Manchester in the west and the West Midlands and Leeds in the east.

The Government announced its preferred route for the proposed High Speed Two (HS2) service from London to Manchester and Leeds, and is consulting on the property compensation and assistance schemes being proposed for people affected by the plans; and on the seven substantial changes being proposed to the route.

The proposed substantial changes along this section of the Phase 2b route is to change the approach to Manchester Piccadilly so the station can operate more efficiently, avoid direct impacts on residential properties and a school at West Gorton and reduce flood risk.

Paul Griffiths, HS2’s phase 2b development director, said: “The information events are an important part of the consultation process and I actively encourage people to come along and ask questions.

“We are committed to working with local communities as we develop the HS2 route and are putting on these events to help people understand the project in more detail, so they can submit an informed response to the consultations.”

Attendance is on a drop-in basis, there is no need to book an appointment.