CHESHIRE West and Chester Council is arranging three public meetings this month for people affected by the HS2 route to share their thoughts and concerns.

HS2 is a planned new high-speed rail link in the United Kingdom, the first phase is between London and the West Midlands, and a second phase between the West Midlands and Manchester. 

The proposed route passes through west Cheshire in the areas of Wimboldsley, to the east of Winsford, Rudheath, and Lostock Gralam.

A depot will be constructed close to Wimboldsley to accommodate up to 54 high speed trains. 

Cheshire West and Chester Council agrees in principle with HS2 but is concerned about impacts to communities.

To collect residents' and other stakeholder views on potential impacts and mitigations, the council is arranging local events in June. 

There is also a HS2 Ltd public event later in the month in Middlewich.

Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member, environment, highways and strategic transport said: “These events are for communities who will be most significantly and disproportionately affected by the HS2 line. 

“We need to ensure their views are heard and shared with the council.

“Information we receive at these meetings will be used to develop the key themes of the petition to be submitted by the council seeking stronger measures to mitigate adverse impacts of HS2.

“The petitioning isn’t to stop the line being built, but to reduce the impact on our residents.” 

At the meetings, the council will raise awareness of the current priorities and mitigations and listen to the views of residents, businesses and any other directly affected organisation to the HS2 Hybrid Bill.  

On Wednesday, June 15, from 9.30am until 10.30am there will be an online meeting for all town and parishes and ward members directly affected by the HS2 Line. 

On Tuesday, June 21, from 4pm until 6pm there will be a public meeting at Wharton Library, Willow Square, Winsford.

On Wednesday, June 22, from 4pm until 6pm, there will be a public meeting at Northwich Memorial Court, Chester Way, Northwich.

To join any of these events, email: NorthwichWinsfordLocality@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Local businesses that may be impacted by HS2 will also be invited to a further meeting to gather their concerns and opinions. 

HS2 Ltd are also holding a public event on June 28, from 2pm to 8pm at Middlewich Community Church, Canalside Conference Centre.

Booking for this is event is required and can be done so at: hs2.org.uk/events/hs2-phase-2b-crewe-to-manchester-2022-update-events-ma02-wimboldsley-to-lostock-gralam/.

HS2 Ltd are currently preparing several changes to the Bill proposals for the section of HS2 between Wimboldsley and Lostock Gralam, including:

  • Using more land to provide surface water drainage at the planned A530 Nantwich Road and Shropshire Union Canal North construction compounds.
  • Provision of additional landscape mitigation and hedgerow planting at Wimboldsley.
  • Realignment and extension of the Smoker Brook viaduct in Lostock Gralam.
  • Provision of new shared-use cycle and pedestrian paths along the A556 Shurlach Road, and at Clive Green Lane.
  • Changes to the designs of several highway junctions, to increase their capacity and/or reduce potential impacts of construction traffic, including: the A54 Newton Bank/A54 Chester Road/A530 Newton Bank/A530 Croxton Lane junction; the A54 Middlewich Road and Chester Road junction; and the A530 Griffiths Road and A559 Manchester Road junction.
  • Provision of temporary traffic signals around the M6 junction 18, to reduce the potential impact of construction traffic on the A54 Middlewich Road.
  • Changes to the diversion route planned for an 11kv Scottish Power Energy Network overhead line at Birches Lane.
  • Removal of the borrow pit proposed at Byley.