NORTHWICH residents are divided on whether HS2 will prove good for the town.

Last week, the final route for the Phase 2b of HS2 was announced by government.

The route will see the high speed rail go from Crewe to Manchester, dissecting Winsford and Middlewich and going straight through Whatcroft, 200 yards from Whatcroft Hall.

The impact on Mid Cheshire is unclear, although a number of main roads such as the A533 from Northwich to Middlewich and the A54, will have to be realigned.

Graham Campbell, 75, from Hartford, said the line would not increase development in the north west.

He said: “It is much more likely to shift development to London rather than to the north.”

Mr Campbell also said the cost of the project will likely far exceed the current estimates.

“I think £60 billion will probably be an underestimate,” He said. “No major project has ever come under budget. Just look at the Channel Tunnel or Wembley.”

Richard Higgins, 50, from Northwich, said he is ‘all in favour’ of the Northern Powerhouse.

He said the high cost is simply the price to pay for bringing the UK’s rail infrastructure up to speed to its European neighbours.

Mr Higgins said: “Yes it’s expensive, but Europe has the fastest railway lines. In terms of our infrastructure, we know we need it.”

Barry Bird, 71, from Cuddington, said he feels ‘strongly’ about investment in the north west as he feels there is disproportionate development in the capital.

He said the realigning of road infrastructure to accommodate the line would be necessary in order see in the investment.

“I am all in favour of progress,” he said.

Dave McDonald, from Northwich, 71, believes money should be spent on existing rail infrastructure.

He said: “I think it is a waste of money.

“Why don’t then just upgrade some of the smaller lines in Middlewich and Northwich, reinstate some of them rather than wasting money on trains most people won’t be able to afford anyway?”

Penny Murison, 46, from Little Leigh, also isn’t convinced by HS2.

She said: “It’s not going to make a big difference. As far as I can there is nothing good about it.”

Mitch Brown, from Darths Hut in Witton Street, said he didn’t feel the route would have any impact on trade in the town.

He said: “I don’t think it’s going to have any impact on Northwich. They won’t be stopping here. They should spend money on infrastructure getting to Manchester rather than London quicker.”