HS2 and Northwich was the topic up for discussion when the Rotary Club of Northwich Vale Royal held a special speakers' meeting in the Park Suite at Winnington Recreational Club recently.

The event was well-attended with about 50 guests including members and their partners.

The project evokes strong feelings in those who support the scheme and see it as an opportunity to be seized upon by the North West, and those who feel that the money could be better spent elsewhere by the government.

Questions and debate ranged around projected figures for rail and road traffic with or without improvements; the need for supporting infrastructure; the effects on roads in the area particularly the M6; environmental gains and losses and possible technology developments during the project’s life.

The speakers who fielded a searching range of questions were Charlotte Bowen and Brendan Gallagher from the HS2 office in Manchester.

Thanks were given to them for their contribution to the evening.