ANTI-HS2 campaigners are hoping parish councils will help them reach their appeal target.

Mid Cheshire Against HS2 needs to raise £4,000 to pay for an updated report on Phase 2b of the proposed high speed rail line following the announcement in November of changes to the route.

The campaign group is nearing its target thanks to donations, including £500 from Lostock Gralam Parish Council and £250 from Lach Dennis Parish Council.

Rudheath Parish Council has come out against Phase 2b, being unanimously opposed to the proposed route, and Mid Cheshire Against HS2 is hopeful its requests to other parish councils for financial support will find favour.

“We would like to thank Lostock Gralam and Lach Dennis Parish Councils for their donations and Rudheath Parish Council for its support,” said Graham Dellow from the campaign group.

“We are close to hitting our target, and any donations would be greatly received.

“We fully expect to have to commission a noise survey report, which will cost £5,000, so the call for financial support will continue.”

Graham supported councillor Mark Stocks’ plan to inviting Prime Minister Theresa May to visit the area to see the proposed route of the Phase 2b section of HS2.

“It’s a brilliant idea, and let’s hope the Prime Minister takes Mark’s invitation up,” he said.

“Even if she is unable to make it she might send the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.

“We would like to remind everyone of the importance of responding to both of the HS2 Ltd consultations which are currently running.

“They end on March 9, and forms can be downloaded from our website – mid-cheshire-against-hs2.co.uk.

“If you know of anyone who you think would like to receive our newsletters please tell them to visit the website, sign the STOP HS2 PETITION and check the ‘sign up to newsletter’ box.”

On November 15 the Government announced the preferred route for HS2 from Crewe to Manchester and West Midlands to Leeds – known as Phase 2b.

As part of the announcement it launched two consultations on seven substantial changes being proposed to the route and the property compensation and assistance schemes being proposed for people affected by the plans. The consultations run until March 9.